What is Biology?
Explore this UC major to see if it’s the right fit for you
The work of biologists impacts life every day. From disease research and medical enhancements to protecting ecosystems across the planet, the work of biologists is needed to improve the world.
Director of UC's undergraduate Biological Sciences department LaSharon Mosley. Photo/Provided
Majoring in biological sciences at the University of Cincinnati's College of Arts and Sciences will allow you to gain a perspective that focuses on the betterment of the world around you. Spanning different topics from ecology and conservation efforts to molecular and cell studies, there is something for everyone.
In addition, the department provides many volunteer opportunities, from preservation efforts at Burnet Woods, Mills Creek and UC Field Station, to community organizataions like Matthew 25 Ministries.
“Don’t be afraid of biology,” LaSharon Mosley said.
Mosley serves as the undergraduate director for the department of biological sciences.
Chloe Bower, a second-year biology major, can also attest to this.
“Studying biology has been one of the most eye-opening experiences,” Bower said. “To look outside and see the natural world around you and to actually be able to understand how each and everything works is a truly amazing thing.”
Real-world experience
Students in the biology department have opportunities to gain experience in several ways, including research. Whether it's studying disease-borne illness, genes or animal behavior, professors at UC conduct research over a wealth of topics.
UC biology student Chloe Bower. Photo/Provided
“We believe in the growth of our students while they’re here, making sure that we tailor them with all of the unique experiences that they need to be competitive for the workforce,” Mosley said.
On top of research, students can also shadow or partake internships with local hospitals. There are also opportunities for biology students to work through the UC Learning Commons as supplemental instructors. Supplement instructors work closely with professors to help their peers gain extra guidance on topics they need help with.
“I was a supplemental instructor for Biology I, and it was an amazing experience,” Bower said. “I learned so much through the experience and found a passion in helping my peers through the challenging courses we face.”
Notable classes
The biology major at UC requires students to take core classes to get a basic understanding of the subject along with electives that suit their interests.
Notable classes within the biology major include:
- Human and Comparative Anatomy
- Sensory Physiology
- Bioinformatics
- Medical Parasitology
- Human Genetics
- Botany
Students also enjoy taking Professionalism, Purpose and Careers in Biology. This class allows students to learn professional skills that they can carry on beyond their time at UC.
“In personal development, we created resumes, LinkedIn pages, and got certified in HIPPA (the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which is extremely helpful for my future career,” Bower said. “The various classes allow me to develop a multitude of transferrable skills that I can apply to not only my undergraduate career but also my future.”
Career opportunities
Students who major in biology are interdisciplinary trained, according to Mosley, giving them the opportunity to land in several fields.
“It is an exciting time to be a biology major, mostly in part because there are so many areas in which a student can actually land, as far as their career,” Mosley said. “Our students can end up as research techs or someone who's working directly with the zoo. They can end up at employers like Medpace, Cincinnati Children's, UC Health, Christ Hospital, P&G or Eli Lilly.”
Students often pursue careers in:
- Medicine
- Graduate School
- Research
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Academics
- Veterinary
- Nursing
- Forestry/Wildlife
- Zookeeping
Many biology graduates also choose to continue their studies by attending medical or graduate school. Bower plans to attend medical school to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
“Studying biology will help me understand the fundamentals of the living world around us, ranging from the molecular level to ecosystems,” Bower said. “This will allow me to go into medical school with a strong foundation that will allow me to apply the knowledge I gained throughout my undergraduate career to both medical school and my future as a doctor.”
Take it from a graduate
UC biology graduate Cameron Willey. Photo/Provided
Cameron Willey, a 2024 graduate, encourages biology students to take advantage of the opportunities given to students at UC.
Willey was the 2024 Thomas C. Kane Outstanding Graduate for undergraduates in biological science, the department's high-achievement award.
“There are a lot of valuable and wonderful experiences that UC offers, but it is ultimately up to the student to take the first step. It can be intimidating, but I encourage those wishing to gain more from their education to get involved,” Willey said.
While at UC, Willey took part in a faculty-led study abroad course that allowed him to spend his winter break in France. Here he was able to learn more about science and art in France, helping to shape his view of the world.
“College is the place to foster your learning and explore different ideas about this world around us,” Willey said. “There are many people that are there to support your endeavors, you just have to be willing to take the first step to find them.”
Featured image at top: Micro-bacteria. Credit/qimono for Pixabay.
By Gracie Reed
Student Journalist, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
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