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Zoologist

Zoologists are biologists who study the structures, characteristics, functions, ecology and environments of animals to increase scientific knowledge and develop practical applications in wildlife management, conservation, agriculture and medicine.

Zoologists usually specialise in one aspect of study such as entomology (insects), parasitology (internal and external parasites), ecology (environment of animals), ethology (animal behaviour), ichthyology (fish), mammalogy (mammals), ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles) or physiology (functions of animals).

TASKS

Zoologists may perform the following tasks:

investigate the interrelationships between animals and their environment by studying animals in their natural surroundings, as well as in captivity and laboratories
study and perform experiments to identify species and gather data on growth, nutrition, reproduction, prey and predators
study the development and functions of animals
devise methods of population control, especially of vermin and pests
develop programmes to increase or manage the population of wild animals and animals in captivity
undertake surveys of fauna and prepare reports for management agencies
prepare or supervise the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers
supervise and coordinate the work of technical officers and technicians
conduct lectures at tertiary institutions
participate in wildlife awareness programmes for the public

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

a keen interest in research and the study of living organisms
good observation skills
able to work accurately
a logical approach to problem-solving
good oral and written communication skills
able to work independently or as part of a team

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a zoologist you usually have to complete a degree in science or applied science at university with a major in zoology or biological sciences. Postgraduate qualifications may enhance employment prospects in the field of zoology.

To get into these degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, earth and environmental science, chemistry, mathematics and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities for employment are varied. Some zoology graduates work as laboratory or research assistants in applied, biomedical and pure research projects. Zoologists with postgraduate qualifications may be employed in teaching and research in universities and colleges, or in pure and applied research in the animal, ecosystem and marine divisions of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

They may also be employed by museums, zoos, state and territory departments of agriculture, and organisations concerned with conservation, wildlife management, environmental control, fisheries and national parks. In addition, there are positions in the animal breeding and genetics industry. Some zoology graduates obtain a postgraduate qualification in education and teach science in secondary schools.

Employment prospects for zoologists depend on the amount of biological and agricultural research conducted by government agencies, universities and other organisations.