A biology professor teaches biology at a college or university and usually also runs research and mentors students. The path is long, so we will take it in three stages: build a strong biology and quantitative base, become hireable through a PhD, research experience, and teaching evidence, then grow into a tenure-track or senior role. You will be paid to learn in graduate school, so you should not pay tuition for a PhD in the sciences. Funded PhD programs normally cover tuition and give a stipend. Each stage builds on the last, and you can do this one step at a time.
See the full roadmap free
Every stage from beginner to expert, with lessons, practice drills, projects, interview questions and free resources. Free with a Rolearch account.
Stage 1 of 3 · about 40 weeks
Master core biology, chemistry, and statistics, and get your first taste of lab research so you can enter a PhD program with confidence.
Core biology concepts
Every course you will ever teach rests on cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. If you can explain them simply, you understand them deeply.
Chemistry and biochemistry foundations
Life is chemistry. Understanding bonds, thermodynamics, enzymes, and metabolism lets you explain why cells behave as they do.
Statistics and data analysis
Biology is now quantitative. You will design experiments, analyze results, and teach students to judge evidence, so you need t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and p-value interpretation.
Basic lab techniques and lab notebooks
You will supervise student lab work, so you must know the techniques first-hand: pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, sterile technique, and careful record keeping.
Reading primary literature
Professors stay current by reading papers. The skill is knowing how to extract the question, method, result, and weakness quickly.
Then 2 more stages (about 560 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 6 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.