Biology majors concentrate their efforts on the study of life. People with undergraduate degrees in the biosciences are now working at the very frontiers of knowledge, making advances in medicine, genetics, biotechnology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The biosciences may be ideal for you if you have a need to discover how things work, love puzzles and mysteries, enjoy research and analysis, are creative, good at problem-solving, enjoy science, math and critical reading and like to work as part of a team.
Biology majors are found at nearly all colleges, often as part of a liberal arts education. There are different advantages to studying biology at smaller colleges or at larger research institutions. The small college approach tends to provide students with a strong foundation in the core biology courses, but newer specialty majors such as biotechnology may only be available at larger universities. The quality of research differs too, as do the opportunities to engage in undergraduate research with a professor. When comparing biology programs at different schools, ask about availability of undergraduate research, and inquire about the number of biology graduates who go on to graduate programs in that field. Examine the course catalog carefully to learn about the breadth and depth of classes offered at the colleges you’re considering.
Biology majors are generalists. They study the structure and function of living organisms, and learn about both genetics and evolution. Typical courses include molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, comparative anatomy, plant and animal physiology, ecology, parasitology, botany and zoology. Biology majors spend a good deal of their time in the lab or in the field. There is so much information to be covered that bio majors might take two or three different lab courses in the same semester. Biology graduates often go on to become teachers, lab technicians, pharmaceutical or biotech marketing representatives, or, with graduate study, health care professionals, university professors or corporate researchers.
Biochemistry majors study the chemistry of living organisms, seeking to discover how chemistry contributes to function. In addition to taking the core biology courses, biochem majors also take many of the classes that would be needed for a chemistry degree. Majoring in biochemistry is a logical choice for those students planning on careers in the health sciences. Biochem graduates are also employed by biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology or testing companies. Many go on to graduate work in biochemistry, or advanced study in such areas as biomedical engineering or biotechnology.
Marine biologists learn about life in underwater environments. They study marine organisms ranging from single-celled microorganisms to huge marine mammals. Marine biology majors need to learn about the different marine environments and ecosystems. Fieldwork (as well as lab work) is often a large component of marine biology programs. Graduates are employed in environmental programs as lab researchers or as fishery biologists, or they may work at museums or aquariums. Graduate degrees are needed for research and academic positions.
Molecular biologists focus on the molecular components that make up cells. Through chemical analysis, they examine gene function and regulation, learn about how cells differentiate and replicate, and study the role of proteins in cellular processes. Courses required for this major include core biology and chemistry classes with additional study in cellular biology, molecular biology, endocrinology, biostatistics, and biochemistry. Graduates may go on to careers as genetic counselors or forensic scientists, or they may study for advanced degrees if they wish to pursue a career in research.
Careers for Biology Majors
- Agricultural & Food Scientist
- Arborist
- Aquarist
- Biological Scientist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biotechnology
- Botanist
- Carbon Trader
- Geneticist
- Cave Biologist
- College/University Faculty
- Consumer Products Scientist
- Entomologist
- Fish & Game Warden
- Food Scientist
- Forensic Scientist
- Conservation Scientist
- Science Writer
- Horticulturist
- Hospital Medical Assistants
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Mammal Scientist
- Medical Geneticist
- Medical Illustrator
- Microbiologist
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Plant Breeding Technologist
- Science Technician
- Veterinary Technologist
Others interested in the biosciences may choose to major in genetics, zoology, microbiology, entomology, botany, biotechnology, or cell biology. You can learn more about these majors in The College Board Book of Majors.
