Biologists and Related Scientists
(NOC 2121)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyBiologists and related scientists research living organisms and ecosystems to manage natural resources and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things. Molecular biologists study life at the molecular level, which is the foundation for biotechnology. Botanists study plants and their environment. Zoologists study animals and their origin, behaviour, diseases, and life processes. Marine biologists study plants and animals living in water, specifically saltwater organisms. Ecologists study the relationships between living things and their environment, and the effects of influences like population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude. Entomologists study the classification, biodiversity, life cycles and ecology of insects and other arthropods. Microbiologists study the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasite and how they interact with the environment. Geneticists study how genes function to make cells and organisms and how hereditary traits ad mutations are passed through generations. Scientists in this group work in both laboratory and field settings for governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnical companies and health and educational institutions. Biologists and related scientists may specialize at the macroscopic level in fields like botany, zoology, ecology and marine biology or, at the cellular and molecular level in fields like genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, virology, biotechnology and bioinformatics.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Biologists and Related Scientists most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 61% of Biologists and Related Scientists who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $74,455. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.96
Minimum$37.33
Median$56.41
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,175
Minimum$54,727
Median$99,967
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Biologists and related scientists research living organisms and ecosystems to manage natural resources and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things. Molecular biologists study life at the molecular level, which is the foundation for biotechnology. Botanists study plants and their environment. Zoologists study animals and their origin, behaviour, diseases, and life processes. Marine biologists study plants and animals living in water, specifically saltwater organisms. Ecologists study the relationships between living things and their environment, and the effects of influences like population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude. Entomologists study the classification, biodiversity, life cycles and ecology of insects and other arthropods. Microbiologists study the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasite and how they interact with the environment. Geneticists study how genes function to make cells and organisms and how hereditary traits ad mutations are passed through generations.
Scientists in this group work in both laboratory and field settings for governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnical companies and health and educational institutions. Biologists and related scientists may specialize at the macroscopic level in fields like botany, zoology, ecology and marine biology or, at the cellular and molecular level in fields like genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, virology, biotechnology and bioinformatics.
Job duties
Biologists:
- Study the environment and the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals.
- Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports.
- Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens.
- Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity, and breeding.
- Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources.
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists:
- Research the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology, and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae.
- Research the structure and functioning of human, animal and plant tissues and cells.
- Study the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins.
- Conduct clinical or laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs, pharmaceuticals and nanoparticles used in biomedical applications.
- Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments in genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology to develop new or alternative methods of producing products.
- Conduct research in biotechnology to discover, develop and refine, and evaluate new products.
- May participate in the commercialization of new products.
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- May conduct biostatistical data analysis using computer modelling techniques.
Sample job titles
- biologist
- botanist
- ecologist
- food scientist
- geneticist
- immunologist
- marine biologist
- naturalist
- pharmacologist
- toxicologist
Skills
You must be comfortable working with instruments, apparatus, and chemicals. You should be observant of details, enjoy research, and have good judgement for scientific and administrative decision-making. The ability to communicate and cooperate with others is important, as scientists often work in teams. Basic computer and mathematical skills are necessary. You must have physical stamina to do field research in remote areas.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists.
- A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology.
- Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
Other considerations
Diversification of Nova Scotia's economy may provide some job opportunities for biologists with skills appropriate for use in the pharmaceutical and health sciences industries. People in these jobs generally work regular hours in offices and laboratories, although some conduct fieldwork and on-site studies.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Manufacturing
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
55-64
45-54
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Master
$49,573 median annual incomeBachelor
$55,848 median annual incomeDoctorate
$84,998 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
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Institutions providing this program
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Animal Behaviour and Ethology
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Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Biochemistry
College or University ProgramThese programs focus 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. They include courses in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
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Bioethics/Medical Ethics
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Bioinformatics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the application of computer-based technologies and services to biological, biomedical, and biotechnology research. They include courses in algorithms, network architecture, principles of software design, human interface design, usability studies, search strategies, database management and data mining, digital image processing, computer graphics and animation, CAD, computer programming, and applications to experimental design and analysis and to specific quantitative, modelling, and analytical studies in the various biological specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Biology/Biological Sciences
College or University ProgramThis includes any 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. These programs include courses in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Biometry/Biometrics
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Institutions providing this program
Environmental Biology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the origins, functions, relationships, interactions, and natural history of living populations, communities, species, and ecosystems in relation to dynamic environmental processes. They include courses in biodiversity, molecular genetic and genomic evolution, meso-scale ecology, computational biology and modelling, conservation biology, local and global environmental change, and restoration ecology.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Environmental Studies
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, and/or humanistic approaches. They include courses in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related subjects such as policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Epidemiology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of disease, disability, and trauma patterns within and across populations and the development of health management mechanisms to prevent and control disease outbreaks and injurious behaviours. They include courses in biostatistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, disease and injury determinants, genetic disease and disability factors, behavioural studies, health services research, environmental disease and injury factors, and population studies.
Institutions providing this program
Forensic Science and Technology
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Institutions providing this program
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the ecology and behaviour of microbes, plants, and animals inhabiting oceans, coastal waters, and saltwater wetlands and their interactions with the physical environment. They include courses in chemical, physical, and geological oceanography, molecular, cellular, and biochemical studies, marine microbiology, marine botany, ichthyology, mammalogy, marine population dynamics and biodiversity, reproductive biology, studies of specific species, phyla, habitats, and ecosystems, marine paleoecology and paleontology, and applications to fields such as fisheries science and biotechnology.
Institutions providing this program
Medical Scientist (MSc, PhD)
University ProgramThis includes any undifferentiated clinical science program that prepares graduated physicians (M.D. or D.O.) as research scientists in various areas.
Institutions providing this program
Microbiology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of unicellular organisms and colonies, and subcellular genetic matter and their ecological interactions with human beings and other life. They include courses in microbial genetics, cell biology, cell physiology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and laboratory methods including microscopy.
Institutions providing this program
Neuroscience
University ProgramThese programs focus on the interdisciplinary scientific study of the molecular, structural, physiologic, cognitive, and behavioural aspects of the brain and nervous system. They include courses in molecular and cellular neuroscience, brain science, anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, molecular and biochemical bases of information processing, behavioural neuroscience, biology of neuropsychiatric disorders, and applications to the clinical sciences and biomedical engineering.
Institutions providing this program
Pathology/Experimental Pathology
University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the expression, initiation, maintenance and progression of tissue injury and disease, including death, and the relationship of pathogenesis to fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms. They include courses in immunology, microbiology, gene expression, inflammation, cell injury, apoptosis, immunopathology, molecular markers of disease and toxins, neoplasia, growth regulation, and organ- and system-specific investigations.
Institutions providing this program
Pharmacology
University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of drug interactions on biological systems and organisms and the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs. They include courses in pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, drug therapeutics, drug action, bodily responses to drug events, biochemical proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, cell biology, medicinal chemistry, and studies of specific drugs and drug interactions.
Institutions providing this program
Physical Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
Sustainability Studies
University ProgramThese programs focus on the concept of sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective. They include courses in sustainable development, environmental policies, ethics, ecology, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, economics, natural resources, sociology, and anthropology.
Institutions providing this program
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