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Science faculty member vs adjunct biology instructor

The differences between science faculty members and adjunct biology instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a science faculty member and an adjunct biology instructor. Additionally, an adjunct biology instructor has an average salary of $86,786, which is higher than the $70,683 average annual salary of a science faculty member.

The top three skills for a science faculty member include philosophy, social work and physiology. The most important skills for an adjunct biology instructor are anatomy, student learning, and general biology.

Science faculty member vs adjunct biology instructor overview

Science Faculty MemberAdjunct Biology Instructor
Yearly salary$70,683$86,786
Hourly rate$33.98$41.72
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs30,80638,331
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

What does a science faculty member do?

A science faculty member teaches the science subject and facilitates laboratory activities. They can work in elementary schools, high schools, and even colleges and universities. Their responsibilities typically include developing lesson and coursework plans, preparing teaching materials, conducting quizzes and examinations, establishing guidelines, and monitoring the students' academic progress, assisting them when necessary. Moreover, as a science faculty member, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with the faculty staff and keep a safe and healthy classroom environment for the students.

What does an adjunct biology instructor do?

An adjunct biology instructor is an adjunct faculty member whose responsibility is to teach biology-related courses. Adjunct biology instructors are educators who are employed on a part-time or contractual basis. Typically, they teach prep or introductory undergraduate courses every semester for the entire academic year. The instructors conduct lectures and lab experiments and other activities. It is expected of them to maintain equipment, reagent inventories, and labs. They also provide assistance in developing and revising the necessary courses.

Science faculty member vs adjunct biology instructor salary

Science faculty members and adjunct biology instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Science Faculty MemberAdjunct Biology Instructor
Average salary$70,683$86,786
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $125,000Between $48,000 And $156,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PAOakland, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyAtrium Health FloydKern Community College District
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between science faculty member and adjunct biology instructor education

There are a few differences between a science faculty member and an adjunct biology instructor in terms of educational background:

Science Faculty MemberAdjunct Biology Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeCornell UniversityCornell University

Science faculty member vs adjunct biology instructor demographics

Here are the differences between science faculty members' and adjunct biology instructors' demographics:

Science Faculty MemberAdjunct Biology Instructor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 48.7% Female, 51.3%Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 14.7% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between science faculty member and adjunct biology instructor duties and responsibilities

Science faculty member example responsibilities.

  • Used blackboard online to manage students tests, grade papers and assign materials.
  • Develop lectures for review of anatomy and physiology as well as in depth pathophysiology lectures pertaining to certain medical conditions.
  • Attend meetings and suggest ideas for club improvements and involvements within the math and science field
  • Plan and conduct botany, ecology, and biochemistry education programs for the college student.
  • Supervise the content, design, and delivery mechanism of mathematics and sciences courses for adult learners.
  • Supervise articulation agreements with other colleges.
  • Show more

Adjunct biology instructor example responsibilities.

  • Lead and engage students in case study discussions regarding physiological scenarios.
  • Develop and implement class syllabus, complement and implement existing lecture and laboratory instructional materials.
  • Design research skills seminar to provide advanced training in technical laboratory skills to communication within the scientific community and the public.
  • Incorporate technology into the classroom via computers, word processing, Internet research, PowerPoint presentations and various problem solving exercises.
  • Present course information via Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Introduce undergraduate students to concepts in intermediate microeconomics, money & banking, corporate finance and environmental economics.
  • Show more

Science faculty member vs adjunct biology instructor skills

Common science faculty member skills
  • Philosophy, 12%
  • Social Work, 9%
  • Physiology, 6%
  • Scholarship, 6%
  • Anatomy, 6%
  • Science Courses, 6%
Common adjunct biology instructor skills
  • Anatomy, 15%
  • Student Learning, 14%
  • General Biology, 7%
  • Learning Outcomes, 7%
  • Science Courses, 7%
  • Teaching Methodologies, 6%

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