What is Biological Sciences (Biology of Animals) ? This concentration within the biology major is an opportunity for students to explore, in greater detail, the behaviors, phylogeny, anatomy, physiology and environmental interactions of animals. Students are able to focus their upper level elective courses on animals and related topics. Biology is the scientific study of life and life processes. Biologists study the organization of life from the structures of molecules to the balance of ecosystems. Biology majors learn to observe critically the details of all life; they analyze data and apply biological knowledge learned in the classroom to draw conclusions about their observations. Biologists are able to make significant contributions to maintaining the health and well-being of the human population, as well as preserving and protecting the environment. They develop a knowledge base and scientific way of thinking that will enable them to make informed personal health and public policy decisions. Success Factors Students who have an interest in the living world around them and who love to learn about interact with or observe animals will often find this concentration within the biology major to be very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy this concentration, especially learning about animals in laboratory and natural environments. Visual learners will especially appreciate the complexity and behaviors of the animals they will study. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Career Possibilities Graduates with a BS in biology and a concentration in biology of animals have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study. The MS or PhD degree in biology can lead to careers in teaching and research. Students interested in applying to veterinary school will find this concentration to be particularly appropriate. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include the following (most require additional post-graduate training): Anatomist Animal behaviorist (Ethnologist) Biology teacher (Middle/High School) Ecologist Entomologist (Insects) Fish and wildlife management specialist Fisheries biologist Herpetologist (Amphibians & Reptiles) Ichthyologist (Fish) Invertebrate biologist Laboratory animal medicine specialist Mammalogist Marine biologist Museum curator Natural resources manager Naturalist Ornithologist (Birds) Vertebrate biologist Veterinarian Zoologist