Biology

Biology

What is Biology?
This broad major is intended to orient you to biology as a whole. You will study the science of living systems by observing the structure, function, reproduction, growth, evolution, and behavior of living organisms and their relation to their natural environments. This includes the study of biological issues related to health and medicine. You will learn about a variety of biological and medical sciences and you will do work in a laboratory setting.

The nature of the biology department reflects both the diversity of modern approaches to dealing with living organisms and the commitment of the University to a liberal education. The course offerings are rich and varied and offer great opportunity for the construction of unique yet broad-based programs of study. The basic objectives of the department are to provide insight into the rules and relationships governing living systems as learned through our specialty majors or through a student-tailored program in the basic biology major.

The biology academic program has the following learning goals for students:

• To learn fundamental concepts in three major areas: cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution.
• To use modern laboratory and field research techniques to conduct research.
• To integrate content, skills and critical thinking to design feasible independent research projects employing the scientific method.
• To critique and contextualize the published works of others in the scientific community, including the ability to critically analyze experimental design and data interpretation.
• To demonstrate quantitative literacy, including the application of statistical methods to analyze and interpret data.
• To develop scientific writing skills through the writing of papers using scientific conventions of format, succinctness, objectivity and accuracy.
• To develop oral communication skills within the context of scientific conventions of format, succinctness, objectivity and accuracy through the presentation of papers and posters.

Graduate work is necessary for those wishing to pursue many careers in the biological sciences, although some students do obtain positions without further formal training. Biology majors continue studies in graduate school in such diverse areas as ecology, evolution, molecular biology, entomology, marine biology, physiology, microbiology and genetics. Others use their biological training in industry, environmental science, academia and health care professions. Many biology majors go on to health professional schools in veterinary medicine, medicine, dentistry or physical therapy. Students interested in a health career should consult a member of the Health Careers Committee early in their college career. Interdisciplinary majors are offered in biochemistry, conservation biology, neuroscience and biology-physics. A combined major with environmental studies is also available.

Working in Biology
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

• Interest and skills in laboratory work
• Careful, creative problem solver
• Good communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Capable of critical observation
• Effective goal setter
• Ability to interpret data

Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

Learning More About Biology

• Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library.
• Visit the SLU Biology Department website and check out the biology course descriptions in the Catalog.
• Talk with a professor in Biology about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
• Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
• Get connected with SLU alumni in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

• Professional Associations
  • American Institute of Biological Sciences: Careers
  • American Society of Cell Biology
  • American Society of Microbiology
  • Biotechnology Industry Organization
  • American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
  • Council for the Advancement of Science Writing
  • American Academy of Forensic Science
  • The National Academies
• Miscellaneous Career Information
  • Spotlight on Careers
  • Sloan Foundation Careers in Science, Technology and Medicine
  • Scientific Research Industry Guide
  • Biological Sciences Jobs in the Federal Government
  • Careers in Biology Weblinks from Emporia State University
  • Explore Health Careers
  • National Human Genome Research Institute
  • NIH Lifeworks Interviews
  • Careers in Marine Science
  • International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association
  • National Association of Marine Labs
  • Sea Grant Marine Careers
  • National Wildlife Federation
• Job Postings
  
  • Biospace
  • New Scientist Jobs
  • Science Careers
    

Related Majors and Minors at SLU
Biochemistry
Biology-Physics Combined
Conservation Biology
Neuroscience
Sports Studies and Exercise Science