Wondering how you can become a marine biologist? Marine biology involves the study of ocean life from the tiniest creatures to larger animals. This is a fascinating career that will allow you to travel the world and truly make a difference.
If you think this is the kind of job that aligns with your interests, then there are certain things you should know. Read on to learn the top tips for students who want a degree in Marine Biology.
Qualifications
You should have a strong background in relevant science subjects like Biology, Marine Science, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, and others. You must have at least two science subjects at A level, and most universities require you to have a minimum of about 120 UCAS points.
The requirements vary depending on the university you want to attend. You should know the requirements for the specific degree program you want to pursue since they do vary. It is vital to understand other elements that can affect your study and see how best you can avoid them.
Study Online
Any study of marine biology mainly uses a hands-on approach. However, there are several marine biology-related degree programs you can do online. If you have other commitments, an online bachelor’s degree completion program can go a long way in giving you the convenience and flexibility to complete your education.
There are several degrees related to marine science you can do online, and you can study at your own pace. Depending on your schedule, your degree can take shorter or longer to complete.
Choose the Best University
When it comes to choosing a university, there are many factors you should consider like research quality and career prospects. It is crucial to consider what you are interested in before you pick a program. There can be differences in degrees offered at different colleges.
Look for a university that offers many opportunities like involvement in your research and internship. Some universities offer the opportunity of studying an integrated master’s which you can start as an undergraduate course. Other institutions promote research, and they also have clubs.
Attending university is not all about completing your course, but includes other things like location, social life, and accommodation. Student reviews about different colleges can be quite helpful in making the right choice.
Get Involved
If you want to become a marine biologist, you should get involved in whatever way you can. You can achieve this by doing simple things like joining a club at school and volunteering to work at different organizations. You should also get involved in research at your university.
Make sure you turn up for every event that helps you improve your knowledge of marine science. You must be willing to play a bigger part in your education, and you can do this by participating in different activities related to your area of study. Avoid the danger of assuming that you already know everything.
Get Out on Boats
Boating can be a wonderful way of improving your marine knowledge. If you are not used to sea life, you can get seasick. However, this will not end your career, but help you to deal with the challenge. To avoid this problem, it is important to take nausea prevention medicine at least two hours before going out to sea.
Make sure you eat a good breakfast and avoid coffee. You can also take ginger snaps and learn to retreat when you begin to feel sick. The other advantage of getting out on boats is that it helps you understand various processes like casting off, and you also learn harbor rules. When you get out, you will pick up on a lot of things. Other courses include boat handling and sampling. Make sure you go out with an experienced person to ensure safety.
Use Social Media
Social media is an excellent networking tool you can use to learn different things about marine biology. Many scientists use different platforms to promote their work and provide marine news. Social media is also a great way to make yourself known. For instance, you can create a Twitter or Facebook account and link it to your blog.
Blogging is an effective way to market yourself and attract many followers. You can also use social media to connect with other scientists where you can share ideas.
