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Biology and Molecular Biosciences

What can I do with a major in

Biology and Molecular Biosciences

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences' Division of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate major programs in Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biosciences. Students may also choose to concentrate in areas such as botany, cellular biology, developmental biology, environmental biology, ecology, entomology, genetics, marine biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, paleontology, physiology, systematics, or zoology (vertebrate or invertebrate). Biology is a branch of the natural sciences, and is the study of living organisms and how they interact with their environment. Biology deals with every aspect of life in a living organism and examines the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things.


Biology majors develop the following skills:

Analysis: Evaluating effects of phenomena; Making projections from data; Examining components of problems/ideas; Reasoning logically; Categorizing data

Quantitative: Preparing statistical reports; Utilizing statistical tests to predict outcomes; Determining probabilities; Applying scientific concepts to problems; Interpreting results; Utilizing laboratory equipment

Research: Defining problems; Organizing ideas/information; Conducting studies; Designing experiments; Recording observations; Using computers for computation/simulation; Investigation; Inspecting specimens; Assessing risks; Defining expected/potential results; Identifying problems; Cataloging information

Depending on your desired career path, additional skills may need to be developed.  Make an appointment with a career consultant to design your individual career development plan.


Build skills Beyond the Classroom

  • Join related clubs, professional associations, activities, and organizations
  • Read professional journals in the field
  • Find volunteer work in a related area
  • Find part-time employment in a similar area
  • Job shadow someone working in the field
  • Conduct an informational interview with someone working in this area of interest
  • Obtain an internship
  • Work with a mentor or alum.  Contact the Hawk to Hawk program at the KU Alumni Center.

Internship Websites


Professional Associations


 

Employment Websites

Career Planning and Resources

Sample Careers for Biology Majors

Business and Industry

Communication and interpersonal skills make Biology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Biochemist
Bioengineer
Food technician/technologist
Industrial hygienist
Journalist: Science magazine editor/Wildlife photographer
Molecular biologist
Pest Control consultant
Pharmaceutical sales representative
Technical writer

Potential Employers
Agricultural Experiment Stations
Botanical Gardens and Arboretums
Clinics & Hospitals
Fish Hatcheries
Independent Laboratories
Industry laboratories: pharmaceutical, healthcare, agriculture production, food processing and safety, textile, environmental, chemical, forestry products
Pharmaceutical companies
Private research institutions
Veterinary Hospitals and Clinics
Zoos & Aquariums

Environmental

Skills in research and problem solving make Biology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Botanist
Conservationist
Curator, botanical gardens
Ecologist
Entomologist
Environmentalist
Fundraiser, environmental organization
Ichthyologist
Marine biologist
Park naturalist
Zoologist

Potential Employers
Fish Hatcheries
Local, State, & National Parks
National & International environmental organizations
Non-Profit Environmental Organizations
Private research institutions
 

Medicine and Health

Skills in research make Biology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Administrator, HMO
Bacteriologist
Biological researcher
Biostatistician
Data analyst
Dentist/dental hygienist
Epidemiologist
Genetic engineer
Health policy consultant
Medical illustrator
Medical librarian
Medical technologist
Nuclear medicine
Occupational Therapist
Optometrist
Pharmacist
Physical therapist
Physician
Physiologist
Toxicologist
Veterinarian

Potential Employers
Clinics, hospitals & medical centers
Industry laboratories: pharmaceutical, healthcare, agricultural production, food processing and safety, environmental
Private research institutions
Public health department
Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

Government and Public Sector

Skills in analysis and communication make Biology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Administrator, nuclear waste program
Aquarist
City recycling manager
Environmental protection specialist
Food and drug inspector
Hunger policy analyst
Parasitologist
Park ranger
Professor
Public Health Officer
Teacher
Water quality inspector

Potential Employers
Agricultural Experiment Stations
Armed services
Clinics & hospitals
Colleges & universities
Conservation agencies
Federal laboratories & regulatory agencies: National Institute of Health, Food & Drug Administration
Fish hatcheries
Inspection agencies & control boards
Museums
Professional schools of pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture
Public health departments
State & local public health departments
State & federal government: National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Food & Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture,
Armed Services, Department of Homeland security, Department of the Interior
State & local government laboratories/agencies
Wildlife preserves and parks
Zoos & Aquariums


 For information on these occupations

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University Career Center
The University of Kansas
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