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Biologists

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This guide will help you find the information you need to start working in British Columbia. You can use the menu buttons to move between sections of the guide.

NOC 2021: 21110 / NOC 2016: 2121

Job Description

Biologists carry out research to gain knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture.

Biologists and related scientists may specialize at the macroscopic level, in fields such as:

  • zoology, ecology and marine biology

or at the cellular and molecular level, in fields such as:

  • genetics, pharmacology, toxicology.

As a Biologist, you perform the following duties:

  • plan and carry out studies of the environment
  • plan and carry out studies of the population, distribution, structure, functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
  • carry out environmental impact studies and prepare reports
  • study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
  • carry out experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
  • prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources

As a Microbiologist and cell and molecular biologist you perform the following duties:

  • carry out research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and algae
  • research the structure and workings of human, animal and plant tissues and cells
  • carry out studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal microorganisms and poisons
  • run clinical or laboratory studies to test, check and screen drugs
  • carry out molecular or biochemical studies and experiments into genetics, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology
  • carry out research in biotechnology to find, develop, refine and evaluate new products

Source: National Occupational Classification [search Biologists]