Biology
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a range of introductory and advanced courses in the areas of zoology, botany, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, and ecology. The B.S. degree program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for employment, or future study that can lead to employment, in the biological sciences, within the context of a broad liberal arts education. In addition, our curriculum prepares students for employment, or future study that can lead to employment, in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, etc), environmental fields, teaching, and many areas of research (academic, industrial, governmental, medical, etc.) The biology faculty aim to facilitate a well-rounded educational experience for each student by providing challenging in-class instruction, hands-on laboratory and field experiences, and opportunities to engage in independent study.
Contact the Department
Biology Department
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
www.georgetowncollege.edu/bio/
Career Ideas for a Biology Major
AREA |
EMPLOYERS |
STRATEGIES |
BIOTECHNOLOGY |
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Become proficient using laboratory equipment and computers. Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced positions in research, development, and management. Take additional courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Complete an undergraduate laboratory research project with a professor. |
GENETICS |
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Acquire a broad background in sciences, mathematics, and computer technology. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced positions in research and management. Earn a master’s degree from an accredited program for genetic counseling. Complete an undergraduate research project with a professor. Find a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. |
MICROBIOLOGY |
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Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research and management positions. Develop additional competencies in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Take courses related to your field of interest or consider an advanced degree to specialize. Find a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. Complete an undergraduate research project with a professor. Develop strong skills using laboratory equipment and computers. |
BOTANY |
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Conduct undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Take courses in this specialized area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities. Take courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced positions in research and management. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. |
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY |
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Earn a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions. Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills. Get involved with undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. |
ENTOMOLOGY |
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Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions. Conduct undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Take courses in this specialized area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. |
MARINE AND AQUATIC BIOLOGY |
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Develop a good foundation in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, and chemistry. Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions. Obtain experience related to fishing and boating. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. Take specialized courses in this area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities. |
ZOOLOGY |
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Obtain experience working with animals and various related laboratory equipment. Develop a broad background in biology and other related subjects such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research and management positions. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. A zoological background is good preparation for a career in veterinary science or medicine, but an advanced degree is also required to practice. |
BIOMEDICAL |
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Obtain a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research positions. Acquire a background in physics, organic and physical chemistry, mathematics, and anatomy. Take courses in area(s) of specialization and/or consider an advanced degrees; some may require an M.D. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. |
BIOINFORMATICS |
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Double major or minor in computer science. Acquire experience working in teams. Develop in-depth programming and relational database skills. Learn molecular biology packages, web design, and programming skills. Complete an internship in your area of interest. |
EDUCATION |
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Certification is required for K-12 school teachers, and Ph.D. is needed in universities and colleges. Gain experience working with students through tutoring, interning, or volunteering. Learn to work well with all types of people. Develop excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills. |
HEALTHCARE |
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Plan to attend a medical school or other related graduate program. Maintain an outstanding grade point average, particularly in the sciences. Secure strong faculty recommendations. Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically. Join related student organizations. Demonstrate leadership abilities. Obtain a summer job, volunteer position, or an internship in a hospital. Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied. Consider alternative but related careers such as physician assistant and nurse practitioner. |
TECHNICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SALES |
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Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Take courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and chemistry. Obtain sales experience and/or a business minor. Hold leadership positions in campus organizations. Join the student American Marketing Association. | |
LEGISLATION/LAW |
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Acquire internships in federal or state government. Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Acquire a Ph.D for advanced positions. Take courses in history, political science and/or legal studies. Earn a J.D. degree to practice law. |
BIOLOGICAL PHOTOGRAPHY |
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Acquire thorough knowledge of photographic procedures and technology. Become skilled with medical and scientific instruments including microscopes. Take specific courses in biological, medical, and ophthalmic photography; courses in illustration and printing are also helpful. | |
TECHNICAL WRITING |
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Take advanced courses in technical writing or journalism classes or consider a minor in either. Develop strong writing skills and command of the English language. Obtain an advanced degree in scientific journalism. |
ILLUSTRATION |
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Double major or minor in graphic illustration. Acquire word processing and desktop publishing skills. Find a part-time, summer, co-op or internship position with a publisher or newspaper. | |
General Information
- A Bachelor’s degree will qualify one for work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist, or research assistant in education, industry, government, museums, parks, and gardens.
- An undergraduate degree can also be used for nontechnical work in writing, illustration, sales, photography, and legislation.
- Master’s degrees allow for more opportunities in research and administration. Some community colleges will hire Master’s level teachers.
- Doctoral degrees are necessary for advanced research and administrative positions, university teaching, and independent research.
- An advanced degree provides the opportunity to specialize under the different areas of the biological sciences.
- The biological sciences are good preparation for a career in healthcare such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, but professional degrees and licenses are also necessary to practice in these fields.
- Learn laboratory procedures and become familiar with equipment.
- Obtain summer, part-time, volunteer, co-op, or internship experience to test the fields of interest and gain valuable experience.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and verbal and written communications skills.
- Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
- Read scientific journals related to your area of interest.
- Maintain a high grade point average to improve chances of graduate and professional school admission.
- Become familiar with the specific entrance exam for graduate or professional schools in your area of interest.
- Secure strong relationships and personal recommendations from professors and/or employers.
- Consider completing a post doctoral experience after graduate school.
- Learn federal, state, and local government job application process. The federal government is the largest employer of biologists.
- Gain experience with grant writing and fundraising techniques. Often research must be funded in this manner.
Helpful Links
- American Society of Cell Biology
- LifeSciencesWorld
- Science Jobs
- A Lifetime with Science from The American Institute of Biological Sciences
- American Academy of Forensic Science
- Careers in Biology Weblinks from Emporia State University
- Bio Online Career Center
- American Society of Microbiology
- Science Careers
- PhDs.org
- Careers in Science and Engineering
- The Scientist’s Employment Network
- Healthcare Career Resource Center
- Careers in Veterinary Medicine
- Careers in Marine Science
- International Marine Animals Trainers Association
- Marine Careers Net
- Dolphin Research Center
- Physicians from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Physician Assistants from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Science Technicians from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Teachers-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Biological and Medical Scientists from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Veterinarians from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer
