Biological Sciences

Students who have an interest in the living world around them, how the body works, the causes of diseases, etc. will often find a biology major very rewarding. Successful biology students are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Since many science courses involve laboratories, students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy the biology minor. Visual learners will especially appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Graduates with a minor in biology have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study in biology. With a minor in biology, graduates may immediately enter careers in some technical fields or they may pursue a post-graduate degree. A few examples of career fields open to biology minors include the following (many of which require additional degrees):

• Academic, industrial, environmental / organismal, medical / pharmaceutical researcher/cosmetic science
• Occupational therapist, physical therapist,
• Physician, optometrist, dentist, chiropractor, physician assistant
• Law, specifically areas that include environmental issues and patent law requiring a solid scientific background
• Medical lab technologist, imaging technologist, nurse
• College/university, middle/high school educator
• Forestry, horticulture, park service, wildlife/fishery biologist
• Regulatory affairs specialist, hospital / healthcare administration, scientific writing
• Pharmaceutical / medical device sales or marketing
• Veterinarian, zookeeper, naturalist

All questions about departmental requirements for a Biology minor should be discussed with the Biology department advisor rather than a college advisor. All students are required to consult a departmental advisor when preparing to graduate.

Department Advising

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Faculty within the Department of Biological Sciences are actively engaged in research in a variety of areas. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in this research and can earn academic credit that can be applied toward their upper-level biology course requirements.

Teaching laboratories within the department are well-equipped and devoted to undergraduate education. Faculty are involved and dedicated to employing new teaching methods and technology that enrich students’ educational experiences.

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.