If your not an expert in science/math, can you still become a Zoologist?

I love animals and would want a career with them. I know that Biology plays a big part in Zoology, but I got a "C" when i took Biology. I also have an "B" in math. The higher math is a bit harder for me.

If your not an expert in science/math, can you still become a Zoologist?
You can ber whatever you want to be, when there is a will there is a way.





Jan 21, 2007
Reply:to study biology you will be confronted with biochemistry, physics and maths. The maths you will need are basically statistics. If you are not comfortable with this, maybe you should choose another profession. If you like working with animals, but don't like science too much, maybe zookeeper is more what you will want to do.
Reply:Zoology is all about science. The position of a zoologist doesn't have that much interaction with animals most of the time. You may want to look into what a zoologist really does. Maybe you might want to look into the idea of being a vet tech, I've heard that there isn't much schooling required and you would be a lot more hands on with the animals. Good luck.
Reply:Being "good" at science is a necessary evil when becoming a zoologist, but there are things you can do to help yourself. Study, study, study of course. And remember, there is no shame in getting a tutor. Sometimes if you hear something explained a different way by someone other than your professor, it can make more sense. Also, many professors have office hours--time they set aside each week where students are welcome to come get help. Take advantage of this! It will help a lot if you can have some personalized attention from your professor and you can ask all your questions one-on-one instead of in front of the oodles of students who are your class.


I am not a math or science ace by any means (although, I'm always reading, always trying to stay up with what's new in the field, always learning new things), but I was able to get my degree in zoology and a job in my field (which I LOVE). All my hard work paid off (and I was never afraid to ask for help). Good luck to you!
Reply:I earned a degree in zoology even though I am terrible at math. I struggled through my math, and math related classes such as chemistry and physics. I suggest you get a tutor to help you get through those classes, and to always seek help from the professor as well. Get a study group, or "homework" group going, it really helped me to work with other students who had a better understanding of math. Also found that sometimes learning from other students was more helpful than learning from the professor. Don't let the math keep you from doing what you really want to do. I rarely even use any of the math I learned in school in my career, although I use my zoology classes on a daily basis. Don't give up! Good Luck.
Reply:If you want to pursue a career in Zoology, you will probably learn about the specific methodologies that you'll actually use when you're a more or less advanced student, and when you start working.


Some research topics require lots of theoretical maths, or statistics, while others are more qualitative. The mathematical/statistical tools that you use will depend on this.





In any case, you will find that a basic but solid knowledge of physics, chemistry and especially statistics is necessary.


This is not "difficult", but it will take some effort if you don't have a good background, so now is probably a good time to concentrate on your difficulties and improve.


Don't be discouraged; if you really want to be a zoologist, you can overcome these difficulties.





I'm a zoologist myself, but I don't live in the US and I don't know your local academic system. If you're in doubt, I suggest you contact the Zoology department of a university where you'd like to study; they'll be able to indicate the qualifications you need.





Good luck!