1/31/13: Marine Biology
Marine Biology is the study of marine organisms, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment. Marine biologists needs to have a basic understanding of oceanography: geological, physical, and chemical. They study these other fields in order to fully understand the foundations and interactions of aquatic animals within bodies of water. Courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics (especially statistics), communications, and computer technology will usually be required as you pursue any degree in the biological sciences. This career provides many topics and many researchers specialize in different categories like marine biotechnology, aquaculture and molecular biology. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics only a small proportion of biological scientists were employed as marine biologists. This career is really interesting to me because there were marine biologists who has visited my school and talked about their job. I was attracted to the beauty of the marine environment and the interesting research they are currently working on.
Oceanography
Oceanographers study water, sea life, weather and climates. They often work together to unravel the mysteries and unknowns of ocean science. Oceanographers working out at sea and in the field often have to perform physical and risky live research. Live research requires irregular work hours along with extended amounts of traveling. Oceanography offers wide varieties of different topics and fields, resulting to different specializations. Oceanographers must have a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree in oceanography. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for geoscientists and hydrologists are expected to grow by 18% between 2008 and 2018. This career is personally appealing because of the discussions in AP Environmental Science class about being an oceanographer and its positive effects in the aquatic life. Unraveling mysteries within our ocean can lead to scientific breakthrough and discoveries. Senior oceanographers make between $100,000 and $150,000 a year as full professors.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study the growth, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field is needed for entry-level microbiologist jobs. A Ph.D. is typically needed to carry out independent research and to work in colleges and universities. The median annual wage of microbiologists is about $65,000. Employment of microbiologists is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to apply knowledge from basic research to develop biological products and processes that improve our lives. This career is actually interesting for me because I learned how important bacterias are in the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Also, researching about how bacterias form and why they grow rapidly makes me curious.