Job Description- If you like the idea of your office being the great outdoors and interacting with animals on a daily basis you should consider becoming a zoologist. Zoology is a branch of biology that refers to the animal kingdom, including structure, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct. Zoologist observe animals both in the wild and in laboratories in order to learn as much about them as they can. Because zoology is a very broad field of study one would typically choose a certain type of animal species to observe such as mammals or apes. Zoologist can study things such as the origin, development , behavior and interaction between animals and their environment.
Educational Requirements- The minimum requirement to become a zoologist is a bachelor's degree. Some colleges offer 4-year programs focused on general zoology. Courses in these programs may include biology, animal behavior, vertebrate anatomy, physiology , and ecology. To receive a higher level position one would need a master’s or doctoral degree. It takes about 2 years to receive a master’s degree and 6 for a doctoral degree. A doctorate degree would allow you to conduct your own independent research. Recommended courses in high school are biology, chemistry, and physics. Mathematical and writing courses are important as well.
Other skills necessary- Some skills significant for zoology are a good understanding of science, good writing and speaking skills (for your reports and observations), monitoring, patience, and above all else, I know it sounds cheesy, a passion for animals and the wild.
Zoologist schedule and working hours- Some zoologists work regular hours in classrooms or in clean well equipped laboratories so they must be familiar with lab equipment, research techniques, and computers. Others work in the wild along side the animals and study them on a regular basis studying These scientist may work independently or in teams and are usually employed by the government, colleges, or other organizations. Overall zoologists work about 40 hours a week but this varies depending on where one works and what they are working on. alary– The starting salary for a zoologist is about $35,000 a year but it can get as high as $106,660 a year. Zoologist that work in metropolitan area tend to make the most.
Pros and Cons– A negative for becoming a zoologist is that there aren't that many jobs in zoology but if you have a good education it is not too hard to get one. Probably the best benefit of zoology is the interaction with animals and the wild. You can explore the beauty of the world and interact with the animals. You are not confined to a building or office. Your office is the wild. If you are one who thrives for adventure and exploration and marvels at the wild then this is probably the best benefit of this career. According to the BLS, zoologist and wildlife biologist employment was expected to increase 13% from 2008-2018. It is expected that job growth will increase due to advances in biotechnology and also due to the want of preserving the environment.
Challenges– Zoology was made popular by things such as National Geographic and even animal planet. It is a popular area of study that man pursue so there can be a lot of competition for jobs. Challenges may include the amount of years you may have to study at college. The best positions, and the ones most want who pursue this career, require PHD’s which take about six year to get after your receive your bachelor’s degree though it isn't too hard to find a job once you have gotten your PHD. Related fields are Anthroplogy, Anthrozoology, Apiology, Arachnology, Arthropodology, Cetology, Conchology, Entomology, Ethology, Helminthology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Malacology, Mammalogy, Myrmecology, Nematology, Neuroethology, Ornithology, Paleozoology, Planktology, Primatology, Zoosemiotics. A zoologists geographical area is limited on the species he is studying. For example, one must be next to an ocean to study whales so it is common for a zoologist to travel to different regions to conduct their research which makes zoology one of the most exciting and interesting careers.