Marine Science

Although marine biology is a legitimate degree of study in both undergraduate and graduate programs, rarely do actual career positions become open with such a title. Marine biologist, in the real world, is blanket term that covers many more specific jobs that deal with marine life and marine science. The types of positions available for those with a degree in marine biology are numerous and vary widely. Some of these positions include microbiologist, marine mammalogist, fishery biologist, ichthyologist and biological technician.

As a field, in general, marine biologists study ocean life. They study their biological structure, history, evolution, behavior, interactions and their environment. The field is so all-encompassing that it is considered the most diverse of any field in oceanography. Understanding the biology of marine organisms requires having a working knowledge of all oceanographic systems, including physical, geological, and chemical oceanography. The best marine biologists continue to study oceanography for the duration of their careers to allow them a more complete understanding of their specialties. Oceanography helps to provide great insights for marine biology researchers.

Since the field of marine biology is so expansive, specializations are very important. In some instances, specializations can be extremely detailed. Marine biologists can study one particular species of fish or organism, but most often, specializations are much more detailed. Instead of studying a single species, a marine biologist can specialize in the behavior, survival techniques, social behavior, or geographic division of a single species.

One area of marine biology that is newly emerging is the specialization of marine biotechnology. Biotechnology research includes biomedical science. Many new drugs for human treatments have originated from marine organisms. Biotechnology specialists also work for the Department of Defense for many reasons, including keeping biological life out of sensitive ocean defense equipment.

Another popular specialty in marine biology is molecular biology. Molecular biology has many applications in the world, such as identifying the presence of organisms in drinking water. Molecular marine biologists are very involved in how microscopic marine organisms affect humans.

Many students preparing for a career in marine biology go directly into an undergraduate program specifically for marine biology. Most of these programs are available at universities along the coast. Students not wishing to go to a coastal university have several options. Marine biologist positions can be filled by students with a degree in general biology or zoology. Other fields of study accepted for marine biology positions include oceanography, ecology, animal sciences, chemistry, and mathematics.