Majors at the University of Connecticut
Biological Sciences
This major involves the study of the life sciences, and at the University of Connecticut students can major in General Biology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, and Physiology & Neurobiology.
Studying this major will develop knowledge of life's organisms, and how life systems interact. Along with this comes skills in research, data collection, laboratory techniques, problem solving, and critical thinking. Writing is enhanced, as technical and scientific data must be communicated to both the scientific and non-scientific communities.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
Biological and medical scientists study living organisms and their relationship to their environment. Most specialize in some area of biology such as zoology (the study of animals) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms). Most biological scientists who come under the broad category of biologist are further classified by the type of organism they study or by the specific activity they perform. Biologists work in research and development which advances the knowledge of living organisms. Some biologists work in applied research or product development by researching and developing new drugs and medical treatments, increasing crop yields, and protecting and cleaning up the environment. Other biologists work in managerial or administrative positions, usually after spending time doing research and learning about the firm, agency or project. (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics).
Sample Job Titles
- arborist
- biochemist
- curator
- cytologist
- ecologist
- florist
- food scientist
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- geneticist
- teacher
- professor
- sales representative
- aquarist
- entomologist
- environmental specialist
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- fisheries biologist
- marine biologist
- microbiologist
- museum technician
- biomedical engineer
- biophysicist
- biotechnologist
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- forester
- pathologist
- pharmacologist
- zoologist
- science writer
- biotechnology investment analyst
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Potential Employers
Employment opportunities can be found in drug and pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology, research institutions, government, education, medicine and health care, zoos, botanical gardens, museums, environmental companies, consulting firms, science journalism, agriculture, food sciences, law, forensic science, and many more.
Useful Skills
Studying this major will develop knowledge of life's organisms, and how life systems interact. Along with this comes skills in research, data collection, laboratory techniques, problem solving, and critical thinking. Writing is enhanced, as technical and scientific data must be communicated to both the scientific and non-scientific communities.
Getting Experience
Gaining relevant work experience is always the best way to increase the marketability of a college degree. Whether it’s a summer internship in a lab or a full time cooperative education experience at a biotech firm, relevant work matters to employers. If work is not readily available with employers off campus, seek out faculty who need assistance doing research here on campus. Job shadowing is another option for those who wish to see jobs in Biology firsthand.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities can be found in drug and pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology, research institutions, government, education, medicine and health care, zoos, botanical gardens, museums, environmental companies, consulting firms, science journalism, agriculture, food sciences, law, forensic science, and many more.
Internet Links
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