Marine Biologist

Marine Biology

Is the scientific study of plants and animals. Marine biologist study vast amounts of sea life from inspecting tiny plankton under a microscope to observing a one hundred foot long whales. Marine biologist even look at many different plants under water to see how they survive and break down.  They also inspect if they could be used in human survival. Research with these orgasms include how they adapt to the salt water environment and how they interact with other organisms. Marine biologists work in different areas which revolve around different jobs.

Where they could work and what they do-

Marine biologists can work in the ocean, salt marshes, beaches, estuary’s, aquariums, zoos, universities and colleges. Marine biologist can also work for private businesses or non-profit organisations. Marine biologists that work in aquariums and zoos work with animals such as Whales, Dolphins and Pinnipeds which are a kind of animal that are fin footed or have wings such as seals. They scuba dive and collect animals that they bring them back to aquariums or zoos and observe and care for them. Some Marine biologists work in laboratories where they study and examine organisms such as sponges and research them for compounds that could be used in medicine. Other look at tiny creatures where they examine them and sequence their DNA (determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule).  Other biologists work in the ocean where the study the behaviour of a marine species and the best way to raise animals such as Oysters and Mussels in an aquaculture environment.

What qualifications and training you would need to become a Marine biologists?

Qualifications and knowledge you need-

To become a Marine biologist you must have an understanding and skills in subjects such as chemistry, biology, geology, physics and ecology. Entry-level jobs in Marine biology need a Bachelor degree in biology. A marine biology Ph.D. is needed for most of the marine biology specific careers in independent research and college level teaching.

Training-

Some marine biologist offer training for people at young ages. They offer summer camps at marine biology and study centres from age twelve up. They offer summer programs for colleges where they teach students sailing, scuba diving and marine explorations. You can also do volunteer work in aquariums to gain experience working with marine life in the display tanks. Internships are also available when you get to college. Many internships focus on studies and research.

Subjects you should take in college

If you’d like to become a Marine biologist then you need to have a general understanding in maths, science and computers. Subjects you should take are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, general maths and science and digital tech. You would need to take maths and science to year thirteen and then carry on with them to university because they are the most important subjects.

Where in NZ can you receive training and qualifications?

Victoria University Wellington marine biology

University of Otago marine science

Marine science university of Auckland

AUT University (Auckland University of technology) marine science