Introduction to Career in Entomology
Entomology is a sub-field of zoology which is a branch of biology. Entomology is the study of insects. Here we discuss about career in Entomology.
What is Entomology?
Entomology deals with the study of insects, vermin, scorpions, spiders and similar other species.
Application of study of entomology is to find basis for developments in biological and chemical pest control, biotechnology research and development, food and product storage etc. This also helps to understand the history and future of life on Earth.
One who are in the field of entomology are known as entomologists.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Entomologist
Their nature of work is entirely based on insects and related factors. They study the insects and their relationships to plants, animals and humans. They carry out research on insects to its use and control to protect the environment, prevent diseases, agricultural production, protect endangered species, etc.
Work role of an entomologist are based on the type and nature of work they involved in. Some work in the field and others work in laboratory, research, administrative level, etc.
Educational Qualification Required for Career in Entomology
A bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in Entomology is a required qualification to work as an entomologist. Entomology is mostly a sub specialization of other subjects in graduate level. Only few colleges are offering BSc. In entomology in India.
Skills and Knowledge Required for Career in Entomology
Interest in the field of biological science and organisms are very important to become a good entomologist. Other than this knowledge and interest one must posses certain skills like research aptitude, analytical skills, problem solving skills, communication (both written and oral) skills, presentation skills, etc.
An entomologist must be a person with good interest in updating his / her knowledge. They must study throughout their life to update with new scientific developments that occur in this field.
How to become an Entomologist?
To become an entomologist one has to opt for science stream including PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) in 10+2 or equivalent. After 10+2 they can opt for any degree in biological sciences like botany, zoology, agricultural science, forestry, microbiology, life sciences, etc.
Then they can go for post-graduate degree in entomology or related fields. They can further continue their studies to get MPhil or PhD in entomology will surely add up to the scope for higher positions or academic positions in entomology.
Different Courses in Entomology
The study of entomology includes various aspects like morphology, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, paleontology, etc.
Based on family of insects they study, different specialization in entomology includes:
Apiology – study of bees (especially honey bees)
Coleopterology – study of beetles
Dipterology – study of flies (house flies, mosquitoes, etc.)
Hemipterology – study of bedbugs, squashbugs and aphids
Lepidopterology – study of moths and butterflies
Myrmecology – study of ants
Orthopterology – study of orthoptera (grasshoppers, cockroaches, crickets, mantises, etc.)
Trichopeterology – study of caddis flies
Based on the area of work the specialization can be as follows:
Agricultural entomology
Forest entomology
Insect entomology
Medical entomology
Military entomology
Veterinary entomology
Where do I get the Job?
Career opportunities are high for entomology in different fields. The scope of career has been in different fields of specializations like medical or public health, agricultural, forest, military, forensic, veterinary, etc.
Research and academic field offer great scope in the field of entomology. For this position one has to obtain a higher qualification like PhD in entomology.
Many companies related to agriculture, veterinary, food, horticulture, health, environmental, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. offer jobs for an entomologist.