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Job Definition
Teach courses in biological sciences.
Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Interests
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Knowledge
Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Skills
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Tasks
Participate in campus and community events.
Provide professional consulting services to government and/or industry.
Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head.
Act as advisers to student organizations.
Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours in order to advise and assist students.
Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge, and publish findings in professional journals, books, and/or electronic media.
Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $89,700.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $49,060.00 and $143,810.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 4,600 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 6,000 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 140 openings due to growth and about 80 replacement openings for approximately 220 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General - A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
Biochemistry - A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Includes instruction in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
Similar Occupations
Biological Technicians - Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary - Teach courses in health specialties, such as veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, therapy, laboratory technology, and public health.
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary - Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of both teaching and research.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education - Teach pupils in public or private schools at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other formative skills.
Dietitians and Nutritionists - Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Pharmacists - Compound and dispense medications following prescriptions issued by physicians, dentists, or other authorized medical practitioners.
Psychiatrists - Diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Veterinarians - Diagnose and treat diseases and dysfunctions of animals. May engage in a particular function, such as research and development, consultation, administration, technical writing, sale or production of commercial products, or rendering of technical services to commercial firms or other organizations. Includes veterinarians who inspect livestock.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists - Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Notes
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