Is biology a good major?

This post is dedicated to you. Yes, to you. That right now you’re thinking if you should start Biology major. Or maybe you are considering whether to continue with the career because it was not what you expected.

In this article we are going to answer the question ‘’Is biology a good major?’’ We’ll highlight the pros and cons of taking a biology major, and job opportunities in case you want to follow the life sciences path.

Is biology a good major?

Biology is a good major in case you want to have a base for graduate school, medical school or vet school. At the same time, it is a good start if you are interested in life sciences, but remember that you will need more academic experience if you really want to get into the field.

Biology is one of the sciences that has the widest field of study since it investigates all living beings that inhabit our planet, from the analysis of microorganisms to ecological systems.

Being a science that encompasses such an extensive object of study, it uses other disciplines such as Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics to carry out its scientific studies. Although Biology as a science focuses on the analysis of living beings, there are different branches or orientations with more specific objects of study, such as:

• Botany: study specific aspects of plants.
• Ecology: studies the relationships of living beings with each other and with their environment.
• Zoology: study the various aspects of the animal species.
• Marine Biology: study the living beings that inhabit the water. Molecular: studies the behavior of the molecules that make up cells.
• Physiology: studies the functioning of organisms.
• Biotechnology: studies the interactions of organisms through technology.
• Genetics: studies genes and the transmission of biological inheritance.
• Microbiology: study microorganisms.
•  Bioinformatics: studies the application of tools to treat biological problems.

Biology major

The primary objective of the Biology major is to train effective scientific researchers. To do this, each of the subjects distributes its time in theoretical and laboratory classes, as well as seminars.

The development of critical and deductive thinking and the use of memory are encouraged. A conscious management of bibliographic information sources, databases, etc. is essential.

Depending on the educational institution where you study, the Major in Biology can last between 4 years. Being able to receive the title of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with their respective major.

Some subjects that you can take throughout the degree are:

• Algebra
• Chemistry
• Biological Analysis
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Biometrics
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Botany
• Genetics
• Ecology
• Physiology
• Physics
• Histology
• Microbiology

As we have already mentioned previously, this career entails a broad dedication and vocation for what you want to do, since it’s not an easy thing to study the patterns of life and have a theory for each thing that happens about those elements.

Why study biology?

If you are considering studying biology, here are 6 reasons that will surely strengthen your decision.

Flexibility

Life sciences allow you to try a little of everything. It’s a discipline that you can combine with many other careers and the specialties are very broad, like life itself. Some courses will allow you to specialize in a particular area of interest, but that is still your choice.

If you want, you can go from ecology to cells, from microorganisms to marine life or ecology. There are many possibilities and the best thing is that you can make decisions as you advance in the career and you get to know the topics.

Laboratory and field work

The great thing about biology is that during your career you don’t have to choose between lab and field work, and you can get the best of both worlds.

Ecology students may never get a chance to put on a lab coat and try some pipettes, just as microbiologists rarely lace up their boots for walks in the woods.

But while you are a student, you immerse yourself in both worlds, one week you spend in the laboratory, and another you go out to collect plants. And in the process, you can define what really interests you.

Understanding of the world

Biology is one of the most beautiful sciences, because it’s worth studying a subject that affects us every day. Biology is everywhere, from your own perception, when you eat, when you breathe, in what you see and what you cannot see except with the help of a microscope.

Biology is in all animals, in unicellular organisms, in nature and even on the walls of your house. So it’s a science that forces you to get under the skin of everything you see, to think about how the world works.

Investigation

In this career you are often asked to go out and do your own research, to find your questions and your own invention. This is not only fun, it’s an extremely valuable exercise for employers.

In addition, the teamwork typical of the career helps you develop skills in communication, delegation, research and management.

Graduate options

Finally, one of the best things about a bachelor’s degree with a major in biology is the way it lends itself to graduate study. The career is so flexible that in the end it allows you to choose an option that interests you.

Graduate options

Finally, one of the best things about a bachelor’s degree with a major in biology is the way it lends itself to graduate study. The career is so flexible that in the end it allows you to choose an option that interests you.

On the other hand, specializing in a master’s degree is almost a natural step forward, and many Biological Sciences students continue their studies in subjects such as Biochemistry, Medicine or Pharmacy.

So having a bachelor’s degree in biology is a solid way to start a career in the research field, in its various directions.

Choose to study biology as a college degree and you will find these and other advantages along the way. If you are really passionate about the points we have mentioned, without a doubt, Biological Sciences will be a great choice for you.

It’s your calling

If you think that is so, then don’t hesitate for a moment. Go get her! There is nothing as rewarding as dedicating yourself to something that you are passionate about. Nothing. So don’t miss the opportunity. Do not miss this possibility of achieving both personal and professional happiness by doing what you like the most

What do I need to study biology?

The student must have certain skills to be able to choose to study this major, and those are the following:

• Passion for science, especially biology, chemistry and physics.
• Ability to observe and to join theories and knowledge.
• Attraction for research and field work.
• Have the ability to organize and plan
• Be methodical and analytical.
• Talent for teamwork.

Additionally, you are likely to have a curious, analytical, and methodical personality, along with an obvious respect for biological diversity.

What Can I Do With a Biology Major?

A biology major will give you an introduction to biological sciences, you will need to take at least a Master to be able to specialize in the following areas.

As we saw before, the Biology Major has the possibility of choosing from a wide range of orientations. This makes the job opportunity very varied depending on the field in which you have specialized.

For example, the tasks or job opportunities of a graduate of the Molecular Biology Career will be different compared to a graduate in the specialization of Zoology. Something similar is going to happen in relation to the workplace.

If you’re the first one, it’s very likely that you work most of the time in a laboratory, while the second can develop their tasks in the natural habitat of the animals.

Bearing these questions in mind, the tasks and places that a graduate of the Biology Career can perform are:

Health field

A biologist can perform all clinical laboratory activities, in human reproduction centers and public, animal or plant health. The most relevant positions are:

• Biochemist
• Reproduction Technician
• Laboratory technician
• Genetic counselor
• Bioethics Specialist

R&D field

Fundamental researchers, both public and private, allow the development of genomics, biotechnology, animal experimentation, environment, food, etc. projects.

• Bioinformatician
• Nanotechnologist
• Biometric statesman
• Quality Assurance

Agricultural field and environment

If you are interested in planning and optimization for consumption, you can work in the agricultural industry, study genetic improvements and the reproductive performance of plants and animals.

Also the cultivation, reproduction and conservation of species of all kinds (from microbes to animals) has a commercial side that can lead to job opportunities.

• Food safety expert
• Conservationist
•  Fish farmer
•  Botanist
•  Landscape gardener
• Horticulturist

Teaching scope

Biology is taught at all educational levels, from high school to graduate school, and the scientific training of a biologist always gives him an advantage over other candidates when it comes to teaching the scientific method or even the epistemology of science.

• Elementary School teacher
• High School teacher
• College professor
• Specialist trainer

The possibilities for a biologist, therefore, are varied, and they can practice their profession in the public institutional sphere and in private companies; in health, teaching, conservation and NGO establishments. As always, you will need a specialization course that can finish giving your resume the shine that makes it stand out from others.

Also, if you don’t want to specialize in the field, a major in biology can be a good basis if you want to pursue a career in health sciences. Many students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc. study biology to know the basic principles. These will not only serve them to meet the admission requirements, but to have prior knowledge.

So, is biology a good major?

Biology is a fascinating discipline of study. It’s about how organisms live, reproduce, breathe, and die. Biologists are scientists who study the natural world and all living things in it, from the largest mammals to our own microscopic DNA.

The area of biology has been highly evolved, thanks primarily to technological advances that have given space to new methods to influence it, biotechnology came to cause a great impact, and is the cause of important changes and evolutions in society, which has been of great help in fields such as agriculture, livestock, ecology, medicine among many more.

It’s also important to remember that biology is excellent preparation for nonscientific careers, thanks to the skills it provides, from analytical thinking to report writing.

The list of careers that can be associated with biology is long, but we mention a few: psychology, physical therapy, botany, environmental science, zoology, geology, nursing, dentistry, forensic science, oceanography, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, scientific writing, genetics and research.

With this we make it clear that a biologist can not only work in his field, if not in many others, both at a public and private level. It’s important to note that the more updates and courses your resume has, the more work options will be.

All human beings have an innate talent which we must use in all areas that we want to exercise, this career gives you that opportunity, since you can choose how you feel most comfortable. If you are a person with a wide vocabulary and good communication, you have your place in this career, if you are very humanistic, you also have it.

In short, this career opens many doors for you to do the things that you are really passionate about.

FAQS: Is biology a good major?

In this article we answered the question ‘’Is biology a good major?’’ We highlighted the pros and cons of taking a biology major, and job opportunities in case you want to follow the life sciences path.

If you have any questions or comments please let us know!

References

Comizio, C. (2019). What You Need to Know About Becoming a Biology Major. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from US News & World Report website: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/biology-major-overview

‌Freeman, J. A., & Hirsch, B. T. (2008). College majors and the knowledge content of jobs. Economics of Education Review, 27(5), 517-535.

Smith, R. L., Smith, T. M., Bell, J., Palladino, M. A., & Hickman, S. M. (1996). Ecology and field biology.