For many students, the thought of pursuing a college major in biology brings back bad memories of dissecting frogs in high school. Although a biology degree prepares students for the study of living organisms - frogs included, the field provides a wide variety of options for graduates. Thanks to technological advances, many biology degree options are now available through online programs that include virtual simulations of laboratory tasks.
Besides animal behavior, students can earn an advanced degree in:
- Endocrinology (the study of diseases and disorders)
- Genetics (the study of genes)
- Forensic Science (study of biological and physical evidence to solve crimes)
Professionals can specialize in:
- Fisheries Science (the study of fisheries resources and aquatic ecosystems)
- Physiology (the study of live cells, tissue, and organisms, and how they function)
- Agronomy (the study of agriculture)
- Herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles)
- Botany (the study of plants)
- Arboriculture (the study of trees)
Biologists who prefer to spend their time in front of a microscope can focus on:
- Industrial Microbiology (the application of engineering, or science principles, to the study of plant or animal cells or microorganisms
- Ecology (the relationship of organisms and the environment)
- Entomology (the study of insects)
- Oceanography (the study of the ocean)
- Marine Biology (the study of oceanic mammals)
- Parasitology (the study of parasites)
- Ichthyology (a branch of zoology that focuses on fish)
A molecular and cellular biology degree prepares future professionals for the study of microscopic viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
Degree candidates with a high-tech inclinationcan earn degrees in BioInformatics, which is the review of bioogical topics throgh computer technology.
Developmental Biology education prepares students for studies in experimental ideas, such as stem-cell research, cloning, and the elusive cure for AIDS. Closely aligned, a Bioethics degree prepares students for the study of efficient, ethical, and compassionate practice of the life sciences and medicine.
Trends in Biology Careers
Numerous biological science specializations are on the rise, due to concerns ranging from pollutiona and global warming to animal endangerment and extinction. As communication and transportation advances bring the world's people closer together, the scientific community has expanded its efforts to deal with with life-threatening diseases; therefore, many new biology majors study genetics, immunology, and endocrinology. As humans live longer and remain physically active through more of their lives, biology majors can help meet the increased demand for qualified researchers.
Some biology concentrations, such as outdoor environmental sciences, are often pursued as a vocations or part-time work; practitioners enjoy the opportunity to work outdoors. As more people migrate from cities to rural areas, urban foresters are increasingly in demand.
Forensic science and entemology are gaining the attention of the general public with television programs, such as CSI portraying research professionals in a new and interesting light. With increasing public attention on security and violent crime, these career opportunities have multiplied.
One of the fastest growing fields of biology is genetics, which is the study of gene manipulation to improve agriculture and overcome genetically presupposed diseases. Meanwhile, and ever-increasing number of molecular biologists are needed to work on exciting projects offering personal satisfaction, such as the current research on Alzheimers Disease.