A Biology major can prepare students for a variety of health-related careers, but because the subject is extremely broad, the subject is applicable in a wide range of professions outside the health sector. Below is a list of options for Biology students:
Nutritionist
The epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases has prompted many to seek advice from nutritionists. With heart disease being the leading cause of death and obesity a growing issue in the country, the guide that nutritionists give to their patients toward behavior changes can be helpful as preventative measures or to simply improve one’s health. Biology graduates can apply the scientific knowledge of the human body and its environment as nutritionists in educating people about the food they eat and how it impacts their health, communities and ecosystems. Many nutritionists are self-employed, but certain positions require certifications and postgraduate study.
Genetic Counselor
Biology is an excellent major for those looking to pursue a career in genetic counseling. The practice is being increasingly sought after as more and more people become interested in looking into their ancestry and find out about their particular genetic health risks. Aside from providing factual information, the role of a genetic counselor is to give emotional support to individuals who have been diagnosed with a genetically-inherited illness, or who are at risk for developing a disease. Because of this, a strong background in psychology or counseling is preferred by graduate programs. Genetic counselors might also work with those who are planning a pregnancy and are concerned about their baby’s risk for birth defects.
Entomologist
Entomology is the study insects, their environments and their behaviors through observational, experimental, chemical and genetic techniques, but the importance of its research goes beyond the diverse group of animals on earth and is critical to human lives. Entomologists make great contributions to fields such as health, agriculture, chemistry, biology, and forensics. Finding cures to serious diseases spread by insects require understanding of insect biology, for example. And agricultural entomologists may develop new types of integrated pest management that uses some species to control others, reducing the need for pesticides or conventional roach killers.
Lawyer
Being a lawyer doesn’t sound like a likely path for science majors, but the scientific knowledge and reasoning from subjects like Biology are pertinent in some legal fields. Medical malpractice lawyers, for example, need to analyze medical interventions to judge whether health professionals have acted correctly and ethically. The same goes for litigation and criminal lawyers who need to gather evidence to test a hypothesis. Patent and intellectual property lawyers also need to understand the science behind biotechnological products, drugs and medical instruments in order to process applications for patents and defend client infringment. Biology majors who are particularly passionate about the environment can work as an environmental lawyer with their scientific understanding of how the ecosystem will be impacted by certain projects or policies.
Health Educator
Health educators develop health education programs that teach people how to maximize their wellness and promote healthy behaviors. Like biology majors, they write about scientific topics like nutrition, safe sex, substance and stress reduction. Biology graduates who are interested in working with people and have strong written communication skills can use their scientific knowledge from biology as health educators to digest information and research about public health concerns.
Conservation Scientist
Our natural resoures today are being used up at an alarming rate. The future lies in our willingness to invest in discovering newer and more efficient resources that will be sustainable in the long run. Biology graduates who enjoy applying their skills outside the classroom might be interested in becoming a conservation scientist who spend a lot of time in the field. Many of them work with government or environmental agencies managing the overall land quality of natural resources.