Major in Biology

Whether you have a bachelor’s in biology, a master’s, or a PhD, you can choose your path as a scientist in the real world. Find out what you can do with a biology degree:

For the Biology Major

Deciding what you want to do with your life right after college is a big deal. But you don’t have to determine your entire career now. Follow these steps for biologists with a Bachelor of Science degree as you start to make your decision:

1. Take part-time jobs and internships. Your biology professors likely have connections to other researchers and biologists across industries. Now is the time to experiment and discover what you like – before you make any big decisions. Use your connections to try out different positions and industries.
2. Determine whether you want to continue learning. Is there a topic you haven’t yet exhausted? Do you still get a thrill from learning new things in your labs and lectures? Are you considering teaching? If so, you might continue on to a master’s degree in biology, or even a PhD.
3. Talk to a mentor. Whether that’s your advisor at school or a biology professional you look up to, schedule time to talk about your options. Ask for help narrowing your interests and finding relevant opportunities. Find ways to put your passion to work, and determine how to get there.

Jobs for Biology Degrees

The American Institute of Biological Sciences has great tips for starting your biology career and a comprehensive list of job paths. Explore the following biology career opportunities, and find one that fits your education and research goals:

• Biotechnology: Use your biology skills to create advanced tools.
• Science museums: Teach classes, care for organisms and exhibits, and bring biology to the community.
• Research: Explore the world in labs or the natural environment to advance the field and solve problems.
• Healthcare: Research and create campaigns to advance the abilities and effectiveness of the medical field.
• Politics: With environmentalism ever on the rise, drive legislation related to environmental protection and biomedical research.
• Forensics: Solve crimes by specializing in anthropology, crime scenes, medicine, and more.
• Business and Economics: Develop strategies to address the economic impact of biological issues. Or test new drug products and services to advance medicine.
• Writing & Art: Write and/or illustrate textbooks and articles to inform the public on biological issues.
• Education: Become a grade school or high school teacher, or college professor, to immerse yourself in academia, which involves teaching and advanced research.

The Department of Biology offers study in the field of biological sciences to provide students with a broad, foundational education in the biological sciences through authentic learning experiences. The Department offers 2 degree programs, a Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSB) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (BA).

The goal of both programs is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue professional careers in the health sciences, biological sciences, and science education, or to obtain an advanced degree in science. Undergraduate students in both the BS and BA programs practice up-to-date research and/or laboratory techniques, critical thinking, and independent learning in each of 3 sub-disciplines of biology (Sub-Organismal, Organismal, and Ecology and Evolution). Additionally, students in the BA gain interdisciplinary experiences acquired through minor and language requirements. In establishing these goals and activities, the faculty followed the recommendations for standards established by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT, 2008)¹, and those recommended by Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education (2011)².

The faculty is dedicated to providing students a challenging education that provides a foundation for life-long learning and an appreciation of biological processes and biological diversity. Our programs support the University’s mission to develop a fertile learning environment for majors exemplified by a free exchange of ideas, high academic expectations, and individual responsibility for academic achievement.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the BSB and BA in Biology, majors will be able to:

PLO1. Recall and apply knowledge of broad-based concepts, in an interdisciplinary framework with evolution as a unifying theme, in biology. Outcomes will be evaluated based on adequate completion of coursework and experiences in laboratory courses. The broad-based concepts include the following in the appropriate subdiscipline (1. Molecular/Cellular/Developmental Biology, 2. Physiology, and 3. Evolution and Ecology): Evolutionary mechanisms; Structure and function; Information flow, exchange, and storage; Pathways and transfer of matter and energy; Connections and interactions of living systems and maintenance of biodiversity.

PLO2. Identify and differentiate biodiversity and natural resources both globally and regionally (the Coastal Plain of Georgia) and describe the relationship between humans and these resources. This includes basic knowledge of the major taxonomic groups in the region and the importance of local ecosystems (i.e., salt-water marshes) to organisms, humans, and the biosphere.

PLO3. Engage in the process of science in biology by 1) developing questions and hypotheses 2) designing experiments 3) collecting data 4) analyzing data, 5) quantitative reasoning, 6) modeling, and/or 7) drawing conclusions.

PLO4. Communicate knowledge and apply understanding of basic biological principles by using 1) discipline specific language, format style, structure, and audience identification; 2) standard organization around a central message; 3) credible scientific supporting material; 4) a coherent and succinct delivery;  5) visual and/or oral communication skills to enhance written text and presentation of scientific data.

PLO5. Articulate how biology is conducted in a societal context by identifying social dimensions of biology practice.