How Versatile Is a Degree in Biology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the versatility of a degree in biology compared to degrees in chemical engineering or biochemistry. Participants explore potential career paths, personal motivations, and the importance of aligning coursework with career goals, particularly in the context of pre-med studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a degree in biology can lead to various career opportunities, particularly in regions where biology skills are in demand, such as Seattle.
  • Others emphasize the importance of personal passion and fulfillment in choosing a career path, questioning what aspects of a job are most important to the individual.
  • A participant shares their personal experience with biology, noting a strong interest in the subject and the importance of financial stability over wealth.
  • One participant warns against mixing courses too broadly, suggesting that focused coursework aligned with career goals is crucial for employability.
  • There are mentions of friends who majored in biology and found work as lab technicians without pursuing graduate studies, raising questions about job prospects and conditions in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the value of a biology degree, with some agreeing on its marketability while others highlight the need for specific coursework to enhance employability. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take for a successful career in biology.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying regional job markets, differing personal definitions of success, and the potential impact of course selection on future employment opportunities.

Razael
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The title pretty much says it all... would a degree in biology open up many venues compared with, say, a degree in chemical engineering or biochemistry? I'm doing pre-med but would like something to fall back on if that doesn't work out.
 
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Useful for what; bringing you happiness, fulfillment, a sense of accomplishment? Money? Security? Pride?

What is your passion? Where do you want to spend 40-60 hours of your time each week? What is important to you with regards to your future?
 
Well, biology has been an interest of mine since I was very young, even more so now that it's come into the political spectrum (evolution vs creationism, for example). I enjoy learning (if the topic interests me), and usually get "lost" in my work very quickly (I did 5 hours of homework last week without even realizing it). I can work well with others, but prefer working in peace and quiet by myself.

I don't care about amassing wealth, but financial stability is pretty important. Pride doesn't matter to me, as I don't take credit for my accomplishments most of the time anyway. I'd be fine with the 9-5 but am extremely flexible.
 
Not sure about where you are, but on my little part of the planet (Seattle, Washington) biology backgrounds are very marketable. Just going from memory here - I seem to see a lot of employers asking for ELISA skills.

I'm not a biologist, so I have no idea if http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELISA" gives a good description the technique.
 
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It sounds like you are making a good choice! :smile:

lisab's information is encouraging. If biology is your passion, focus on it. The other degrees you've mentioned are big commitments to make for a backup plan.

I'd suggest working closely with career advisors in your university; they can help you get a "foot in the door" in a place of your interest. Also, talk to professors and graduate students - get advice and make connections/friendships. You'd be surprised how important these contacts could/will become in your future!
 
Razael said:
Well, biology has been an interest of mine since I was very young, even more so now that it's come into the political spectrum (evolution vs creationism, for example). I enjoy learning (if the topic interests me), and usually get "lost" in my work very quickly (I did 5 hours of homework last week without even realizing it). I can work well with others, but prefer working in peace and quiet by myself.

I don't care about amassing wealth, but financial stability is pretty important. Pride doesn't matter to me, as I don't take credit for my accomplishments most of the time anyway. I'd be fine with the 9-5 but am extremely flexible.

You know, if you major in physics you can still argue cosmology with the young Earth creationists. :smile:

Seriously though, I have friends who were biology majors, who ended up working as lab techs at a clinical research lab. So it looks like you can get these sorts of jobs with just an undergrad degree in biology.
 
Hi. If you really want to make a go of biology, make sure you take all the courses that actually match what you want to do. If you want to work in a lab, then take lots of lab courses. If you want to work in conservation/environmentalism-type-stuff, then take conservation-specific courses and even expand out a bit and do some environmental studies, geology, and GIS. Don't mix and match. Well you can if you want to but you risk not taking a course that an employer might want to see later on.

I ended up destroying my own prospects by mixing things up too much so I ended up unemployable and not a candidate for the types of grad programs I would be interested in. Graduated with marks in the low 80s too. Ah well. It offered me the opportunity to take a physics course, which made me realize that I like that a *whole lot more*.
 
I actually live pretty close to there Lisab (Portland, Oregon) so that very well could be a future possibility.

arunma said:
You know, if you major in physics you can still argue cosmology with the young Earth creationists. :smile:

Seriously though, I have friends who were biology majors, who ended up working as lab techs at a clinical research lab. So it looks like you can get these sorts of jobs with just an undergrad degree in biology.

I prefer arguing from the biological standpoint :-p.

So your friends didn't go to graduate school and still got those positions? What's the pay like? What are the hours like? Is it "fun"? Maybe you could ask for me :cool:

I'll take that advice Lurky. Most of the undergrad requirements are general areas of study with more than a few choices.
 
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