Every person dreams of choosing a profession that would not only always be in demand, and therefore highly paid, but also beneficial to society. One of such prestigious professions is the profession of a biologist. Their professionalism largely determines our health, development, and future. Therefore, it is not surprising that the profession of a biologist is the second most popular in the world.
Many decent biology students dive into the practical study so much that they don’t have time for other college assignments. Some of them simply google something like “write my paper with WritingAPaper writers” in order to keep up with their academic performance and save time for more essential college practices.
However, not everyone can get this necessary and promising profession because it puts forward several requirements that only people with particular inclinations and temperaments can meet. So, we will take a look at the features of these professions and also take a look at the top-rated biological universities in the world.
What Personality Traits Should A Biologist
Have?
It is not difficult to guess that a biologist, first of all, must love nature and be interested in the appearance and development of life on Earth. In addition, a true biologist is characterized by:
- analytical and logical thinking;
- curiosity and patience;
- accuracy and attentiveness;
- observation and imagination;
- a well-developed visual, imaginative memory;
- assiduity and concentration abilities;
- responsibility and honesty.
It should be noted that since the work of a biologist involves participation in laboratory research,
which often uses various chemicals, the specialist should not tend to allergies.
Advantages of the of the Biology Profession
As mentioned above, biology is an actively developing branch of science, which opens to specialists huge prospects for career growth and self-fulfillment. Another undoubted advantage of the biology profession is the demand for it. According to labor market experts, this profession, in the coming years, may become one of the most in-demand and highly paid.
An essential advantage of this profession is a great variety of institutions and organizations where you can show your talent and professional skills. Today, biologists are happily employed in research laboratories, environmental organizations, nature reserves, botanical and ecological gardens, research institutes, environmental organizations, agricultural industries, and educational fields (schools, colleges, universities).
Disadvantages of the Biology Profession
Even though biology is one of the most in-demand fields of science in the world, in some countries, this field is still in its infancy. So, biologists’ salaries are low, primarily if they work in public institutions (for example, in laboratories at research institutes or schools).
The job of a “practicing” biologist (a specialist who studies living organisms in their natural environment) involves frequent business trips. These specialists can be found everywhere: in the desert, in the tundra, high in the mountains, in the field, and at the experimental agricultural station. Naturally, conducting research in comfortable conditions is not always possible, so future biologists must be prepared for life in spartan conditions.
More often than not, theoretical training alone is not enough for successful employment for young professionals. Therefore, biology students need to take care of practical work experience in advance (i.e., while still studying to look for a job in a specialty as close to their future profession as possible).
The best biological universities in the world
American universities are leading the way among educational institutions, but other continents also have something to show for it.
Check out lists of the strongest universities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
1. Harvard University (USA)
Harvard University is considered No. 1 in the world in genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, as well as in biochemistry and biophysics by US News & World Report. Harvard’s biotechnology education program allows students to pursue bioengineering, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics. The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology is considered the best at Harvard. This multidisciplinary approach trains not only scientists but also people for managerial positions in the biotechnology field.
2. University of Tokyo (Japan)
The Department of Biotechnology offers graduate programs in biomolecular research, biofunctionalism, and molecular and cellular biosciences. Students study DNA, protein engineering, and bioinformatics. Importantly, master’s students take international internships.
3. University College London (UK)
University College London is regularly ranked in the top 10 of various prestigious rankings of the best biotechnology universities. Students receive their first higher education in biochemistry (studying chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biotechnology). The master’s degree in biotechnology specializes in critical areas like cell regulation, molecular cloning, and others. The most crucial area of study here is experimental biochemistry.
4. University of California San Francisco (USA)
The university offers some of the world’s best programs in biochemistry and biophysics, the fields closest to biotechnology. Molecular biotechnology programs and internships are by far the most popular. Graduate students have the opportunity to combine scientific research with professional business experience, allowing them to quickly find work after graduation in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector.
5. University of Pennsylvania (USA)
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in biotechnology and a so-called “professional master’s degree” in biotechnology. Students can choose a major in molecular biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals/engineered biotechnology, or biomedical technology. A dual degree with Wharton University is also available.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
Founded in 1998, the Department of Biological Engineering quickly became one of the best in the world – it couldn’t be otherwise at the best technological university on the planet (according to the latest rankings). It has first-class laboratory facilities in biomedical engineering, environmental and health sciences, microbiology, etc.
7. Johns Hopkins University (USA)
You are offered with undergraduate and graduate programs in biotechnology by The Center for Biotechnology Education at Johns Hopkins University. Students receive core knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and proteomics. Students also study applied science and the application of new technologies to business, as well as opportunities for overseas internships. There are also part-time and distance learning programs.
8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1824 and is considered to be the oldest technological university in the United States. The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences offers a number of programs, including a top-rated program at the interface between biotechnology and medicine.
9. Stanford University (USA)
Stanford University, one of the top universities in the world, offers an excellent program in the Department of Bioengineering. The program was jointly developed with the Department of Medicine and Engineering and focuses on engineering approaches to medical problems and biological systems. The university also offers tempting internship opportunities at leading companies in the industry.
10. University of Rhode Island (USA)
This renowned university offers several undergraduate and graduate-level biotechnology programs. Much research focuses on stem cell biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, and bioprocesses.
We hope you will easily get accepted to one of these universities and make your dream of becoming a successful biologist come true.