How Versatile Is a Degree in Biology?

[Razael]

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.

 

[Dembadon]

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?

 

[Razael]

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.

 

[lisab]

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.

 

[Dembadon]

It sounds like you are making a good choice!

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!

 

[arunma]

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.

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.

 

[lurky]

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*.

 

[Razael]

I actually live pretty close to there Lisab (Portland, Oregon) so that very well could be a future possibility.

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

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 .

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

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