What exactly is a marine biologist?

What's a typical day for a marine biologist?

• originally, i had wanted to major somewhere in astronomy but i noticed that i didn't really like the math that's involved with it. the concept of astronomy is amazing; i love it. however, it requires a great deal of physics and calculus which im not entirely sure i want to do for the rest of my life. i recently looked into marine biology, but have many questions about it. can an actual marine biologist tell me what's a typical day for him/her like and how much the career pays on average? any other information is appreciated! thanks!

• Answer:

  OK, heres what i got form a real marine biologist Summer (at a field station on the coast) 9:00 am – 9:30 am Preparing equipment; organizing other scientists and students; walking from the field station to the beach; putting on scuba gear; assigning tasks. 9:30 am – 10:30 am Collecting animal samples underwater (could be fish, crabs, clams, mussels, aphids, etc.). 10:30 am – 11:00 am Organizing samples; taking a break. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Collecting more samples. 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Organizing samples; walking back to the field station; placing samples in tanks; eating lunch with other scientists. 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Doing data analysis on the computer. 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Setting up a laboratory experiment. 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Tagging animal samples for a lab experiment. 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Monitoring the results of a feeding experiment from the previous day. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Working on the computer, writing a research paper. Winter 9:00 am – 10:00 am Preparing to teach a class. 10:00 am – 11:00 am Teaching a class of undergraduate students (lecturing and answering questions). 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Meeting with students to discuss their projects and papers. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Doing aerobics. 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Eating lunch; reading scientific papers. 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm In my molecular laboratory, meeting with graduate students; discussing ongoing experiments. 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Setting up a PRC experiment (i.e. getting ready to perform a chemical analysis of an animal’s DNA). 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Pouring gel to be used in the DNA analysis. 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Loading PRC samples onto the gel. 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Photographing the samples. 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm Preparing for a class the following day. And here are some details of waht they do: Marine biology is the perfect career choice for budding underwater explorers—those who are fascinated by ocean creatures like sharks, crabs, fish, and coral. Marine biologists are scientists who study saltwater organisms and their relationships to their environments. The specific subject areas that marine biologists can focus on are almost limitless. Some might research the migration of ocean seals, while others might investigate the interaction between sea anemones and coral in a certain area. They also look at the complex chemical makeup of marine toxins, both natural (in poisonous sea creatures) and man-made. Many marine biologists work at large aquariums, caring for the creatures that live there. Others study the population fluctuations in different species of fish. Many marine biologists are research scientists. They study ocean systems as well as their relationships to people and environmental concerns, and develop ways in which to solve problems. One large area of concern now is climate change and the effect it will have on the ocean ecosystem. Marine biologists do both independent research and teamwork with other professionals. A marine biologist may work with engineers, business managers, technicians, and scientists from other disciplines. Some marine biologists move into management positions after years of research. They often plan and administer programs at fisheries, or direct activities at aquariums. They may also act as consultants to government organizations, or become professors at colleges and universities. Many of them work in environmental agencies. Marine biotechnologists develop new underwater technologies. Marine biologists often work as research scientists. Their employers range from private industries to universities to government and non-profit laboratories. Some marine biologists also work independently of these institutions, though they usually depend on government grants or other sources of funding. Most marine biologists work regular hours in a laboratory, nine to 10 hours a day, 40 to 50 hours a week. They use electron microscopes, computers and other specialized equipment to study specimens. Many marine biologists also do fieldwork. This can require travelling to remote (and sometimes exciting) locations, and often demands physical stamina. Living conditions during fieldwork can be uncomfortable, especially if the field work requires the scientist to live onboard a ship for long periods of time. While newer ships may have improved living quarters and amenities such as showers and television, it is still easy to become aggravated with the confined quarters, continuous close personal contact with crewmates, and the absence of family. Overtime and weekend work is common for marine biologists. Those working as professors may work up to 60 hours a week. https://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetails.aspx?LoginID=56838E70-BF60-4424-917C-C1BD55F4FBF0-&OccNumber=266&field=WorkCond