Biology professors teach and develop curricula for college and university students, conduct research, oversee labs, and meet with students during office hours. They may also participate in committees and public outreach programs.
A biology professor provides instructions for studying living things. Professors are commonly employed by colleges and universities, but may also participate in public outreach programs, workplace education, and training in other locations. They typically hold advanced degrees in biological sciences and related subjects to qualify them to teach. Some also conduct research as part of their work and may be involved in committees associated with an institution’s biology department.
One aspect of the job involves curriculum development. A biology teacher may take multiple classes and needs to design appropriate curricula, considering the subject, level, and any requirements set by government agencies. This might include creating a study plan with a reading schedule and discussions about assignments, exams, and other assignments that may come up over the term. It is common to reuse curricula across classes and grades, with some updates for new information, textbook changes, and other events.
In the lecture sections, the instructor talks to the class about biology topics and answers questions. This may include using multimedia to provide more information. A biology professor may also oversee lab and field periods, where students engage in experiments to learn more and participate in activities such as specimen dissection. This may require discussing safety issues with students, monitoring activity in the lab, and guiding students who are struggling with lab work.
Outside of class, a biology teacher may have office hours to meet with students. They provide an opportunity for people to ask questions, request assistance, and talk about careers in biology and other topics of interest. Students will be able to schedule appointments outside of these hours if they want to speak with a teacher and there is a scheduling conflict. Biology professors can also conduct research and accept some employed students to help them with projects.
Part-time faculty may not have additional responsibilities, although they may volunteer to work with the department, such as serving on committees or participating in public campaigns. A full-time professor of biology might be expected to attend department meetings and serve on one or more committees. These committees are involved in activities such as setting department policy, organizing conferences, and deciding which classes to offer. Some professors may also act as liaisons to other departments and the institution’s administration, representing their department at faculty functions and other events. This may also involve meeting with community members with concerns about funding and university policy who want to learn more about the classes and other activities offered at the institution.
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