Overview Biologists carry out research in universities, government laboratories, and industry. The research may be "basic," exploring a fundamental question to further our understanding of life processes. Such research may be in the laboratory or "in the field." Research may also be "applied," seeking to develop a new or better drug or biological pesticide, a new vaccine, or a way to conserve an endangered species, for example.

Preparation Careers are available in Biology at all preparation levels (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree), but the nature of the jobs change with additional preparation. Undergraduate coursework includes a broad range of sciences, not just biology. Chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses are required for a biology major and may be prerequisites for advanced biology courses.

Earnings According the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages of biochemists and biophysicists are $82,840 in the United States. The middle 50 percent earned between $59,260 and $108,950. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,440.

Employment Biological scientists hold about 91,300 jobs in the United States. In addition, many biological scientists hold biology faculty positions in colleges and universities but are not included in these numbers. About 40 percent of all biological scientists were employed by federal, state, and local governments. Federal biological scientists worked mainly for the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Defense and for the National Institutes of Health. Most of the rest worked in scientific research and testing laboratories

Employment There will continue to be demand for biological scientists specializing in botany and zoology, but opportunities will be limited because of the small size of these fields. Doctoral degree holders are expected to face competition for basic research positions in academia. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biological scientists is projected to grow 21 percent over the 2008 - 2018 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth.

BS Biological Sciences Nine Concentrations: General Aquatic Ecology Botany Environmental Biology Molecular Biology Wildlife Biology Zoology Life Science Teacher Certification Science Teacher Certification

Aquatic Ecology Ecology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems Taxonomy and Evolution of Aquatic Organisms Fishery Management Restoration Botanist, Zoologist, Ichthyologist, Limnologist, Microbiologist, Parasitologist, Phycologist, and Aquatic Ecologist

Environmental Biology Environmental biologists examine the influences and biological forces at work within the ecological world Work with agencies dealing with the public policy and conservation State agencies like NRCS, TPWD, TCEQ and federal like NPS, USFS, USGS, and USFWS

Molecular Biology Forensic Science, Genetic Counselor, Biochemists, Microbiologists, and Virologists that map genes, identify protein functions, and develop pharmaceuticals

Wildlife Biology Botanists, Ecologists, and Zoologists that work for private consulting firms and state agencies like NRCS, TPWD, TCEQ and federal like NPS, USFS, USGS, and USFWS Animal Trainers, Zookeepers Botanical Garden Directors Museum and Herbarium Curators Taxonomists and Ecologists

Life Science or Science Educator Bachelor’s degree in the field you teach with state teacher certification Wildlife Educators that present about plants and animals We offer classes for Life Science or Science Certifications

Education Needed for Research PhD or at least Master of Science degree needed to be a head researcher Bachelors or Masters needed to be a technician Problem solving ability & creativity are essential College Professor Can include research PhD required

MS in Biology To do research or to teach at a community college Good GPA, letters that describe your experience Good Graduate record Examination (GRE) score www.ets.org/gre

How to get and keep a good GPA Go to class Study on your own Form study groups with like-minded, motivated students Find an upperclassman mentor After showing you can make good grades, find a faculty mentor and see if they have a project for you

How to prepare for the GRE Start now! Regularly read dense material (ie. Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, Science Journals, Philosophy essays, Psychology essays) Do well in your classes Consider taking a GRE prep course

Get Involved Join a student club and get involved Beta Beta Beta (BBB): The Honor Society for Biology Majors Every other Thurs. Rm 219 Thompson And many others on campus such as Chemistry Club, Environmental Society, and Wildlife Society