Biologists use basic methods of research to gather data to prove or disprove theories about how organisms work and to help find advancement in medicine. They do work with agriculture and develop new fruits and vegetables less susceptible to nuisances and pests, and make other agricultural improvements. Biological scientists can also work to help improve some industrial processes.

There are many types of biologists but the two main subsections in the science are macroscopic and microscopic. Macroscopic biology involves objects that are measurable and visible by the naked eye. Microscopic biology on the other hand requires microscopes to view the objects being studied. Most biologists engage in both types of research at one point or another, so it might be more important to classify biologists by their topic of specialization.

In most cases, a Ph.D is required to conduct independent research which is usually on a specialized topic of biology. Some of the basic research that is conducted involves studying bacteria and other infectious organisms for the purpose of understanding ways to develop improvements in the treatment and prevention of human health problems.