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Biology
A major in biological science provides the student with a broad background in an area that has numerous sub-specialties and consequently, multiple career possibilities. Course work includes biology, zoology, botany, microbiology, ecology, embryology and genetics. Chemistry, physics and mathematics courses support the biology curriculum and provide the appropriate background and methodology needed for an understanding of biology.
A major or minor is offered in biology. All programs aim to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the creative and critical nature of scientific thought, as well as knowledge of the processes involved in the phenomenon of life.
The student considering Biology as a major should enjoy working with people, data and things and would have basic aptitudes for planning and organization, analysis, critical and logical thinking, problem solving, communication, attention to detail and understanding relationships. Valuable personal attributes might include curiosity, determination, initiative, self-discipline and creativity. Some students obtain licensure for Adolescent and Young Adult Education to teach in secondary education.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Agriculture scientist
Biological research
Biochemist
Biological photographer
Biostatistician Botanist
College professor
Consumer product researcher
Dietetics technician
Ecologist
Educational television producer
Entomologist
Environmental educator
Environmental impact specialist
Fisheries biologist
Forester
Genetic counselor Geneticist
Health information specialist
Health inspector
Horticulturist
Industrial hygienist
Insurance claims representative
Marine biologist
Medical technologist
Medical illustrator
Microbiologist
Molecular biologist
Museum curator
Nuclear medicine technician
Park naturalist
Pharmaceutical researcher
Pharmacologist
Physician
Plant pathologist
Professional magazine editor
Public health officer
Research technician
Researcher
Science librarian
Science writer
Scientific illustrator
Scientific information specialist
Secondary science teacher
Technical rep./salesperson
Technical writer
Toxicologist
Veterinarian
Wildlife manager
Zoo keeper/curator
IThese positions may require advanced degrees.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Information on employment outlook for the occupations listed above may be found at America’s Career InfoNet, http://www.acinet.org, the Occupational Information Network, http://online.onetcenter.org, or the Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/oco.
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Atomic Energy Commission
Colleges and universities
Consulting firms
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of the Interior
E.P.A.
Fertilizer and seed companies
Food industry
Greenhouses
Hospitals
Laboratories
Local governments
Lumber, paper and logging companies
Military
National park services
N.A.S.A.
Non-profit research organizations
Pharmaceutical companies
Private industry
Public health services
Scientific publishing companies
Secondary schools
Zoos
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Astor, Bart. What Can You Do With a Major in Biology, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2005.
- *Belinokoff, Kathleen. Opportunities in Biological Science Careers, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2004.
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 2, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- *Fogg, Neeta, et.al. The College Majors Handbook, Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, Inc., 2004.
- Goldberg, Jan. Real People Working in Science, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1998.
- *Heizmann, Sam. The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century, Washington, DC: Island
Press, 1999.
- Ulick, R.B., editor. Life Sciences Jobs Handbook, Gaithersburg, MD: R.B. Ulick Assoc., 1979.
Professional Associations
- American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1444 I Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, http://www.aibs.org.
- American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.asm.org.
- National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, 2625 Clearwater Road, Suite 110, St. Cloud, MN 56301, http://www.nwrawildlife.org.
Web sites
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