Biological Sciences
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers graduate programs in molecular biosciences and ecology and evolutionary biology, as well as undergraduate major programs in Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biosciences. Students may also choose to concentrate in areas such as botany, cellular biology, developmental biology, environmental biology, ecology,entomology, genetics, marine biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, paleontology, physiology, systematics, or zoology (vertebrate or invertebrate). Biology is a branch of the natural sciences, and is the study of living organisms and how they interact with their environment. Biology deals with every aspect of life in a living organism and examines the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things as well as its application to human technology.
Molecular Biosciences Department
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Bachelors of Applied Biological Sciences
Sample of Related Skills
- Engage in the evidence-based process of science by demonstrating the ability to pose problem-based questions based on observations, generating hypotheses, designing experiments, and drawing conclusions
- Conduct data analysis and interpretation by demonstrating the ability to perform basic mathematical computations and apply statistical methods to analyze data
- Demonstrate the ability to apply an understanding of the major concepts in biology including evolution, information flow, structure and function, pathways of energy, and systems
- Use biological instrumentation and proper laboratory techniques
- Understand the risks and proper protocol for testing on animal and human subjects
- Communicate scientific ideas in both written and oral formats
Popular Career Paths
Botany: Involves the study of plants and their environment. Some botanists will focus on certain species, while others study numerous aspects of plant life in such areas as identification and classification; the structure and function of plant parts; cures and causes of plants; and more.
Zoology: Focuses on the study of animals, including their physiology, development, interaction, and environment. Additionally, many zoologist play an integral role in solving health and social problems in society.
Forensic Sciences: Focuses on science and its use in proving the guilt or innocence of individuals of criminal offenses.
Medical Sciences: Includes direct patient contact, technological, and research careers. Medical scientists often develop treatments for health problems, as well as ways to prevent the development of health problems.
Biology Education: Involves teaching in an elementary, secondary, or post-secondary institution. Teachers must not only be knowledgeable in their subject but must also be able to communicate, develop lesson plans, motivate students, provide classroom management, and inspire.
Clinical Research: Involves the research and development behind medical technology and pharmaceuticals. Researchers must be familiar with clinical research standards and the FDA approval process.
Others: Agriculture, Environmental Biology, Information Systems, Writing/Illustration/Photography, Aquatic Sciences, Quality Control
Jobs to Consider
- Agronomist
- Biotechnologist
- ​Clinical Researcher
- Conservation Biologist
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Cytologist
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- Environmental Scientist
- Food & Drug Inspector
- Forensic Scientist
- Forester
- Geneticist
- Horticulturist
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Technologist
- Park Ranger
- Patent Examiner
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Pharmacologist/Toxicologist
- Quarantine Officer
- Sanitarian
- Science Writer
- Zoologist/Marine Biologist
- Epidemiologist
Places to Seek Employment
- Aquariums
- Blood Banks
- Botanical Gardens
- Conservation Associations
- Cooperative Extension Agencies
- Crime Scene Laboratories
- Educational Institutions
- Federal and State Government Agencies
- Zoos
- Food Processing Plants
- Health Departments
- Healthcare Facilities
- Laboratories
- Law Enforcement Agencies
- Museums
- National Institutes of Health
- National Park Service
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- U.S. and State Departments of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- Food & Drug Administration
- Science Magazines
Explore More Career Resources
American Association for the Advancement of Science - career development advice and resources, as well as internship and fellowship listings
American Institute of Biological Sciences - information on careers in biology including how to prepare, the job outlook, and job and internship listings
Student Conservation Association - internships to help protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states
Conservation Job Board - list of jobs related to biology
Education-Portal.com - information on careers in biology (including an informative video), as well as job outlook and salary information
Explorehealthcareers.org - a comprehensive website with information on issues in healthcare, career exploration tools, profiles of students and professionals in the health care field, and more
Forensic Science Careers - a guide to the career opportunities available in forensic science presented by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology - FAQ's and specific field information for exploring careers in biology