What does it mean when someone says they are a molecular biologist? Microbiologists work with bacteria, other cells of life such as yeast, and other organisms in the human or animal body. The study of microbiology is extensive and very interesting, and many people in various fields work in the field of microbiology.
When studying cells and molecular biology, there are specific cells that are studied. For instance, we have bacteria and yeast cells, which are very interesting because they are used in the process of medicine. The same cells can cause disease in humans if they are overgrown or undigested.
What Does This Field Encapsulate?
The field of microbiology is also vast and includes all aspects of biology, including plant, animal, and human cells. There are a lot of different types of cells in our bodies that perform multiple roles. These cells often co-exist and work well with each other, but occasionally cause problems when they become infected or injured. The study of cells and molecular biology allows us to discover new methods of preventing and treating illness.
Where Can You Work?
There are several settings in molecular biology where you can go to work. Here are a few options:
Laboratories
A graduate student might work in a lab and test cells for their ability to grow or divide. They might test organs in animals to see if they work well and check to see if they are properly functioning. Many students also choose to work in research settings, doing experiments on cells and looking for ways to cure disease or learn more about cells and how they work.
Education
Some individuals work in educational settings, teaching students about cells and their functions. Sometimes cells can be just curious. In this case, the teacher might put the cells under certain conditions and observe how they work. The student might then work with the cells under more controlled conditions. This allows them to understand how cells work both under natural and laboratory conditions.
Specialization
There are also individuals who choose to specialize in cell and molecular biology. This requires additional education and training after a short internship in a lab. This specialty involves a much deeper study of the cells and how they work. The student will spend much more time studying cells in more detail and might work in a lab for several years learning about this specific area of biology.
Molecular Biophysicists
Other individuals go on to become molecular biophysicists, working to develop new products or drugs for the treatment of diseases. They look at the cells and how they affect the human body. These drugs may be used to treat cancer, AIDS, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. The biophysicists might study the function of cells and how they affect disease progression. Molecular biophysicists can also work in the research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies.
What Is The Main Purpose?
It is important to know that not all molecular biology jobs are about the development of drugs (SRG Talent, n.d.). A successful molecular biologist will tell you that their job is to look at the function of cells and the way they divide and what is involved in cellular processes. For example, they could work in an organism’s reproductive system, determining how best to use hormones in controlling the population of a certain species. Alternately, they could be studying the genetic architecture of an organism to learn how to repair the defects if a child develops one from a previous parent.
If a person does not wish to take a formal graduate degree course in this subject area, there are plenty of good substitutes. For example, a number of high schools offer molecular biology classes and some colleges offer minor courses in cells and anatomy. An individual could even work in a laboratory and just work with cells, determining what functions in each is necessary for the growth and development of an organism.
To get into one of these programs, however, it is good to have as much science background as possible. A good second degree is in chemistry, and a major in biology, although not a master’s, will put you in a good position when seeking a job, should you decide to pursue it after getting your education. Some jobs will even require candidates to have worked with cells and molecular biology. The more scientific experience you have, the easier it is to land jobs, especially if you are interviewing with schools. There is plenty of work available in the field, and individuals who want to make a difference in the world should work hard to finish a degree in this field.
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Bibliography
SRG Talent. (n.d.). Career Advice: Microbiology. Retrieved from SRG Talent Web site: https://www.srgtalent.com/career-advice/roles-in-focus/microbiology
