What can I do with a major in Biology?
What Activities Could Biology Majors Do?
Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to their environment. They research problems dealing with life processes and living organisms. Some conduct basic research to advance knowledge of living organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and other infectious agents. Biological scientists who work in applied research or product development use knowledge provided by basic research to develop new drugs, treatments, and medical diagnostic tests; increase crop yields; and protect and clean up the environment by developing new biofuels. Those who conduct research usually work in laboratories and use electron microscopes, computers, thermal cyclers, and a wide variety of other equipment.
Some biological scientists work in managerial or administrative positions, usually after spending some time doing research and learning about a particular firm, agency, or project. They may plan and administer programs for testing foods and drugs, for example, or direct activities at zoos or botanical gardens. Some work as consultants to businesses or to government agencies. Recent advances in biotechnology and information technology are transforming the industries in which biological scientists work. Biological scientists using this technology manipulate the genetic material of animals or plants, attempting to make organisms more productive or resistant to disease. These advances in biotechnology have created research opportunities in almost all areas of biology, with commercial applications in the food industry, agriculture, and environmental remediation, and in other areas such as DNA fingerprinting.
What Industries Could Biology Majors Explore?
| Government Agencies |
Research |
Environmental Consulting |
Pharmaceutical |
Agriculture |
| Teaching |
Medical |
Biotechnology |
Food Processing |
Law |
What Employers Hire Biology Majors?
| 3M Company |
Boston Scientific |
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory |
Schreiber Foods, Inc. |
| Medtronic |
Merck and Company |
Minnesota DNR |
Olsson Associates |
| Green Gardens |
WiCell Research Institute |
Zimmer Spine |
R & D Systems |
| Raptor Center |
Syngenta Seeds |
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension |
Hennepin County |
| Minnesota Zoo |
National Institute of Health |
Fish and Wildlife Service |
American Red Cross |
| ProtaTek International |
Center for Regulatory Research |
EV3 Endovascular |
Medtox Laboratories |
What Are Some Full-Time Job Titles For Biology Majors?
| Biologist |
Scientist |
Naturalist |
Research Technician |
| Research Associate |
Investigator |
Project Manager |
Assistant Regulatory Specialist |
| Technical Writer |
Technical Aide |
Medical Examiner Technician |
Clinical Coordinator |
| Lab Technician |
Environmental Scientist |
Production Team Advisor |
Medical Technologist |
What Are Some Useful Websites For Biology Majors?
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