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Career Details : Biophysicists

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Description

Research or study physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Tasks

  • Studies physical principles of living cells and organisms and their electrical and mechanical energy.
  • Investigates damage to cells and tissues caused by x-rays and nuclear particles.
  • Investigates transmission of electrical impulses along nerves and muscles.
  • Analyzes functions of electronic and human brains, such as learning, thinking, and memory.
  • Studies absorption of light by chlorophyll in photosynthesis or by pigments of eye involved in vision.
  • Researches cancer treatment, using radiation and nuclear particles.
  • Investigates dynamics of seeing and hearing.
  • Studies spatial configuration of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-ray and electron microscope.
  • Researches manner in which characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations.
  • Researches transformation of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.

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    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Consequence of Error
    • Indoors
    • Frustrating Circumstances

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