The science of fish, including their anatomy, behavior, environment, and interactions with other organisms, is known as ichthyology. Professional ichthyologists conduct extensive field and laboratory research on a variety of fish species and publish their findings in scientific journals. Some scientists use their expertise to aid conservation and fisheries management efforts. An ichthyologist can gain experience working as a research assistant and then pursue an advanced degree in zoology, biology, or fish science. Following graduation, a new scientist will find plenty of job opportunities at private laboratories, universities, and government agencies.
If someone thinks he or she wants to be an ichthyologist, they should think about the responsibilities and personality traits of those who work in the field. It can be a thrilling job at times, especially when scientists get to travel to exotic locations or make significant research breakthroughs. The majority of an ichthyologist’s time is spent in laboratories examining specimens, entering data into computers, and writing reports. People who are detail-oriented, organized, hardworking, and truly interested in nature are best suited for this career.
The minimum educational requirement for becoming an ichthyologist is usually a bachelor’s degree in biology or zoology. A prospective student can look into four-year universities with reputable science departments to see which ones will offer the best chances to get into the field. Undergraduate biology, chemistry, and environmental science courses introduce students to the scientific method, terminology, and equipment used by ichthyologists in the classroom and in the lab. While pursuing their degrees, many aspiring scientists apply for research assistant positions at university laboratories to gain hands-on experience conducting actual studies.
Some bachelor’s degree holders can find full-time field research positions, but those who want to conduct independent research typically need to pursue an advanced degree. An ichthyologist can be trained through a two-year master’s or four-year doctoral program in fish science or zoology. The first half of a graduate program is typically spent taking advanced lecture and laboratory courses in fish science. The second half of the course is usually devoted to independent practical research on a specific topic, such as the ecological effects of water pollution or fish genetics. To earn a degree, a student must present research in the form of a thesis or dissertation.
A student can speak with his or her professors near graduation to get leads on possible job opportunities. He or she could work for a fishery, a nonprofit environmental organization, or a government agency as an ichthyologist. Some scientists prefer to work at universities, where they can conduct research while also teaching classes part-time. To gain practical experience in the field, most new ichthyologists begin their careers as assistants to established professionals. A scientist can design and carry out independent studies after gaining experience.