How to Become a Marine Biologist

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If you see marine biologists at work on television, they appear to have very glamorous lives. They sail off to warm and beautiful places and spend all day in the sun and sea. They follow whales to watch what they do, and they swim with dolphins. What could be better than being a marine biologist?
 
This is, of course, quite an inaccurate portrait of a marine biologist’s real work. Marine biology covers the whole spectrum of sea and ocean life, from research on the most microscopic plankton, to study of the ocean as a single organism.

The Work of a Marine Biologist

So, exactly what does a marine biologist do? A marine biologist studies life in the world's seas and oceans, including plant and animal life. but that covers a lot of territory. Within the field, there are many diverse careers available, most of which involve research. Some of the most common jobs for marine biologists include:
  • collecting marine species for study
  • counting and classifying marine species such as shrimp, plankton, algae and others
  • developing sustainable fisheries
  • delving into the impact of waves and tides
  • exploring the oceans and seas
  • investigating the environmental impact of industrial processes
  • looking at marine habitats
  • observing marine life
  • researching how marine species can benefit humans
  • studying the impact of the seas and oceans on our land.
Aside from the more glamorous aspects of the job, which include spending days at sea, marine biologists pass a fair bit of their time back in the lab, analyzing their findings and publishing research reports.

Studying to Become a Marine Biologist

Some marine biologists begin their study in the field by obtaining a related undergraduate degree. Programs for aspiring marine biologists may include:
  • aquatic science
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • earth science
  • environmental science
  • fisheries science
  • marine biology
  • marine science
  • oceanography.
To qualify for these programs, students need good SAT scores or their equivalent. A marine biologist must also be computer literate and have good mathematical skills. There are lots of numbers to be crunched in this challenging but rewarding profession.

Advanced Degrees in Marine Biology

Since marine biology is primarily about research, most marine biologists have advanced degrees in one of the related fields outlined above. Many marine biology professionals suggest that students obtain a conventional biology degree and then do a Masters or PhD in their chosen specialty. Be prepared to study for several years before beginning your career in marine biology. However, those years won’t be spent entirely in the classroom. Most courses feature placements and field work which will enable you to experience what it's like to work as a marine biologist.

Working as a Marine Biologist

Once you qualify as a marine biologist, you can work for a diverse range of organizations, including the government, water companies, coastal management companies, universities, the pharmaceutical industry, environmental pressure groups and many others. Many marine biologists work on grant-funded research, starting by assisting on projects. As they become more experienced and publish research of their own, they may lead research in exciting new areas. A marine biologist may also move into teaching others the profession, or creating and administering large-scale research programs.
 
Resources
 
Southampton Oceanography Centre (n.d.). Marine Biology As A Career. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the Southampton Oceanography Centre Web site.
 
US Dept of Labor (2007). Biological Scientists. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the US Dept of Labor Web site.