UConn Programs of Study under the STRONG-CT Alliance

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1 UConn Programs of Study under the STRONG-CT Alliance College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Biological Sciences A Bachelor of Science degree is generally recommended for students planning a scientific career in biology. This major involves the study of the life sciences. The requirements for the major in Biological Sciences are designed to ensure a sound and broad background in biology, with opportunities to explore related fields. Studying this major will develop knowledge of life's organisms, and how life systems interact. Along with this, come skills in research, data collection, laboratory techniques, problem solving, and critical thinking. Writing is enhanced, as technical and scientific data must be communicated to both the scientific and non-scientific communities. Employment opportunities can be found in drug and pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology, research institutions, government, education, medicine and health care, zoos, botanical gardens, museums, environmental companies, consulting firms, science journalism, agriculture, food sciences, law, forensic science, and many more. arborist biochemist curator cytologist ecologist florist food scientist forester geneticist teacher professor sales representative aquarist entomologist environmental specialist fisheries biologist marine biologist microbiologist museum technician biomedical engineer biophysicist biotechnologist immunologist pathologist pharmacologist zoologist science writer biotechnology investment analyst 1

2 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Students majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology may pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelors of Science degree. Students study the interrelationships of organisms and their environments and the historical developments of different biological groups. Studying ecology and evolutionary biology gives one a better understanding of the natural world. Students must take at least one animal diversity course. There are a variety of subjects to choose from, ranging from the biology of fish to studying entomology. Plant diversity is also a required subject in which students must take at least one course with options such as the Evolution of Green Plants or Aquatic Plant Biology. Another required course is Physiology, and there are recommended courses in various other subjects that students should take as well. Students in this major will gain the experience with field and lab work that is necessary for successful graduates in this program. Communication skills are valuable in this field because the ability to share findings among colleagues is most important. Other useful skills include analytical, mathematical, and logical thinking abilities. Enjoying performing research and problem solving are also important in this field of work. Within the field of ecology and evolutionary biology, there are many career options available. One can work on basic research doing lab work or be involved in more applied work. Applied research can include studying species harvested for cosmetics or for use in pharmaceuticals, or how harvesting affects species' population. Part of the job may be doing fieldwork in a variety of locations, working in academics doing research, or publishing findings. In order to work in the academic field, teaching may be necessary, as well as obtaining a Masters or PhD degree. Communicating through the writing of research results and papers would be a part of the job, as well as presenting and explaining the results of the research. Evolutionary Biologist Ecologist Research Specialist Environmental Planner Biologist/Ecologist Risk Assessor Marine Conservationist State Park Employee Eco Risk Assessor/Ecotoxicologist Research Biologist 2

3 Environmental Science Environmental Science is the study of the world's natural habitat and how human beings affect it, as well as how changes in human behavior can benefit the earth. The Environmental Science major is based on a combination of physical and biological sciences and also includes selected areas of social sciences. The program includes the studying of environmental problems with not only a scientific background, but also with detailed analyses of the social and economic implications of environmental issues. The major is offered as interdisciplinary program through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. All Environmental Students, regardless of the college through which they enter the University, will complete the same series of basic and introductory environmental science courses during their first two years. After the completion of their sophomore year, students in the major will select one of nine environmental science concentration areas. Through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students are able to concentrate in Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Geography, Environmental Geoscience, or Marine Science. Students are also able to concentrate in Environmental Health, Natural Resources, Resource Economics, or Soil Science concentrations through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The student's coursework for their final two years of study are determined in cooperation with a faculty advisor from the department affiliated with their chosen concentration area, preparing the student for a career in a specific aspect of the environmental science field. Environmental scientists study the history, makeup, and characteristics of the atmosphere, surface, and core of the earth. This field involves a lot of research as well as the ability to apply information gained in a practical manner. Topics that are commonly focused on in environmental science are ocean pollution levels, endangered species, deforestation, hazardous waste, global climate change, and acid deposition. More importantly, it focuses on the scientific reasons for all of the environmental changes that take place of the earth. It is important to understand these issues as a means for improving the quality of life. In order to do so, it is also important to understand the scientific processes and principles of the natural environment. In order to be successful in the field of environmental science, it is important to have a strong knowledge of biology, geography, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In addition, it is necessary to be up to date with all environmental issues concerning the earth. Along with being up to date on environmental issues, it is also important to keep current on computer technology advancement, as well as having a strong background in data analysis. Quality Assurance Technician Environmental Scientist Industrial Environmental Manager Environmental Health and Safety Project Manager Risk Assessment Specialist Environmental Planner 3

4 Toxicologist Earth Scientist Agronomist Grassroots coordinator Soil Scientist Hazardous Materials Specialist Environmental Protection Specialist Industrial Hygienist Safety Engineer Water Quality Technologist Molecular and Cell Biology Students interested in the cellular and molecular basics of life and the application of molecular techniques would find molecular and cell biology an interesting major. Students study physical sciences and need to have a strong base in mathematics. Molecular and cell biology looks at single cell and multi-cellular level processes, studying how biologically derived molecules, such as DNA function and carry out specific tasks in organisms. Some examples of what s studied by molecular and cell biologists are how cells respond to external stimuli, like hormones, cell motility, secretion, and the uptake of substances. Cancer cells are studied, looking at how they vary from normal cells as well as the role of genes in multi-cellular organisms. An important aspect of research in molecular and cell biology is cell culture techniques. As a molecular and cell biology major one will have a strong basis in life sciences and will develop strong analytical skills. Students take courses in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and genetics as well as in mathematics. Laboratory courses give students hands-on experience for various methods and techniques used in Molecular and Cell Biology. Useful skills for a molecular and cell biologist include being good at math, some computer skills, and some statistics skills. It is also helpful to have good reading and writing skills as well as having a strong interest in science. Molecular and cell biologists work in a variety of fields; their duties varying from one to the next, but in all of the fields working in life science is involved. Molecular and cell biologists study molecular aspects of various cellular structures and processes. Molecular and cell biologists can work on finding cures to various diseases by studying genes and how they mutate to cause diseases (such as cancer). Drug companies are always researching new products and molecular and cell biologists are a part of that research. They can work on developing therapeutic drugs to working on stem cell research and in many other areas within the medical development field. A molecular and cell biologist may find themselves working on research that involves cloning, subcloning, synthetic RNA transcription, gene expression, cell growth and development, cell and organelle structure and assembly, and DNA dynamics and chromosome structure, and other types of laboratory work. Recording and analyzing various types of data is an important part of working as a molecular and cell biologist and will often be a part of one's job. Applying research to help solve health problems and to help cure diseases will also be an option for molecular and cell biologists. 4

5 Molecular and cell biologists are prepared to enter various fields; biotechnology, toxicology, and biomedical engineering all offer potential employment. Many companies have laboratories as well as government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health. Scientific journalism can also use people with knowledge of molecular and cell biology as well as sales and marketing. Drug companies hire molecular and cell biologists to find new cures and study the effects of new drugs and to work in research labs. Biotechnology companies are another potential employer of molecular and cell biologists. Business consulting firms have interest in biology majors because of strong problem solving skills, and teaching is always an option for an MCB major as well. Research Technician Molecular Biologist Cellular Biologist Senior Technical Sales Representative Research Biologist Research Associate Stem Cell Biology Scientist Product Manager Structural Biology and Biophysics This B.S. program emphasizes the physical and chemical foundations of molecular biology. Please look under the Molecular and Cell Biology for more information about this major as it is a division under the MCB department. Physiology and Neurobiology How do babies grow? How do frogs reproduce? How do snakes move? How do people walk on the moon? You would be able to answer these questions if you study Physiology and Neurobiology. Here at the University of Connecticut the study of life (physiology) and study of the nervous system (neurobiology) are meshed into one major Physiology, and Neurobiology (PNB). The Physiology side of the major deals with research that may range from the function of a single cell to the interactions between people and their environment here on earth and on the moon. The Neurobiology side focuses on the study of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. The research done by a neurobiologist attempts to explain the successes as well as the problems in the development, the behavior, and the learning of humans, through research of the functions of the brain. The study of Physiology and Neurobiology falls under the umbrella of Biology. The lines of distinction of the two are very thin. So the fusion of Physiology and Neurobiology enables the student to acquire the knowledge of two fundamental areas of science, giving a full picture of how organisms work and survive in a given environment. 5

6 Some useful skills looked for are: analytical skills, attention to detail, patience, communication skills, and problem solving skills. Those who study Physiology and Neurobiology investigate the function and vital processes of organisms be they animals, or humans. However, the nature of the work they choose can vary based on the individuals interests. The work may be conducted in a laboratory setting, a classroom, or in a space ship two hundred miles above the earth. Systems Physiologist Biomedical Modeler Astronaut Cognitive Electro-Physiologist Physician Pharmaceutical Research College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agronomy Agronomy, in the Department of Plant Science, is the study of soils and land use as well as the production and management of turf and field crops. A thorough knowledge of the relationship between soils and the growth of plants is the basis for environmentally sound practices and efficient land use. There are three concentration choices: The turfgrass concentration is designed to provide students basic and applied knowledge in turfgrass science. Students completing the program will be able to apply their skills toward the management of lawns, golf courses, athletic and recreational fields, roadsides, sod farms, erosion control projects, and other areas where turfgrass is utilized. Formal courses in turfgrass science and related topics will be complemented with hands-on training in the establishment, management, and maintenance of turf for various purposes. The goal of the crop science concentration is to achieve an understanding of the processes involved in the production of agricultural crops, their quality, and the ecological systems involved in their management. Students who chose this concentration have the opportunity to obtain a background in the biological, chemical, and agricultural sciences. Soil science, the third concentration focuses on educating students about the needs of crop production as well as the role of soils in ecological processes. This program provides students with the education and training to prepare them for careers in soils and environmentally related fields. 6

7 Because agronomy is broken down into three fields of concentration, the nature of work will vary accordingly. Many Agronomists work in basic or applied research and development programs, or manage marketing or production operations in companies. Some are consultants to business firms, private clients or the government. People in this field will often work in a team-based atmosphere, in a laboratory or research environment. Some positions require national or international travel. All students are trained in soils, chemistry, plant physiology, botany, and turf management. Some skills that are necessary for a particular job within agronomy are communication, interpersonal, knowledge of statistical software, strong analysis abilities, and competence with Microsoft Office and database software. Turf Manager Golf Course Designer Golf Course Maintainer Research Manager Assistant Professor Chemical Technology Specialist Greenhouse or Nursery Worker Plant Physiologist Soil Scientist Animal Science U.S. Agriculture is a $1 trillion business, the largest industry in the world! In New England over 20% of our population is employed in agriculture. Animal agriculture is the largest industry within agriculture, employing many Animal Science graduates. Agricultural sales in Connecticut, represented by Animal Science activities, are in excess of $350 million per year. More than 22 million people, 20% of America's labor force, are employed in some form of agriculture and Animal Science graduates will be needed in the future when more modern technology is applied throughout animal agriculture. Today there are over 750 biotechnology firms in the U.S., of which 250 are located in the northeast, over 25 in Connecticut. A 13% national shortage of well-trained qualified individuals is predicted. Career potentials equal those of other professions. A career in Animal Science makes you part of a large and important industry with many opportunities. Patience, being organized, ability to work under stress, and good communication skills are useful skills developed in this program. In addition, you can find great personal reward. Many pursue careers that address such issues as food 7

8 production, animal welfare and population control. While pursuing their B.S. degree, Animal Science students work with animals and learn how animals function as explained by the basic sciences of genetics, physiology, nutrition, medicine and behavior. Animal Scientists work with domestic animals and their products of meat, milk, eggs and fiber; as well as the companion animals, such as horses, cats and dogs. Graduates are prepared for national certification as Professional Animal Scientists. The Pre-Vet/Pre-Grad Animal Science option prepares students to seek postbaccalaureate professional training in graduate programs or colleges of veterinary medicine. After earning M.S., Ph.D. and/or D.V.M. degrees, graduates may consider employment in the following areas: College/University Teaching and Research Practicing Veterinarian/Research Veterinarian Extension/Adult Education Specialist Research Scientist, Research Associate, Senior Scientist Food Quality Control/Product Development Scientist Administrative/Industry/Leadership Positions Commercial Research/Product Development Consultants - Veterinarians, Nutritionists, Biotechnologist, Management Private Development of Animal Products/Services Food Inspectors Vocational Agricultural/Post-Secondary Educators Molecular Biotechnologist USDA Research Centers Faculty Animal Research Technician Genetic Manipulation Specialist Manager of Research Farms and Facilities Manager of Ranches/Farms/Feedlots 8

9 Individual Proprietor Cell Culture Specialist Animal Care Technician Dairy, Meat and Seafood Technical Assistants Managers of Stud Farms/Livestock/Poultry Operations Herdsperson/Artificial Insemination/Embryo Transfer Laboratory Animal Management Livestock Management Services Manager for Training/Boarding Facilities Livestock Equipment Representative Horticulture The Department of Plant Science provides instruction in the horticultural areas of floriculture, fruit and vegetable crops, and ornamental horticulture. Curricular options for horticulture majors are Horticultural Commerce and Professional Horticulture. Horticulture has an important role in maintaining high-quality diets and enhancing environmental quality through the aesthetic and functional uses of plants. Career options include leadership positions in federal, state and local governments, public and private gardens, the Cooperative Extension System, education, research, and a variety of horticultural industries. Students planning to pursue graduate study should obtain a comprehensive background in the biological and physical sciences. Students undertaking a career in Horticulture possess the following qualities: "perseverance, independence, patience, stamina, adaptability, cooperation, willingness to work with others or as part of a team and enthusiasm. (Opportunities in Horticulture Careers, 1995) Skills and abilities necessary for a particular job will vary because of the wide variety of career options within the field of Horticulture. Some of them include strong organization, initiative, creativity, imagination, leadership, problem solving and persuasion skills, the ability to help others through instruction, have an eye for detail, imagination, and sometimes manual dexterity. Horticulture graduates are responsible for a variety of tasks necessary to achieve a pleasant and functional outdoor environment. They also care for indoor gardens and plantings in commercial and public facilities, such as malls, hotels, and botanical gardens. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1998) Students are trained and work in specialized fields of horticulture including plant propagation, nursery and greenhouse production, floriculture, sales and marketing, designing, maintenance, business and personnel management, communication, and Horticulture therapy. Most entry-level technicians work as growers, propagators, or salespeople. The nature of work within each field of horticulture is different. Work can range from determining the correct soil conditions for different plants and choosing the best fertilizer to promote growth, to being responsible for the indoor climate of greenhouses. Horticulturists also maintain inventory of wholesale or retail outlets, deal with customers and suppliers, are responsible for the maintenance and construction of commercial or public lands, and seed production and sales. 9

10 Horticulturalists are employed by private and public industry including government, educational institutions, hospitals, golf courses and private estates. Some other potential employers of horticulturalists are: Greenhouses, orchards, farms, nurseries, wholesale or retail outlets, flower, fruit and vegetable production and interior landscaping companies, the food processing industry, museums, parks, arboretums and zoos. Interior Landscaper Arborist Retail Gardener Floriculturalists Greenhouse Manager Horticultural Therapist Lawn Service Specialist Floral Designers Nursery Professionals Natural Resources The Natural Resources major is offered by the Department of Natural Resource Management and Engineering. An interdisciplinary set of courses can be pursued, or the student can focus on a specific area within the major. The possible areas of emphasis include: Atmospheric Resources, Earth Resource Information Systems (LERIS), Fisheries Management, Forestry/Forest Ecology, Water Resources, and Wildlife Management. The students are provided with a thorough background in natural resource management and technology along with basic science and liberal arts. In order to be successful in the field, it is important to have good physical fitness, outdoor skills, and resourcefulness, as well as a strong interest in animals and environment, since most of the work for the profession involves the outdoors. In addition to that, good problem solving skills, ability to pay attention to detail, excellent writing, speaking and people skills, ability to analyze, interpret and evaluate data, and computation skills are necessary. Careers in Natural Resources involve balancing the needs of humans with the natural cycles of the environment, as well as seeking a clear understanding of the surroundings through observation. Typically, the work involves being outdoors, learning about forests, ecosystems, and the environment, while integrating science, business, people, and resource management. In the past few hundred years, humans have decimated the great forests, polluted the land, water and air, strained the land carry capacity through overpopulation, and lost billions of tons of topsoil to the sea. As a result, those involved in the field of natural resources need to determine how best to preserve the environment and satisfy human needs. 10

11 Forester/Forestry Technician Public Forester Conservation Scientist Ecologist Tree Manager Environmental Consultant/Monitor Land Manager Wildlife and Fisheries Manager Conservation Education Soils/Wetland Specialist Plant Pathologist Service Forester Industrial Forester Range Manager/Range Scientist National Park Service Professional Soil Chemistry Consultant Hydrologist Research Technician Resource Monitor Environmental Protection Agent Environmental Soil Scientist Landscape Designer Nutritional Sciences A major in nutritional science is very similar to a major in dietetics. Nutritional science majors have the opportunity to select options in dietetics, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition for exercise and sport, food science, or fundamentals of nutrition. In all cases, students are provided with a strong foundation in the areas of biology, biochemistry, physiology, sociology, and psychology. In the end, the focus of the major is to be able to provide patients with foods that will improve or maintain their health. Some of the skills and abilities that are associated with this particular field of study are: excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to interpret technical and scientific data, problem solving and decision making, computer skills, attention to detail, and the ability to conduct and explain reasoning. Nutritionists are food specialists that are responsible for nutritional care and food service. They can typically be involved with clinical research and/or labwork. Primarily, however, they assess nutritional needs, plan individualized dietary plans, provide counseling, and evaluate nutritional care for individuals and groups. In addition, they help people make smart food choices to keep them healthy; advise doctors and nurses regarding nutrition; teach people about the importance of good nutrition and healthful food choices; manage food service businesses; and supervise people who prepare and serve food. They are also responsible for promoting good health and proper eating. 11

12 Nutritionist Food and Nutrition Services Director Nutrition Manager Athletic Counselor Dietician Investigator, FDA Quality Assurance Manager Clinical Nutrition Specialist Food Scientist Nutrition Journalist Research Assistant Lab Technician Pathobiology Do you have an interest in working with animals? Are you interested in studying the complexities involved in animal health and diseases? Are you curious about the relevance and impact they have on people and the environment? If so, Pathobiology may be the major for you. Pathobiology involves the study of animal science, animal disease, anatomy, and microbiology. It scrutinizes the very specific and microscopic study of normal and pathological anatomy and microbiology of laboratory animals, domestic mammals, birds, and free living mammals. It also examines, on a more macroscopic level, the overall epidemiology of animal disease and its relevance to people and the ecological environment at large. Pathobiologists generally are found in careers that involve helping animals such as Veterinary Medicine or Para-veterinary Medicine. They are also found working in other facets of medicine. They work in biotechnology, the biomedical sciences, and various lab and research positions in the health field such as pharmaceutical or vaccine companies, and specific animal research facilities. The undergraduate coursework for Pathobiology involves pathovirology science, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, immunology, and cell biology. The Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science offers opportunities in undergraduate research projects to heighten students level of educational experience, along with opportunities for student employment, and scholarship money and awards. The Department also offers an active seminar series that functions as a forum for various scientific investigators to present their research and to interact with students and faculty. There are job opportunities in the field for individuals with a bachelor s degree in Pathobiology. However, more specialized, advanced, and teaching positions in Pathobiology will require a graduate degree in the field. In addition to a bachelor s 12

13 degree in the field, UConn also has a graduate program in Pathobiology. At the graduate level, UConn offers, M.S. (Master s of Science) and Ph.D. programs in Pathobiology with areas of concentration in Pathobiology, bacteriology, pathology and virology. Some of the skills that are vital in obtaining positions in the field of Pathobiology include: competency in conducting scientific research, computer skills, and knowledge of theoretical biologically based concepts, communication and interpersonal skills. The nature of the work will vary based upon whether or not you hold a bachelor s degree in the field or an advanced graduate degree. It is also dependent upon where your specific area of interest within the field falls. If you possess a desire to do direct work with animals, or if you would prefer to focus solely in the research aspect of Pathobiology, or if your interest lies in teaching, Pathobiology offers a wide variety of career opportunities. However, wherever you choose to focus the work is highly scientific, systematic, and rigorous in nature. Veterinarian ParaVeterinarian Forensic Pathologist Biomedical Technician Immunologist Biomedical Researcher Microbiologist Pathovirologist Pathobiologist Teacher 13