Majors: Biology
Biology is the study of all living things - from bacteria and viruses that can be
seen only under a microscope, to plants, animals, and humans and their relationship
to their environments. Biology majors study the structure and function of cells,
organ systems and tissues in animals and plants, ecology (the relationship between
living things and their environment), and evolution. They learn about physiology,
behavior, genetics and heredity, aquatic toxicology, microscopic organisms such as
bacteria, and laboratory techniques for diverse areas ranging from field research
o biotechnology. This major provides a solid foundation of understanding in the basic biological sciences. It also offers an opportunity to choose an area of emphasis within life sciences that is related to particular career goals. (For example, anatomy of cell and molecular biology for biomedical professions or biotechnology, aquatic biology for marine biologists, plant molecular biology for agricultural biotechnology, etc.)
Students will
- Interpret scientific data
- Demonstrate strong organizational and laboratory skills
- Define scientific hypotheses and design experiments to test them
- Work effectively in groups
- Demonstrate strong writing and oral communication skills.
Potential Occupations
Training in biology prepares students for a very large number of occupations. Some involve daily interaction with dozens of people, others can be done in relative isolation; some are highly focused, others require knowledge far beyond science. Career options related to biology include water quality assessments, field and lab technician work, biotechnology in biomedical sciences and agriculture, genetic research, agriculture, or sales (i.e., pharmaceutical, agricultural). Graduates work in small business, multinational corporations, academia, and government research laboratories and policy agencies. A degree in biological sciences offers a broad foundation for dental, medical, or veterinary school, and a number of health professions such as podiatry or optometry. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees in life sciences to carry out basic research or advance into leadership positions in industry.
Combining biology with non-science skills can also lead to exciting careers. Biology and English can be incorporated into a career as a technical writer or science fiction novelist. Biology and art are combined in medical and scientific illustration. Biology and computer science can be linked in the exciting area of bioinformatics, or as an historian of science or medicine. Work in both biology and philosophy/ religion can be incorporated in careers in bioethics. Biology is linked with psychology for the neuroscientist or genetic counselor. Study biology and political science to work in environmental law or be a patent lawyer in biotechnology. Try mixing biology and business to get into hospital administration, small business or biotechnology administration. Specialized master's degrees are designed for many of these unique career paths.
Some career opportunities include, but are not limited to: aquarium, zoo, and museum worker; assistant research scientist; research technician in industry or university laboratories; biology photographer; biotechnologist; brewery laboratory assistant; consumer product researcher; marine bacteriologist, biologist, or ecologist; nuclear medicine technician; park naturalist; pharmaceutical researcher or salesperson; public health officer; science librarian; environmental educator, health specialist, or impact specialist; ecologist; fisheries biologist or conservationist; industrial hygienist; occupational therapist (with a master's degree); medical or clinical laboratory technologist; Peace Corps volunteer.
If you have any career-related questions or if you would just like to get an idea of whether or not you are in the correct major, please contact Judy Brobst at Judy.Brobst@colostate.edu .