Biological Science

Overview

Biology is the study of all living things—including microscopic bacteria and viruses, plants, and animals, and their relationship to their environments. Biology majors study the structure and function of cells, organ systems and tissues of animals and plants, ecology (the relationship between living things and their environment), animal behavior, genetics/genomics and evolution. They learn about physiology, behavior, genetics and heredity, aquatic systems, microscopic organisms such as bacteria, and techniques for diverse areas ranging from field research to biotechnology. 

Learning Outcomes

In addition to mastery of biological knowledge and skills, students will:

• Interpret scientific data both mathematically and statistically.
• Demonstrate organizational and laboratory skills.
• Define scientific hypotheses and design experiments or observations to test them.
• Work effectively in groups.
• Demonstrate strong writing and oral communication skills.

Potential Occupations

Training in biology prepares students for a wide variety of occupations. Some involve daily interaction within teams; others can be done in relative isolation; some are highly focused, but most require knowledge far beyond the sciences.  A Biological Science major from Colorado State University offers a broad foundation for professional degrees in nursing, dental, medical or veterinary school, and a number of health professions such as physician's assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry or public health. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees in life sciences to carry out basic research or advance into leadership positions in industry. Participation in internships and/or laboratory research experience is highly recommended and strongly encouraged by the department to enhance practical training and development.

Our biology graduates have gone on to careers as: 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, field ecologist; nuclear medicine technician; park naturalist; pharmaceutical researcher or salesperson; public health officer; science librarian; environmental educator, health specialist, or impact specialist; fisheries biologist or conservationist; industrial hygienist; occupational therapist (with a master’s degree); and medical or clinical laboratory technologist.

Combining biology with additional skills can lead to other exciting transdisciplinary careers. Biology and computer science can be linked to the ever-expanding and exciting area of bioinformatics. Biology and writing can be incorporated into a career as a technical writer or science fiction novelist. Biology and visual arts combine in medical and scientific illustration. Biology and other humanities may lead to studies of the history 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.