Biology is a broad science that includes many disciplines or specialties making it attractive to people with different aptitudes, backgrounds, and tastes. Knowledge of biology is essential to an intelligent evaluation of some of the major problems facing our civilization, such as the energy crisis, environmental destruction, food resources, and population growth. The study of biology provides the opportunity to integrate, interpret, and translate biological phenomena and environmental observations into meaningful decisions. Biological careers are found by many to be fascinating and rewarding and are destined to be significant in solving challenges of the future. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers a major and a minor in either Liberal Arts or Teaching.

What will I learn from studying Biology?

Knowledge:

Biology majors gain knowledge in four broad areas: investigation, research, quantitative, and analysis. Through investigation, students learn to identify problems, catalogue information, assess risks, and inspect specimens. Researchers then define problems, design experiments, and conduct studies. Then, the data must be quantified, used to predict outcomes, determine probabilities, and create reports. Finally, data is analyzed through logical reasoning, evaluating the effects of particular phenomena and making projections based on the collected data.

Skills:

• Work independently
• Operate scientific equipment
• Research, analyze, and organize information
• Accuracy and precision
• Critical observation
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Oral and written communication

What are some of the interests and values related to Biology?

• Curiosity
• Concern for the environment
• Desire for intellectual growth
• Interest in living organisms
• Patience
• Precision and attention to details

What are related student and professional organizations?

 Student:

• Tri-Beta/Biology Club
• Conservationists
• Molecular Movement
• Pre-Chiropractic Club
• Pre-PA Club
• Pre-Med Club

Professional:

• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Society for Conservation Biology
• American Institute of Biological Sciences
• American Zoo and Aquarium Association

What career fields are related to the Biology Degree?

Potential Employers:

Many biologists will work in a laboratory or in the field. Common employers of biology majors include: aquariums, biological testing companies, hospitals, national & state parks, universities, pharmaceutical companies, research firms, and zoos.

Potential Job Titles:

• Agronomist
• Aquatic Biologist
• Brewery Laboratory Assistant
• Conservation Biologist
• Fish Hatchery Technician
• Environmental Engineer
• Marine Biologist
• Medical Technologist
• Market Research Analyst
• Parasitologist
• Toxicologist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Pharmaceutical Sales

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Biology graduates?

• Clinical Technician-Cytogenetics, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
• Environmental Scientist, Cooper E. Engineering Co. in Rice Lake, WI
• Genotyping Technician, Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI
• Wildlife Biologist, Department of Natural Resources in Balsam Lake, WI

How can I learn more about Biology?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Biology
• Phillips 330, 836-4166

 Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

• Careers for Nature Lovers & Other Outdoor Types, Louise Miller
• Starting Your Career as a Marine Mammal Trainer , Terry S. Samansky
• What Can You Do With a Major in Biology , Bart Astor
• Great Jobs for Biology Majors, Blythe Camenson
• Opportunities in Biological Science Careers, Charles A. Winter
• Opportunities in Zoo Careers , Blythe Camenson

Internet:

• Science Jobs
• Biological and Medical Scientists Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor
• Careers in Biology
• Molecular Biology Jump Station

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Biology?

There are many opportunities for students to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduates ( REUs) to enhance the breadth of knowledge learned in the classroom. For additional information about REU’s for undergraduates, go to Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak to a Career Associate or visit the website: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm. For additional information about research at UW – Eau Claire, contact the Department of Biology.

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Biology that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Biologydepartment chair about enrolling in BIOL 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Speak with your advisor about enrolling in BIOL 395, 399 or 499.