As a marine biologist, you will be expected to conduct different experiments as well as research on different animals and organisms. There can be several fields that you can readily be involved in. You can study organisms that have been existing for millions of years. You can also choose to study mammals and their behavior and habitats. You can choose to directly be a marine biologist, a teacher of it or a professor in a related field.

Becoming an Oceanographer

There are three main disciplines of oceanography namely physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics and marine chemistry and geochemistry. All these three are related. Oceanographers using these disciplines usually work together to uncover the different mysteries of ocean science. Preference is provided to projects that mix the disciplines of oceanography and use vital principles from each one to create and learn an even, process or system.

Humans need to constantly look for more ways to provide water, shelter and food, since the global population continues to grow. The oceans still have a lot to offer to support human life for several centuries. Oceanographers work to learn more about the different locations and reactions of the ocean to find more ways to meet the growing demands of the world.

Engineering Underwater

If you are more interested in the engineering field, you can choose to become an ocean engineer. It provides vital links to other oceanographic disciplines like chemical and physical oceanography, marine biology and marine geology and geophysics. You get to help create and invent different oceanographic tools and devices that will change the way oceans and coasts are studied. Some of the well-known instruments include sediment traps, seismometers, acoustic measuring devices, underwater vehicles and underwater video equipment.

You can gather in a few minutes data that used to take years to complete. You can conveniently work even from remote places, such as laboratories and ships. The innovations and inventions of ocean engineers have allowed oceanographers to go farther offshore and into new depths. Discoveries have been made because of oceanographic engineers like ocean volcanoes, new species of plants and animals, physical processes and hydrothermal vents.

A Writing Job

Some marine biologists are very concerned about the current condition of the ocean. You may want to work as a reporter or writer to help people become more aware about the environmental effects of various inland processes. You can start a job in environmental reporting, science writing, public relations and communications. You may also want to teach and educate people directly in colleges, museums, aquariums and universities.

More Marine Jobs

If you finish Marine Biology, you can open a lot of career opportunities. You can become one of the related professionals: science writer, marine educator, ecotourism guide, maritime or environmental lawyer, aquavet, park ranger, filmmaker or photographer, marine historian, economist, marina manager, aquaculturist, spokesperson for grants or fundraiser, environmental planner, computer specialist, hatchery specialist or ship captain or mate. You have to gauge your own hobbies, knowledge, skills and specialties to determine the best potential career.

Marine biology branches out into several disciplines and professions. Once you graduate from university, you can choose a variety of jobs where you can truly become effective. You should also gauge your level of interest in each field to determine which one will be most suited for your skills and knowledge. Learning more about the job description of each one will help you decide better. Here are some tips on some of the most common functions.

Be a Geophysicist

If you want to be a geophysicist or research oceanographer, you have to earn your doctorate degree first. You may be assigned to a technical job if you finished bachelor’s or master’s degrees in engineering and science. Expect to earn about $80,000 to $130,000 every year as a geophysicist. The average work lasts about 20 to 50 hours per week. You may also continue working on weekends.

Your work mainly involves studying seafloor images and maps via different software programs that analyze the processes that make features under the water like submarine volcanoes. Some of the big discoveries that this type of profession has made include documenting huge submarine debris flows and submarine landslides. Other discoveries are also apparent such as finding amazing sites in the Pacific and finding vents that emit caustic fluids and liquid carbon dioxide.

Be a Fish Ecologist

The fish ecologist or conservation biologist can go on several expeditions every year in different parts of the globe. You will need to earn your doctorate degree to be a professor. There are many other field positions if you finish your bachelor’s or master’s degrees such as working up lab samples, diving, running advanced equipment and conducting sampling. The average ecologist earns around $80,000 every year. Work can last anywhere between 40 to 60 hours per week.

Research by fish ecologists focuses more on the functions of habitat in changing the availability and distribution of fishes. The work can take place in a huge range of locations like on tropical coral reefs, outer continental shelf environments and the deep sea. You will use a variety of materials like submersibles, cameras, snorkel and scuba to gather data. Most professionals want others to understand the needed balance and the ethical obligations to save plant and animal communities.

The Marine Archaeologist

If you become a marine archaeologist, you get to coordinate heritage activities of the maritime program. You should focus more on the starting phases of marine archaeology like finding and studying shipwrecks. Hydrographers make use of remote sensing tools to go through the ocean floor and make nautical charts for secure investigation. The tools can also be used to look for prehistoric landscapes.

Helping Other Researchers

Researchers can manage sites better if the marine archaeologist gives a sensible inventory and manage remote sensing data. You should work well with other existing programs to create shipwreck rules to meet the requirements of communities. Extra protection and preservation is needed for the new shipwrecks found. Researchers can find lost ships and other landscapes more easily with the given data.

If you study marine biology in university, you have to understand that there are several other professions that you can be eligible for. You can pursue further studies to become a professor and be assigned to the particular job that you are really interested in. You have to review the different features of the job before applying. This way, you minimize the time exploring and focus more on the aspects that can both fuel your passion and earning capacity.

The Research Coordinator

The managerial positions can land you a salary of about $75,000 to $100,000 each year, higher positions in institutional management can even reach up to $150,000 each year. As a research coordinator, you will need to create a sound expedition plan. You will also go on ships and submersibles. The work includes gathering of data and samples. The job can mean collecting invertebrates then getting extracts back at the laboratory. The extract will be checked and observed as well. Different chemicals found in the extract will be tested on different human diseases to know if there are any changes that can potentially treat.

The job requires a doctorate degree because of the high level of administrative and managerial work. You do not need to have the doctorate degree if you want to do lab work. You can also land a teaching job instead. Some courses will help you prepare better for the profession such as chemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Being an Oceanographer

An oceanographer earns anywhere between $100,000 and $150,000 each year. Being a full professor can help you land teaching jobs and get a bigger salary. You will typically work about 60 hours each week. The job description entails creating new graduate programs in oceanography. You have to work with groups of graduate students and continue research in different oceans and seas to boost the telepresence program. You will be tasked to watch, study and gather data from creatures, habitats, sea vents and ecosystems.

Studying Mammals

Marine biologists will have to study different organisms, depending on their location and personal preference. If you become a marine mammal biologist, you have to earn a bachelor’s degree at the very least. However, most people in the position have a master’s or doctorate degree. Salary ranges anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000. The hours per week will depend on the project and deadlines. On the average, you have to work about 8 to 10 hours per day. Some of the work entails studying the ecology of marine mammals. You have to observe the behavior and interactions of seals, whales, sea otters and dolphins.

Study the Habitat

You have to study their environment as well at different phases of their lives. You will spend several months per year writing proposals and papers. You also have to learn how to apply for grants to fund your many researches. You will spend some time on a boat or submersible too, catching, tagging, viewing and counting marine mammals. You may discover some of the rarest species and inform others how to better protect them.

Marine biologists will be assigned to different tasks, but you should first determine the various job descriptions to become competent in the field. There are many common responsibilities that researchers or marine biologists share. Once you complete the course and training, you can then move on to new career paths. Here are some more tips.

The Many Responsibilities

You may be assigned primarily for research purposes. Expect to research different aquatic and marine organisms. You may also be tasked to monitor and observe marine communities and ecosystems. You should study ahead the biochemical processes of freshwater plants and organisms. Study the different marine animals and plants, together with the interactions and behavior.

If you come across new species, record the details. Report how ocean animals depend on the environment and the different provisions of the ecosystem. You may also be given the responsibility to collect and review samples. Start planning and conducting experiments as needed. If you are working at a college or university, you may start working as an educator to let people find out more about results and discoveries.

Career Paths

You can choose a variety of careers once you finish marine biology in a given college or university. Some of the jobs and careers that you can land on after graduating include being a naturalist, marine biologist, marine mammal specialist, marine biology educator, marine biology team manager, aquarium director, ecologist and conservationist.

You can expect to acquire many great skills upon finishing a marine biology degree. Students from a marine biology college can gain specialized skills and advanced knowledge in scientific research methods and application. Students may also join internship programs to further enhance their skills.

The Skills

Some of the skills that you can expect to have after graduating include gathering and reporting various data, scientific method development and application, analysis and experimentation, strong research skills and critical thinking, publishing experimental reports and results, fieldwork experience and networking with other scientist and biologists. The skills acquired may be used for other related work like veterinary medicine, forestry, agricultural science and medical science.

About the Course

Thorough training and studies are expected if you take up marine biology. Some of the topics and classes that you will most likely enter include field investigations, scale and processes in marine biology, biological oceanography, diseases of aquatic animals, conservation genetics, sustainable fisheries, marine ecology, marine resources and conservation management and marine mammalogy.

You can also decide to specialize within the marine biology degree program to venture careers in oceanic history, biological oceanography, molecular studies and aquatic restoration. Advance technology greatly allows students to get direct experience by going to a formal marine biology college. Supervised fieldwork studies and lab training will then help students attain very balanced education in their chosen field.

Majority of marine biology colleges and schools are accredited by the regional association of colleges and secondary schools or the regional Higher Commission on Learning. Independent accreditation may also be offered by every state to schools.

There are several aspects of marine biology. Some of these tend to be very boring and take several trials and repetitions before you can come up with a definite conclusion or results. If you, however, study mammals instead, you may realize that research tends to become more interesting and easier, since these animals react very quickly. You will have more data to gather and observe, thereby providing you the opportunity to enhance your skills.

The 3 Orders

Marine mammals are generally grouped into 3 orders. The order Cetacea includes dolphins, whales and porpoises. The order Pinnipedia involves walruses, seals and sea lions. The order Sirenia includes dugongs and manatees.

The whole lifecycle of the order Cetacea is aquatic. There are a couple of sub-orders founded on the feeding mechanism, namely Odonticeti and Mysticeti. The order Pinnipedia involves part of their lifecycle being terrestrial. The word Pinnipedia means “feather-footed” since the animals possess 4 webbed fins. These can be found in all oceans, but most reside at high latitudes, traveling usually in herds and carrying out very long migrations. The order Sirenia usually spends their whole lifecycle in the water. These are the only aquatic animals that eat plants mainly.

The Suborders of Cetacea

The sub-order Mysticeti includes baleen whales and blue whales. These animals use baleens or brush-like triangular continuously renewing plates that hang from the roof of the mouth, with 480 plates on each jaw side. The plates filter zooplankton, squid and small fish, with the tongue moving the food into the throat.

Right whales are skim feeders, grey whales feed via a suction mechanism on animals living on the bottom of the ocean and minke whales feed by gulping and lunging. Different whales use various approaches to eat successfully. The sub-order odonticeti includes mammals that have their first teeth remain until they die. These grasp and swallow whole prey. A good example is the killer whale.

About the Pinnipeds

Pinnipeds have a low SA/V ratio and develop insulation via their hair and blubber. Fur seals can have so many hair belonging to either underfur fibers and guard hairs. These all moult, especially during the summer after breeding period, while others just remain out of the water until complete. Pinnipeds exhale before deep dives and have high myoglobin and hemoglobin concentrations. These animals feed usually on fish and squid. The walrus will use their tusks to dig for animals living on the bottom.

The Sirenia

Sirenians are distributed widely but are usually caught for their hides, meat and oil. They are particularly prone because they are placid and slow moving. Danger comes mainly from powerboats at present and their loss of habitat. These animals are very social but now prefer to go in family groups or alone.

Dugongs are usually found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Manatees can be found in Atlantic coastal waters. Sireneans inhale before they dive into the water, just like whales. These can dive for 10 to 20 minutes. Bristles can detect food to help themselves tide over the lean months.

It can sometimes be confusing for students to decide whether they should major in Marine Biology or just go for other related sciences. It is important to know that there are requirements needed in high school to get into a good college or university that will help you hone your skills further and prepare for the actual profession. You have to understand the differences between majors then make the final decision on what course is best.

What are the Requirements for the Marine Biology Course?

There are no specific requirements to get into the Marine Biology program at present. Any student who wants to take the BS Marine Biology course is recommended to take up as many math and science subjects as possible. Some of the good foundations include Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Trigonometry and Precalculus.

You can major in Marine Biology if you have a big interest in learning about different aquatic organisms and the marine environment in general. You can also major if you want to become a voter and informed citizen, since several current issues include policies that are related to the conservation and use of the ocean and coastal habitats, plus the use of the marine resources.

If you are majoring in Marine Biology, can you do a minor or double major in other subjects?

You can do a minor or double major in other subjects in the university, except for biological sciences, since it is given by the same department as your major in Marine Biology. You are not required to do a minor. You should consult the department head or advisor for more data.

Undergraduates should not specialize very quickly. Marine biology majors, especially those who plan to be professional marine biologists, take a strong foundation in a wide range of subdisciplines in modern biological sciences. Marine biology programs in a number of institutions can include marine-related courses only. It is not ideal, but BS Marine Biology requires students to take up Calculus, Chemistry, Physics and four courses in various subdisciplines in biological sciences, apart from marine biology electives.

What is the difference between Oceanography and Marine Biology?

Oceanography is described as the study of oceans and the physical, chemical, geological and biological processes that happen within the subject. It is a subject that can be studied in graduate school and needs undergraduate training in biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Marine Biology emphasizes on the biology of different organisms that thrive in the ocean. It is a subdiscipline of biology, but sometimes overlaps with Biological Oceanography.

What are the differences between majoring in Marine Biology and Biological Science major?

The two majors need general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology, physics, calculus and four core courses in biological science. While BS in Biological Science requires microbiology course, and plant biology course, the curriculum still requires students to take up oceanography and then complete 36 credits of biology with electives in marine biology. You can take up biological science even if you want to become a marine biologist, provided that you also take up the subject.

A lot of individuals dream of becoming a marine biologist but fail to acquire the right skills and personality required for the course. Determine your interest in the subject and find out how you can cope with the requirements. You do not have to take up the actual Marine Biology course in college to be a marine biologist. You will find that there are many related courses that you can take, for you to fully enjoy your career for the long term.

School Requirements

You have to build a strong and solid educational base. Study a lot of science subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology and geology in high school. You should also study intensely and try to aim for very high grades. Also focus on your writing skills, since you will write a lot of reports and proposals in the actual job. If you want to get a graduate or doctorate degree, take up language subjects too, like German and Latin.

Do special research studies in high school and participate in science projects and conventions for students. Volunteer in research facilities and raise an aquarium. You may want to spend some money traveling to different marine labs all over the globe. Once you get to university, choose subjects that will further expand your knowledge base such as biology, physics, chemistry and biochemistry. You can also add astronomy and geology.

Choosing the School

Pick the right university and master’s graduate study school that provides you with all the knowledge, tools and skills to become competent in your field. Talk to current students and professors. Find out how training is and what are the available resources and laboratories to equip you properly. Once you get your master’s degree, you can further focus on getting a doctorate degree to earn big positions or have the privilege to become professor and teach. Spend some time comparing schools before making your final decision.

Finding the Job

There are several branches of marine biology that you can work in, depending on your credentials and specific interest. You can be several other related things like being an educator, oceanographer, ocean engineer, etc. Most of the job entails gathering data, creating proposals, teaching and making proposals and reports. Choose the institutions that focus on the studies that you are truly interested in. Find more information by visiting online discussion boards, web sites and joining actual events and forums.

Planning and Preparation

It is recommended that you look for a mentor who will guide you through the process. This way, you avoid the common pitfalls such as missing a subject or two and having to go back and study before you become qualified for the job. You should already determine the course you want to take, as well as continue learning about the requirements of the job. Assignments will vary depending on your location, the subject and the institution. You can also take up more units to become qualified in another marine profession, should you lose interest in your current work.

Marine biology studies the different species, both plant and animal that thrives in the ocean. It is also important to focus on the different available habitats to know how each interact with the environment and deal with the different dangers, benefits and threats that lurk in every corner. Knowing more about the environment will help you categorize species better and find the definite animal or plant that you are looking for. Here are some guidelines.

About Reefs

Reefs are made of some of the most diverse and densest habitats in the planet. The most popular kinds are tropical coral reefs that are present in many tropical waters. Reefs can also be available in cold water. These are created by calcium-depositing animals and corals, in most cases, over a rocky outcrop on the bottom of the ocean. Reefs can also grow on other types of surface, making it highly possible to build man-made reefs. Coral reefs can support a vast life community, including corals, tropical fishes, zooxanthellae and other organisms.

During 1998, coral reefs went through a very rare bleaching event, wherein several reefs all over the world died due to sea surface temperatures rising very high above the average. A number of reefs are still recovering from El Nino, but scientists indicate that more than half of the coral reefs on Earth are currently endangered, with global warming increasing the effects.

The Shore and Ocean

The open ocean is not very productive due to inadequate nutrients. Since it is so vast, it only produces the most primary productivity. Majority of the energy in the aphotic zone is provided by the open ocean in detritus form. The open ocean is usually made up of jellyfish, with some predators like the Mola mola.

Intertidal zones are described as areas found very near the shore. These are exposed nonstop and covered by the tides of the ocean. A wide array of life forms exists within the zone. Shore habitats also range from the upper zones to the place where land vegetation is abundant. It can also be found underwater anywhere from daily to very infrequently. A lot of species are scavengers, getting their meals from sea life washed up on shores. Bioerosion is also used by a group of organisms living in intertidal and shore habitats.

The Deep Sea

Very deep oceanic trenches are found in the Pacific Ocean. In waters this deep, the water pressure tends to be very high and sunlight is not readily available. Life still does exist in these parts. Some of the examples include small flounder fish and shrimp. The deep sea is known to begin at the aphotic zone, wherein the sunlight lacks the power of transference in the water. Many of the organisms found in this location have the capacity to produce their own light. A lot of life is also present in seamounts. Unique biomes and several microbes were found in these locations.

On Distribution

Majority of ocean life reproduces in particular areas, spends some time as juveniles in other locations and spend more time as mature species in other places. It is not yet fully known where and when exactly different organisms spend the different phases of their lives. Tracking devices can work but only up to a very limited extent.

Before you become a marine biologist, you need to know the requirements and tools that will help you land a stable and interesting job. The subject is so diverse, which is why you have to spend some time contemplating on which subjects to take, as well as the inclusions of each related job. You may realize that you want to work in a related profession. Here are some of the common questions asked by individuals.

What should you major in if you want to work with aquatic mammals?

Very few individuals choose to specialize in marine mammals even though the subject is very interesting. Students are recommended to take up courses in organismal biology like fish biology, marine mammals, vertebrate biology and invertebrate biology. They should also take up courses in aquaculture and aquatic animal illnesses to plan for aquarium work in the future. Students who aim to work with marine mammals must take up courses in animal behavior, as well as other courses on aquatic mammals if these are present. Volunteers can work at an aquarium or stranding program is ideally needed for entrance into the competitive field. You can visit different marine mammalogy web sites online for more information.

What should you take if you want to focus on sharks and fishes?

If you want to study sharks or fishes, you have to specialize in the subfield within the fields of marine biology and ichthyology. Students must major in Marine Biology or Biological Sciences and take up courses in Fish Biology, Vertebrate Biology, Ichthyology and other specialized courses, as much as they are available.

If you want to go to Vet School, Medical School or Dental School, can you take up Marine Biology as a major?

You can still take up marine biology as a major even if you want to take up another course or school in the future. BS in Marine Biology is just the same is BS Biological Science. It includes courses that are needed for entrance to Vet, Medical or Dental School. Students are recommended to take up different courses aside from the others to satisfy the major in marine biology, making the completion of the course more challenging with added studies.

Do I have to meet my faculty advisor every semester?

Experts highly recommend that you interact with faculty one-on-one regularly, so that these helpful people can get to know you better too. The faculty advisor can help guide you in courses that will meet your specific requirements and interest. You can learn more about research opportunities, job opportunities, internship programs, summer field courses and graduate school application procedures.

What jobs can you get after graduating Marine Biology?

Marine biology majors usually train in chemistry, physics, biology, calculus, marine biology and oceanography. Students can then be qualified for jobs as marine biologists, oceanography and educators. You can contact different universities and institutions to help you in your research and open the possibility of teaching others who also want to become marine professionals. Visit the official web site or meet with the department head.

You may be surprised to know that marine biologists, and other careers related to the profession can earn a lot of money. You get the best of both worlds by having the opportunity to explore the deep waters and still get substantial salary. Learning more about the coverage of each profession and having an idea about how much to expect will help you decide better. Here are some guidelines.

Salary Overview

Being a marine biologist is already a dream job for several individuals since you get the opportunity to travel all over the world, study interesting aquatic plans and animals and support different conservation efforts. You do not have to worry about travel expenses, hotel accommodations and having to purchase expensive tools and equipment, since there are already plenty of facilities and laboratories available willing to provide for your every need. You can also receive grants and other financial opportunities, provided that your type of research is interesting enough to make developments in technology and history.

Asking Questions

There can be several questions asked by the average applicant. How much can I expect to earn per week or month? Will I be paid per expedition or project or by the hour? What determines the salary difference between job positions? Will experience affect the salary? How do salaries of marine biologists compare with marine service technicians salary? How soon can I expect a raise? How big a raise can I get in the first few years?

Determining Salary

There can be several factors in determining a marine biologist’s salary such as location, type of industry, benefits, type of project, degree attained and level of experience. If you check the salaries according to state, you will find that Massachusetts and Washington individuals get the highest median salary.

Depending on Location

For those interested to work in sunny locations, you will find that San Diego and Miami offer the highest salaries. A marine biologist salary range can stay the same consistently during the first few years on the job. After about 10 years in the industry, you will observe the salaries tend to shoot up significantly. The salary of marine service technicians also tend to be lower compared to marine biologists. Marine service technicians can earn more than $20 per hour after working for 20 years.

Perks and Advantages

Some marine biologists may be hired on a project basis. Individuals invited into expeditions are usually very experienced and are paid higher than the rest of the group. Some marine biologists are invited because of their specific focus and thrust in terms of studying animal and plant life and the different ecosystems.

You can also get some added advantages that may not come in the form of money, such as getting free tickets or discounts to different locations all around the globe, getting access to restricted laboratories and other institutions and getting to meet people who may offer you grants and other means of support. You can also join different seminars and forums that only selected people can attend.