WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN
BIOLOGY
?
Overview
Biology is the study of living organisms and their processes of growth, reproduction and interaction. A full understanding of these processes includes integrating studies at many levels of organization, including within populations, individual organisms, organ systems, cells and molecules. 1 Consequently, biology is inherently interdisciplinary, and requires knowledge of a variety of physical sciences and mathematics. 2 Students interested in studying biology should be skilled in collecting and maintaining accurate data, organizing and conducting research, interpreting technical and scientific data, and analyzing and solving problems. 3
At Hopkins, students may choose between a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. The Biology program emphasizes the relationship of structure to function in biological systems, and requires coursework in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. The Molecular and Cellular Biology program includes the same requirements, but also requires additional specialized coursework as well as participation in an original research project. Both degrees satisfy the requirements for admission to medical school; the Molecular and Cellular Biology program is designed to provide more rigorous preparation for advanced study in biomedical science and for employment in the biotechnology industry, as well as admission to medical school.4
Biologists conduct both basic research, which explores a fundamental process that furthers our understanding of various life processes, and applied research, which seeks to develop new products and techniques, such as developing new medicines, increasing crop yields and improving the environment.5 This research is conducted either in laboratories or in the field; however, biologists at universities typically teach in addition to conducting research, for which they must seek grant support.6
An undergraduate degree in biology provides a foundation for a variety of careers outside of medicine and academic work. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of skills and accomplishments; the critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills undergraduate biology students will obtain are marketable in any profession.
Explore Career Options
Biology provides a foundation for a variety of careers, including preparation for medical school and advanced study in the sciences. It is, however, a highly specialized field; a bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates for advanced technician jobs in the medical field and positions as lab or research assistants, but an advanced degree is required for most other positions in the scientific field. 7
A few areas of specialization within the biological sciences include:
- Biochemistry – the study of the chemistry of living cells, tissues, organs and organisms. Biochemistry is closely linked to many other biological sciences, including Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology. Biochemists are behind discoveries such as cloning techniques and DNA fingerprints.8
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics – the use of techniques from applied mathematics, informatics, statistics and computer science to solve biological problems. These scientists work in a wide range of fields, including agriculture and medicine.9
- Biophysics – the application of the principles of physics and chemistry and the methods of mathematical analysis and computer modeling to understand how biological systems work. Research in this field addresses fundamental questions of biology, as well as questions relevant to medicine, such as the mechanisms of action of cancer drugs or measuring glucose concentration in the blood of diabetics.10
- Cell and Molecular Biology – the study of the structure and function of cells, how they grow, divide and die, how they develop into larger clusters with unique properties, how they send signals to one another, and how all of these processes may go awry to cause diseases such as cancer. Molecular biology has resulted in a set of techniques used to study biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.11
- Ecology/Environmental Science – the study of where and how plants, animals and microorganisms live and interact in the land, water and air. This broad field of work includes evolution, adaptation, and conservation.12
- Entomology – the study of insects and their relationships to the environment, humans and other organisms. These scientists make contributions to a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, health and forensics.13
- Genetics – the study of how genetic information is communicated including what genes are, how they are duplicated and transferred, how they change in individuals, how they are expressed and how they can be manipulated. The field of genetics continues to grow, and encompasses nearly every area of biology. In addition, new career fields are evolving as a result of genetics. Genetic counselors, for example, help patients understand their risks of disease or passing genetically based diseases to their children; genetic engineering is a field that works toward treating or preventing disease by replacing faulty genes.14
- Immunology – the study of all aspects of the immune system. Immunologists also work to develop new drugs and vaccines, as well as to solve public health challenges such as the emergence of drug resistant strains of bacteria and viruses.15
- Marine and Aquatic Biology – the study of animals, plants and microorganisms that live in or near a salt-water environment. An interdisciplinary field that includes ecology, genetics, neuroscience and physiology, the work of marine biologists ranges from basic research to practical problem solving, such as the impact of ship sonar on marine animals.16
- Microbiology – the study of the world of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, including viruses, bacteria, molds, protozoans, and other tiny creatures which cause diseases, influence the quality and taste of our food supply and are responsible for decay.17
- Neuroscience – the study of how cells in the brain and nervous system develop and function, both on an individual level and as integrated systems of cellular networks.18
- Nutrition and Food Science – the study of all aspects of the relation of diet to health and disease, especially in humans and animals of agricultural or zoological importance. Food scientists study the physical, microbiological and chemical content of food, as well as the preservation of quality during processing, transport and storage. Closely tied to biotechnology, the work of these scientists continues to grow in the age of a global food economy.19
- Pharmacology – the study of chemicals that affect the function of living organisms. Clinical pharmacologists study chemicals: how they are absorbed, transported, and metabolized in the body, as well as how to change their chemical structure so as to minimize unwanted side effects.20
- Physiology – the study of how the body works, focusing on the function of cells and tissues in organ systems and how they are coordinated for the entire body, under normal circumstances and when exposed to stresses.21
Many biology graduates work in fields outside of medicine and academia, including work in management, administration, education, non-profits, publishing, and government agencies. A few of these positions include:
Career fields in biology continue to grow. While biotechnology and pharmaceutical development yield many lucrative careers for those in the field, efforts to discover new and improved ways to repair and preserve the environment will result in increasing numbers of jobs and grants.23 While competition for research and academic positions remains great, those with bachelor's degrees and master's degrees are expected to have more opportunities in non-scientific jobs related to biology, such as sales, marketing, writing, illustration, legislative affairs and research management.24
For additional information, see the Career Center's industry profiles directly related to careers in biology:
Career Preparation
Undergraduate coursework in biology includes a broad range of sciences, and will help to develop the skills and abilities associated with careers in the field, including:
- Communication
- Initiative
- Curiosity and creativity
- Organization and accuracy
- Ability to organize and conduct research
- Critical thinking and application skills
- Ability to analyze and solve complex problems
- Quantitative ability
- Design and implementation of experiments and models which systematically define a problem
- Technical/laboratory skills, including knowledge of laboratory equipment, techniques, procedures and research protocols25
Biologists should be able to work both independently and as part of a team, in addition to possessing the communication skills to clearly present their techniques and results, both orally and in writing. Those interested in pursuing biology work in a corporate setting should also possess strong business skills as well as marketing and management techniques.26 To gain these skills, pursue courses outside the sciences such as those in English, Writing Seminars and Entrepreneurship and Management.
Students must also apply the knowledge they have gained through their coursework in the workplace. Utilize internships and research opportunities at Hopkins, within biotech and pharmaceutical companies and at non-profit research organizations to develop the real world experience necessary in the job market. Also, pursue more specific career preparation strategies depending on the area of specialization in which you are interested. Review the What Can I Do with a Major In Biology handout for more ideas.
Hopkins
Biology
Alumni
Hopkins biology alumni go into a variety of career fields. Since 2003 the Career Center has surveyed recent graduates about their academic and career plans 6 months after graduation. Here is a summary of their responses in the Post-Graduation Survey of Biology Majors.
Hopkins Alumni in Biology
Susan Herman, Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania,
Classics and Biology, Class of 1989
Jodi Kefer, Pediatrician, South Philadelphia Pediatrics,
Biology, Class of 1990
Geraldine Peterson, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Garvey Associates
B.A., Biology, 1976
Aileen I Velez Cabassa, Quality Control Analyst, Lonza Walkersville Inc.
Biology Class of 2000, M.A. Biotechnology
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Major Profiles A-G
Africana Studies
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Biology
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