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Biology is a discipline of natural science that examines life and living organisms. Biology examines subjects like structure, function, growth, distribution, origin, mutation, evolution, and taxonomy. Biologists learn how living things work and how they interact with their environment. Biologists study various aspects of the natural world in a variety of settings. Biologists may extract DNA, alter DNA or examine cells under a microscope in a laboratory; collect flora samples in a greenhouse, rainforest, or bog; study human physiology and disease in a lab or clinical setting; or observe animals and insects in their natural habitat. The work of biologists can help to address issues as broad as worldwide health, or environmental and natural resource concerns.

The biological sciences offers courses in cellular and molecular biology, forensic molecular biology, herpetology, endocrinology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, animal behavior, mycology (fungi), fish biology, wildlife and fish management, or tropical ecosystems. The variety of courses offered by the Biology program at Colorado Mesa University allows students to pursue a wide range of career options.  CMU strives to integrate traditional education approaches with innovative techniques to offer students exciting and challenging opportunities to learn. This commitment, in combination with our small class sizes, allows CMU to offer undergraduates a premier education in the biological sciences. Additionally, students can take advantage of unique opportunities to broaden their experiences and make themselves a more marketable candidates for graduate school or the workplace. Opportunities include field experiences locally, nationally, or abroad;  undergraduate research opportunities; clubs; and information on internship opportunities and independent study options.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CMU'S biology PROGRAM

• Agronomist
• Animal Scientist
• Aqua culturist
• Aquarium Technician
• Aquatic Biologist
• Barrier Beach Manager
• Biochemist
• Bio-Engineer
• Biometrician
• Bio-Technologist
• Botanist
• Brewery Laboratory Assistant
• Chemical Oceanographer
• Chiropractor
• Coastal Guesthouse Proprietor
• Coastal Resources Worker
• Commercial Fishing
• Coroner
• Dentist
• Dietitian & Nutritionist
• Ecologist
• Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Protection Worker
• Ergonomist
• Fish Processor
• Fisheries Conservationist
• Fishing Captain
• Food Scientist-Technologist
• Forester
• Genetic Engineer
• Geographer
• Geophysicist/Physicist
• Health Officer
• Horticulturist
• Hospital Administrator
• Hydrographic Survey Tech.
• Industrial Hygienist
• Industrial Marine Economist
• Limnological Technician
• Marine & Coastal Consultant
• Marine Bacteriologist
• Marine Biologist
• Marine Ecologist
• Marine Engineering Tech
• Marine Geologist
• Marine Tourist Worker
• Market Research Analyst
• Medical Illustrator
• Medical Laboratory Tech
• Medical Librarian
• Medical Technologist
• Merchant Marine
• Meteorologist
• Microbiologist
• Mining & Petroleum Industry Consultant
• Molecular Biologist
• Mortician
• Museum/Aquarium Administrator
• Mycologist
• Naval Architect
• Net Designer
• Neurobiologist
• Oceanographer
• Paramedic
• Parasitologist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physical Therapist
• Physician
• Public Health Worker
• Ranger Manager
• Salt Marsh Manager
• Science Laboratory Tech.
• Science Teacher
• Science Writer/Illustrator/Film Maker
• Seafood Researcher
• Soil Conservationist
• State Parks & Recreation
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Writer
• Test and Inspection Technician
• Toxicologist
• Underwater Technician
• Veterinarian
• Water Quality Technician
• Water Transportation Worker
• Wildlife Biologist
• Zoologist

Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate biological data.
• Use microscopes to examine, identify, and classify micro-organisms.
• Conduct chemical analysis of substances, such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.
• Use and program computers to store and manipulate data.
• Conduct experiments and report outcomes.
• Study and/or manage animal or plant populations.
• Supervise technicians or research assistants.
• Use and train others in various outdoor-sport techniques to collect samples including hiking, climbing, angling, canoeing, swimming and diving.
• Conduct studies and prepare reports to communicate to interested parties in the academic, commercial, government, and/or public sectors.
• Prepare proposals or write grants or explanation of work for the purpose of funding.

• Agricultural industries and laboratories
• Animal, insect, land management, and environmental agencies
• Aquariums
• Conservatories
• Educational institutions
• Environmental industries, laboratories, and organizations
• Government agencies, such as the BLM or Department of Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Food processing and safety industries, agencies, and laboratories
• Greenhouses
• Health agencies
• Industries specializing in the use of natural resources, such as: mining, hydrology, and petroleum
industries
• Laboratories, such as: government, industrial, medical, pharmaceutical, academic, etc.
• Port & harbor facilities
• Research departments and/or facilities
• Wildlife and game management agencies
• Zoos and animal preserves

Skills Needed by Biology majors:

• Analytical & quantitative abilities
• Biology theory & practical knowledge
• Curiosity and creativity
• Independent worker
• Information handling & organization
• Innovative talents
• Numerical computation
• Operate scientific equipment
• Oral & written communication
• Problem solving
• Statistical awareness
• Teamwork
• Technical skills

Other Biology resources