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Degrees and Schools
Technical institutions offer training for scientific technicians, however they typically provide less theory and general education than community colleges. Some schools provide internships or cooperative-education programs which give students the opportunity to work at a company while they take classes during alternate terms. Typically, students can specialize in a particular area. There are plenty of schools that offer a bachelor's degree in biology.
Classes
Some of the subjects studied are shown below:
- Plant biology
- Cell biology
- Anatomy
- Animal biology
- Plant biology
- Chemistry
Online Classes and Programs
There are some online biology bachelor's degree programs, however biology students can benefit from training provided in laboratories on-campus.
Prospective online students should look for schools which have received accreditation from agencies approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
Some employers require biological technicians to have a bachelor's degree in biology or in a closely related subject. Some employers prefer to hire science technicians who have completed at least two years of specialized postsecondary training or have an associate degree in applied science or science related technology.
The major employers are colleges, universities, agricultural research centers, medical research centers, scientific firms, technical firms, chemical companies, nonprofit research associations, the food processing industry, the drug industry and the government.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
While evaluating schools, prospective students should consider getting answers to the following questions:
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation with local employers?
- Training - Does the program include externships? Does the program offer a variety of externships? Do students have to find their own externship?
- Curriculum - Can students specialize in their area of interest?
- Job Placement - Does the school provide job placement services? How does the school's job placement rate in the field of biology compare to other schools? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Has the school been approved to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Biological Technicians Job Description
Biology is the study of life. Simply put, biological technicians work with biologists to study living organisms. They gather information, materials and samples. A biology technician performs experiments and tests. They sometimes use robotics, computers, computer-interfaced equipment and high technology industrial applications.
Many biological technicians assist scientists that conduct medical research such as trying to find a cure for AIDS. Biological technicians may also be called biology technicians and biological aides.
Biology technicians also analyze organic substances including food, drugs and blood. Some biological technicians work for pharmaceutical companies and are involved in the development and manufacturing of medicines. Those involved with biotechnology help develop products. Biological aides involved in microbiology study living organisms and infectious agents.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Evaluate organic substances
- Monitor experiments and make evaluations
- Calculate and record results from experiments
- Examine animals and specimens to detect diseases or other problems
- Set up, operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination
- Prepare, clean and maintain supplies and work areas
Resources
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