BIOLOGY
Disciplinary Major or Minor - www.uwgb.edu/nas
OVERVIEW OF BIOLOGY:
Biology is of fundamental importance because it provides insights into living systems from the level of ecosystems to the level of subcellular molecules. The Biology major prepares students for careers in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, plant and animal biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and field biology. Students can develop Biology programs to prepare for medical, dental, veterinary, agriculture, or other professional schools, or for graduate programs in scientific research. The major also establishes a foundation for interdisciplinary careers in biological resources management, human biology, nutritional sciences, and science communications (technical writing, journalism, and nature interpretation).
UW-Green Bay Biology graduates are employed in industry (pharmaceuticals, paper making, food processing, hospitals and clinics, agriculture, and others), government agencies (Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and others), environmental consulting firms, and education at all levels. About 40 percent of biology graduates pursue advanced degrees in graduate and professional schools.
WHO SHOULD BE A BIOLOGY MAJOR:
Anyone who is interested in discovering how organisms function and exploring how life exists in the world should consider the Biology program.
Those who have a general interest in working with the principles of math, chemistry, physics, and of course Biology should consider majoring (or having a minor) in Biology.
Biology majors must combine their studies with an interdisciplinary minor.
Students interested in areas such as resource management, field ecology, or science communication normally take a minor in Environmental Science. Human Biology is the minor commonly chosen by Biology majors with interests in health sciences or adult fitness. Other interdisciplinary areas that may be useful, depending upon a student's career goals, include Environmental Policy and Planning or Business Administration.
WHO SHOULD BE A BIOLOGY MINOR:
Students who prefer a Biology minor (rather than a major) coupled with an interdisciplinary major will find the majors in Environmental Science and Human Biology especially attractive. Students in Education who desire to become science teachers have found the Biology minor important.
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS MAJOR AT UWGB:
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OPPORTUNITY . A particular advantage of the UW-Green Bay program is the opportunity for undergraduate students to gain practical experience. Many students work with faculty on independent research projects. There is an active internship program with private, state, and national agencies, and with industry. Such experiences are beneficial when entering the job market or seeking admission to graduate and professional schools.
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EXCELLENT TOOLS. The program has well-equipped laboratories for teaching and student/faculty research. Other teaching and research facilities include the 290-acre Cofrin Arboretum on the campus, off-campus natural areas managed by the University, the Richter Natural History Museum, University Herbarium, small animal laboratories, cellular and molecular biology research labs, human physiology and fitness research facilities, and greenhouse. Students also have ready access to microcomputers and the University’s high speed computer network.
SKILLS & ABILITIES GAINED WITH THIS MAJOR:
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QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE . Students are able to practice their knowledge in both field and laboratory settings, contributing to a broader and stronger educational experience.
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GROUND RULES. Students master the basic skills needed for success in the field of Biology. These include statistical analyses, various laboratory methods and techniques, and taxonomy (identification) skills.
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DISTINCTION. Many occupations today require a college educated individual who can write and speak well, solve problems, learn new information quickly and work well with others on a team. Students in the Biology program will develop these skills with excellence.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A MAJOR IN BIOLOGY :
NOTE: Though there are many career opportunities with a Bachelors degree in Biology, the choices are greatly enhanced with a Masters degree (at least) in this field. Use the following as an idea list, and remember that they represent some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider in Biology.
The following list represents a few of the careers for Biology majors:
Science Teacher, Wildlife Biologist, Medical Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, Forester, Range Manager, Geneticist, Soil Conservationist, Physical Therapist, Natural Area Manager, Animal Breeder, Horticulturist, Soil Scientist, Agricultural Scientist, Agronomist, Environmental Engineer, Marine Engineering Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Animal Scientist, Environmental Health Specialist, Marine Fisheries Worker, Environmental Protection Officer, Aquatic Biologist, Fisheries Conservationist, Science Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Bio-Engineer, Bio-Technologist, Food Scientist-Technologist, Meteorologist, Geographer, Microbiologist, Botanist, Mortician, Chiropractor, Toxicologist, Neurobiologist, Oceanographer, Paramedic, Marine Ecologist, Zoologist, Ecologist …
The following list represents a few of the kinds of businesses and institutions that employ Biology majors:
US Department of Agriculture, Door County Planning Office, Illinois Natural History Survey, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife Services, Department of Transportation, any of the local paper companies such as Fort James, pharmaceutical sales companies, environmental consulting firms, any state and federal agencies, food processing companies, education…
Want to know more about the nature of the work, working conditions, earnings, training, and job outlook? Then check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook @ http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm
LINKS TO GRAD PROGRAMS FOR BIOLOGY :
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Graduate School Guide. The comprehensive on-line guide to doctoral, masters, and professional programs. http://www.schoolguides.com
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Gradschools.com. The most comprehensive online source of Graduate School Information. http://www.gradschools.com/
Site is no longer available.
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Peterson’s.com. The most comprehensive and heavily traveled education resource on the web. http://www.petersons.com/
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Or you can try any of the following search engine sites for information on the graduate school program of your choice! http://www.yahoo.com, http://www.infoseek.com, or http://www.snap.com
LINKS TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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American Institute of Biological Sciences . Biomedical and scientific peer review, meetings, and educational programs. Homepage @ http://www.aibs.org/
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Homepage @ http://www.fws.gov/
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Cell & Molecular Biology Online. A general resource for the biology community with an emphasis on information for cell and molecular biologists. Homepage @ http://www.cellbio.com/
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Zoology Internet Resource Guide. Index and guide to internet resources in the zoological and other related life sciences of interest to zoologists. Homepage @ http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/guides/zoology/internet.html
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Ecological Society of America. Dedicated to stimulate ecological research, clarify and communicate the science of ecology, and promote the responsible application of ecological knowledge to public issues. Homepage @ http://www.esa.org/
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Wisconsin ’s Department of Natural Services. To protect and enhance our Natural Resources, To provide a clean environment, To insure the right of all Wisconsin citizens to use and enjoy them, and to consider the future. Homepage @ http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/
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US Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is a great resource for Environmental Science majors and can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/
LINKS FOR MORE HELP:
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Also check out the Biology Department at UW-Green Bay homepage. http://www.uwgb.edu/nas
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For course listings and descriptions for Biology and other disciplines, check out UW-Green Bay’s Programs of Study page @ http://www.uwgb.edu/catalog/undrgrad/programs.htm
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More help is available on-campus at the Career Services Office at SS 1600, 465-2163. Homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/careers
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Contact Academic Advising at SS 1600, 465-2362. Homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/advising
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Another service for UW System students on the Web is UW HELP On-Line. This service provides in-depth information on the programs of the UW System. You can find them at @ http://www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/
Revised 8/08
