Biologist (Bioloog)
Information on this skill...
A biologist is a researcher or scientist who deals with biology. In many cases, a biologist will conduct research at the scientific level, but this does not always have to be the case, because the profession of biologist occurs at different levels. Biology relates to living things, life forms and life phenomena. A biologist is therefore specialized in studying living organisms and nature. The field of biology is broad and can contain different areas of research, which can differ per biologist. Where exactly a biologist will work and what exactly he will do can then differ per biologist. Another name for biology is also called natural science. The foundations of biology are cell theory, the theory of evolution, and the materialistic explanation of life. Within the field and the biology programme, the subjects chemistry, physics and mathematics are very important. Biology is therefore the natural science that focuses on living organisms, life forms and life phenomena. Biology occurs in practice in many ways, such as in environmental science, marine biology and molecular genetics. The importance of biology should not be underestimated, because all of humanity's problems do contain biological aspects, such as renewable energy production, greenhouses and genetically modified foods. The substantive work of a biologist cannot simply be named, because this depends entirely on the type of study and the ultimate employer. For example, a biologist can work outside a lot for research but also work in a laboratory. In addition, it is perfectly conceivable that a biologist is responsible for biological laboratory and field studies. The profession of biologist should therefore be seen as fairly general, because there are many specializations as a biologist.
Exactly which research a biologist will carry out depends on the specialization as a biologist and where exactly it works. Think, for example, of researching plants to see how they grow exactly or of conducting research with regard to acid rain and the effects of acid rain on humans, animals and nature. A biologist who studies animals is also called a zoologist. Biology covers everything that lives and is therefore a comprehensive science with many different specializations. As a biologist you can work in a laboratory in which you carry out important research, but you can also choose to work more in the field as a biologist. Think, for example, of studying different bird species or of a job with the government where you will regularly work in the field. A biologist who studies the professional behaviour of birds is sometimes called an ornithologist. As a biologist, you may also have to deal with other scientific disciplines.
WORKING AS A BIOLOGIST
Those who, as a biologist, want to work more in a laboratory can, for example, opt for the profession of biotechnologist. As a biotechnologist, you will engage in various techniques to use biology for practical purposes. Think, for example, of the food industry or environmental consultancy firms. In addition, as a biologist you can of course also choose to be affiliated with a university or other scientific institute to carry out scientific research. In that case, it is important that a biologist has a university degree.
As a biologist, you can also work well within the medical sector. In that case, a biologist can, for example, work as a clinical chemist. A clinical chemist is a laboratory specialist who works within hospitals. Other examples within the medical sector may be the professions of physician-microbiologist and virologist. As a biologist, it is also conceivable that you can work for inspection services. In that case, the biologist may be considered a quarantine employee. Obviously, a biologist can also teach at a secondary school. The number of biologists within schools is fairly large.
WHAT DOES A BIOLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A BIOLOGIST
If you want to work as a biologist, it is best to follow the university degree in biology or the Hbo programme in Environmental Science. Both programmes last approximately four years, depending on your previous education. During the university biology programme, attention is paid to cell biology, genetics, physiology, statistics, cellular signalling, population ecology and evolutionary genetics. To be admitted to the university biology programme, you generally have to have the subjects biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and English at vwo level. The biology course is a tough course that will require a lot of self-study. It is also possible to become a biologist with the study biomedical sciences. The study of biomedical sciences also takes about four years. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A BIOLOGIST CAN WORK
Where exactly a biologist can work depends on the type of training, because a biologist can have a bachelor's degree or university study. In addition, the chosen specialization will largely determine where exactly the biologist works. In general, a biologist works for zoos, universities, research centers, hospitals, industry or for the government. Some specific professions that fit as a biologist are the professions of food technologist, botanist, policy advisor, pharmacologist and the general profession of doctor. It is also conceivable that a biologist is active as a consultant for various clients. As described earlier, biology is a broad field of study that can relate to different levels. Where exactly a biologist works depends on the level of education and specialization as a biologist.
COMPETENCES BIOLOGIST
The most important competence of a biologist is to be able to carry out biological practical research. Being able to analyse practical research in the right ways and drawing up research results is also important as a biologist. Because a biologist in most cases has to deal with various colleagues and clients, communication can generally be regarded as an important competence. Other important competencies are that a biologist can also be seen as a chemist, physicist and mathematician, because exact subjects are important as a biologist. Being able to observe and analyze are also important competencies of a biologist. Generally important words as a biologist are precise, performance, independence, collaboration, initiative, research skills, planning and organizing. Finally, it is also important to mention that a biologist must be curious. In other words, a biologist must have the right passion and inspiration to work as a biologist.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A BIOLOGIST
The labour market perspective of a biologist is generally good, because you can work for many different companies, governments and research institutions. It is true that the profession of biologist should be seen as fairly general, because there are many different specializations as a biologist. The labour market perspective of a biologist can therefore differ per profession. The career opportunities of a biologist can perhaps be seen in obtaining a PhD as a scientist. Further career opportunities are not easy to indicate, because this can differ per industry, education level and your own competencies. In general, a managerial position as a manager will be possible.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY BIOLOGIST
There are no specific employment conditions for the profession of biologist, because you can work for different companies, institutions and governments as a biologist. A biologist will usually earn a salary between 3000 and 4000 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and responsibilities.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Biologe auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Biologo en español.
Lees deze informatie over Bioloog in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl