Study Biology
Study Biology
“Bios” - life, and “logos” - study, are the Latin words from which Biology has taken its name. The science that deals with the study of all living things prepares its students to understand general biology concepts, the unity and diversity of life in the biosphere, growth, evolution of living organisms, and much more. If you are a person that has an interest in all the above-mentioned claims, know that some people say that obtaining a degree in biology might be your ticket to the world.
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Erudera’s Complete Guide to Studying Biology
The complexities of the different life forms that are waiting to be unraveled can be investigated through the field of biology. If you choose to study it, you can expect your studies to take you not only to laboratories but to farms, rainforests, deserts or underwater.
The contribution of biologists is seen in the medical and biotechnological field, as well as in environmental sciences and research, and not only. Having the opportunity to understand the natural world, whether it is newly discovered species, reports on immunization, food-related or more, the biology active in these will help you have an even greater impact on the world.
How Much Do Biologists Earn?
When thinking about higher education many students choose a field of study or discipline they are more passionate about. However, another thing to be considered when making this decision is also looking into the salary you will receive once you graduate and start working. It is understandable that not every biologist will receive the same salary. The amount you will get paid depends on factors such as where you choose to specialize in.
- Animal scientist make an average salary of $58,300 per year,
- Conservation Scientists make around $61,300 per year,
- Zoologist and wildlife biologists make around $63,400 a year,
- Soil and plant Scientists make around $63,900 per year,
- Food Scientists make around $65,400 per year,
- Environmental Scientists make around $71,100 yearly,
- Microbiologists make around $71,600 per year,
- Biological Scientists make around $79,600 per year, etc.
Reasons to Study Biology
Among all the reasons that make Biology a perfect choice, the ones listed below make the top of the list:
1. A Variety of Disciplines to Choose From
Biology is quite a rich field of study with a broad scope of branches and subdisciplines. These are divided according to their focus. The numerous disciplines of this subject allow you to try a bit of everything - ecology, zoology, cell biology, genetics, marine life, etc. Whatsmore, the fields of biology are always expanding with the growing interest to know more about how life on Earth works, how to protect it, and how to grow it.
2. Get a Hands-on Experience
A great thing about studying Biology is that you get a hands-on first experience in the field trips that are organized during your studies, or in the labs of your university - an experience that lets you see in practice what you learn in theory in your classrooms.
3. Research
Much of the spectacular progress done in the field of Biology is a result of the determination and hard work of numerous researchers. And even with all the research done so far, there is so much more research required for the field. Many universities across the world have established research labs where you can do your research or participate in research programs. This way you come out prepared for the responsibilities you will have once you graduate.
4. Numerous Career Options
Due to the broad nature of the discipline obtaining a degree in Biology opens doors to a variety of exciting careers. You can choose between an academic/field researcher, biotechnologist, microbiologist, marine biologist, environmental advocate, teacher, or professor, among many others.
5. Find Answers to Wide-Ranging Problems
Gaining more knowledge about the inner processes of the human body, its organs, blood, neurological system, reproduction all are crucial for treatment and research. Apart from helping humans, through biology, you can also investigate viruses, bacteria and protozoans, to fungi, animals, or plants.
How Long Does a Biology Degree Take?
The length of the program may vary depending on the area of biology you wish to pursue. You most likely will have to choose options that focus on botany, zoology, human anatomy, genetics, and molecular biology. Generally, Bachelor degrees in Biology take up to four years to complete, Master’s degrees in Biology will take two years of full-time study to complete. Ph.D.’s in Biology usually take longer to complete, and they vary from one country to another. While in the UK a Ph.D. would take three years to complete, in the United States it will take up to six years.
Top Countries to Study Biology
Choosing the country in which you wish to pursue your studies is quite a challenging thing. If you have already made up your mind about studying abroad, the next thing you should do is start looking into some key elements that will facilitate the process of choosing where to study.
It is important that you look into the cost of living and tuition fees of that certain country since these two will make up the most of your expenses while studying abroad. Apart from this, it is crucial that you choose a university that you believe suits your needs best, and offers what you are looking for. Some of the best countries with the best universities to study Biology are:
1. The United States
For quite a while now, the United States has been one of the top destinations for students who wish to study abroad. The flux of international students coming to the U.S. is due to the U.S. universities which lead the list of the best universities in the world. Some of the best universities to study Biology in the U.S. include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.
2. The United Kingdom
UK universities recruit students from all over the world. They offer you the opportunity to study various disciplines like biochemistry, zoology, microbiology, etiology among many others. An advantage of studying Biology in the UK is that you will have the chance to get hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships. You will also attend lectures and seminars that are given by highly qualified professors and academics of the Biology field. The UK is also home to some of the best universities worldwide. Some of the universities that rank on top of the list in the field of Biology are the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and University College of London.
3. Switzerland
What makes Switzerland one of the top destinations to obtain a Biology degree is the fact that its universities prepare you for top international research, and enable you to acquire knowledge about organisms and life processes with up-to-date technology and methodology. Apart from this, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, so you can study and enjoy the panoramic views of the country in your free time.
4. Canada
Not only a country with some of the kindest people, and the cold weather, but one with universities that offer a quality of education that is hard to beat. If you choose Canada as your study destination for biology, you can choose between the several great universities that offer courses in the field and be sure that you will come out with skills that will give you many advantages in the work market.
5. Australia
Australia is not only a diverse country, but one with incredible nature, many oceans, and vibrant cities. Its higher education system is one of the best worldwide, and its universities rank among the top 50 best universities in the world. In Australia, courses in Biology include working in many field sites that are relevant to your area of study and considering the wide variety of species in the country you can work with different Zoo staff and facilities to do your research.
How Much Does a Biology Degree Cost?
The cost of pursuing a degree in Biology depends on factors such as the level of study you plan to pursue, the country of your origin, and the university you choose to attend. As per the country you come from, usually, students that come from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland pay the same fees as the students of the host country. However, students coming from a third-world country are usually charged more in tuition.
Another point where differences among tuition fees occur is the university you choose to attend. It is understandable that universities across countries do not charge students the same tuition fees. In general, tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree typically range from $7200 to $25,000 per year, while for Master studies, they range from $12,000 to $25,500.