What is Biology?
USA Biology offers a diversified program designed to satisfy many areas of study. Our multi-track major prepares students for pre-health professional fields (doctor, dentist, veterinarian) and graduate study. Courses are taught by full-time faculty and students participate in research each semester. Through high-quality mentorship, teaching, and research, biology faculty foster an active learning environment in which students gain working knowledge in all areas of the field, including ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology, conservation, and global change. Biology faculty strive for excellence and provide students with the analytical skills necessary to work with microbes, marine mammals, and everything in between. Our alumni are well-rounded graduates who are prepared to tackle complex challenges facing us and our planet.
Awareness
First Year
- Develop attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
- Develop strong analytical, problem solving, observational, and communication skills.
- Take BLY 121 General Biology I and BLY 122 General Biology II. These courses allow students to gain working knowledge across the broad field of biological knowledge while building practical laboratory and field-based skills.
Middle Years
- Take the following core series of advanced classes in the foundational tenets of biology.
- BLY 300 Ecology
- BLY 301 Cell Biology
- BLY 302 Genetics
- BLY 304 Exp. Designs in Biology
- BLY 305 Intro to Evolution
- These courses provide a deep dive into fundamental concepts that underlie all biological systems and allow students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through active learning.
- Our junior- and senior-level classes allow for more advanced learning and training in specific disciplines (e.g., plant and animal biology, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and bioinformatics and biostatistics).
Last Year
- Apply to graduate.
- Apply for jobs.
- Apply for graduate school (optional).
- Apply for scholarships and/or assistantships for graduate school.
Exploration
First Year
- Explore student organizations and leadership opportunities through Involve South.
- Explore the UTeach South Program and find out if it is a good fit for you.
- If you are considering medical school review the Pre-Health Advising web page and complete the Pre-Health Interest Form.
Middle Years
- Join professional associations such as:
- Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society
- USA Mu Chi Beta chapter
- Pre-Vet Med Club
- Pre-Dental Society
- Apply for other honor societies and explore their scholarship offerings.
- Explore Study Abroad opportunities.
Last Year
- Research medical or graduate programs.
Preparation
First Year
- Login to Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+.
- Contact Career Development. Meet with a career consultant to discuss career goals and research fields of specialization.
Middle Years
- Prepare to apply for internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
- Attend career fairs and networking events to become knowledgeable of career opportunities available.
Last Year
- Decide between job search or graduate school before final semester.
- Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and job search or graduate school planning.
Research Options
- Communicate with different faculty on their areas of research and decide which align with your interests.
- Explore Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Biology.
What can I do with this major?
- Teacher
- Research Technician
- Laboratory Assistant
- Grant Writer
- Nursery Technician
- Industrial Scientist
- Surveyor
- Environmental Consultant
- Outreach Coordinator
What skills will I earn?
- Authentic research that employs state-of-the-art technology and techniques
- Oral and Written Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork
- Leadership
