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Homework Help: Science: Biology: Microbiologist
by Sanda Bukaric
Microbiologist, as defined in Merriam Webster Dictionary, is a scientist who studies living organisms and infectious agents many of whom can only be seen with a microscope. Microbiologists investigate how these microorganisms exist and affect humans, animals and plants. Specialization is common though it is not required. This paper will discuss the many aspects of being and becoming a microbiologist.
Having a career in microbiology means that you are a person with the ability to work independently. A person qualified to be a microbiologist has the upmost dedication apart from having a scientific and analytical temper, interest in research, observant attitude, ability to work in a team of professionals, good communication skills, and hard work. Having good mathematical and computational skills are of added advantage in being a microbiologist.
A microbiologist should have a passion for studying microorganisms. They need to be analytical, and critical. Persistence and patience are very important as results can take years to materialize. Computing skills and organizational ability are necessary as the research process can be complicated. In this field, keeping up with new information, research methods, and techniques is important. Also good eyesight, with or without glasses, is essential in being a microbiologist.
Being a microbiologist is not a simple task that has to be done each day. When a person decides to become a microbiologist they are prepared to accomplish many tasks, which can be a challenge at times. Some of the main tasks of being a microbiologist include deciding on an area of study/experimentation, deciding on the scope of experimentation, devising experiments, growing microorganisms to be studied, analyzing microorganisms, finding uses for microorganisms or ways to neutralize them, writing reports, and publishing findings in journals and conferences. These tasks are the main tasks that are accompanied with the career. But of course, there are also other tasks which a microbiologist does on a daily basis.
As stated in the California Occupations Guide Number 168. The nature of this work may vary considerably with the assignments. Some microbiologists deal with specific kinds of microorganisms such as fungi and viruses. Others are concerned with specific fields or areas of works such as immunology, virology, and cytology as these fields relate to microbiology. Microbiologists use electron microscopes and other complex laboratory equipment in their work. (Microbiologist, State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, Page 1) Microbiologist, may also use computers as a mean of keeping track of multiple records and preparing reports. Most microbiologists are classified by the specific work that they perform. Some classifications of microbiologists are Medical or Veterinary Microbiologist, Certified Public Health Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiologist, Industrial Microbiologist, and Agricultural Microbiologists. As stated in Whittier Career Services Major & Career Information Guides Microbiologists can specialize in a variety of areas. (Careers in the Microbiological Sciences, Whittier College, Page 1)
The working conditions of a microbiologist are clean and comfortable. Most microbiologists work in laboratories and offices. As stated in the California Occupations Guide Number 168, Microbiologists perform most of their work in sterile, comfortable laboratories and offices. Research work done in the field may be performed in varied environments and under any weather conditions. Travel may be necessary. (Microbiologist, State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, Page 2) Of course precaution is always taken in handling animals, chemicals, and organisms which produce disease. But the risks are minimized by wearing and using protective clothing, having immunization, and sticking to the safety rules and regulations.
Preparing to become a microbiologist in high school would mean that you should participate in extracurricular activities. Take specific courses in high school which will help to continue your education. As stated in Education American Society for Microbiology, You’ll need a solid foundation in reading, writing, math, computer science and communication. Add to that biology, chemistry and physics , and you’re on your way to becoming a microbiologist! Additional preparation could include participation in extracurricular science clubs, joining local and national scientific professional societies, and participating in activities that develop hand-eye coordination, communication and team-building skills. (Careers in the Microbiological Sciences, Service of National Science Teachers Association, pages 2&3)
In the process of choosing to become a microbiologist there is a likely chance that a person would only specialize in one area . As stated in Whittier Career Services Major & Career Information Guides, As a microbiologist, you will probably specialize in one area. In order to do that, however you will need to be familiar with many scientific discipline. Your course work in high school provides a basic foundation. Four years of college gives breath to that knowledge and post-graduate studies enable you to prove into your selected area.
(Careers in the Microbiological Sciences, Whittier College, Page 4)
The education that a person needs to acquire this career, is a bachelors degree in biology or microbiology, which is required for technical research or clinical positions. A microbiologist’s career can broaden considerably upon accomplishment of a masters degree and most high-level positions require a Ph.D. or M.D. As stated in Whittier Career Services Major & Career Information Guides, A baccalaureate degree in biology or microbiology will help you qualify for many technical, research environmental and clinical positions. A masters degree will broaden your career choices in marketing, sales, administrative, teaching and technical support positions. A Ph.D. or M.D. is almost always required for higher level positions in microbiology and other science. Achieving your doctoral degree will greatly enhance your opportunities. You will be able to perform independent research, teach undergraduate and graduate students and assume executive level responsibilities in government and industry. (Careers in the Microbiological Sciences, Whittier College, Page 2)
There are many courses that need to be taken to become a microbiologist. As stated in Education American Society for Microbiology, Undergraduate courses include: Biological or Life Science, Calculus, Cell Biology, Chemistry, English, Environmental Microbiology, General Microbiology, Immunology, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pathogenic and Applied Microbiology, Physics, Statistics, and Virology.(Careers in the Microbiological Sciences, Service of National Science Teachers Association, pages 3)
This career holds an interest with me due to various reasons. First, it is an appealing and respectable career. It is also dealing with biology, which is a branch of science that I take particular interest in. It is mostly a hands-on career and has much experimentation involved that would keep my mind stimulated through countless years of experiments.
The job of a microbiologist has many disadvantages, also, which is why I would not purse this career. Microbiology involves tedious work and many hours of research. Microbiologists spend most of their careers working in laboratories, which I believe is sort of dull. I like to have change from time to time but microbiologists have a job which is based on a routine. There is also the risk factors of being exposed to bacterial viruses while studying them.
As you have read throughout this paper about the many aspects of being and becoming a microbiologist, you may have formed an opinion on this career as I have. If you have an interest in becoming a successful microbiologist you should continue your education until your goal is accomplished. On the other hand, if you are like me and have no interest in pursing this career, continue your search for that special career which you would like to purse and continue your education.
Education is the key to life
- Unknown
Bibliography
SciLinks program, a service of National Science Teachers Association (2001). Microbiologist. Education American Society For Microbiology retrieved from World Wide Web on March 15,2003 @ http://www.asmusa.org/edusrc/edu21.htm
State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group (1995).Microbiologist. California Occupational Guide Number 168 retrieved from World Wide Web on April 11, 2003 @ http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/MICROBIO.HTM
Whittier College Career Information, (May 20, 2002). Microbiologist. Careers in the Microbiological Sciences retrieved from World Wide Web on May 11,2003 @ http://www.whittier.edu/career/guide/biology/microbiology2.htm
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