Biology
Study Biology at MTSU to explore life's complexities. Gain insights, choose from concentrations, and pursue diverse career paths.
Biology, B.S.
Biology is the study of all aspects of living organisms and ranges from the study of molecular processes of the cell to the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. The name itself means the "study of life" and a formal study of this discipline allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexity of life and important concepts with the guidance of experts in multiple fields.
Biology helps us better understand the characteristics and the impact of external influences, both short-term and long-term, upon the continuing processes of life in our world. It helps us contribute to human health advancements as well as gain a more in-depth understanding and awareness of the world around us. It opens the door and builds a foundation for students to grow into many useful and interesting career paths including becoming a research scientist, pharmacologist, nature conservation officer, forensic scientist, science writer, ecologist, biomedical engineer, or any number of similar occupations. The world needs biologists more than ever as we face new and increasingly important challenges. Biologists are required to help solve problems such as increasing population pressures, environmental concerns, food shortages, emerging diseases, and other issues. Students may choose from five concentrations:
- Biology, Genetics, and Biotechnology Concentration, B.S.
- Biology, Microbiology Concentration, B.S.
- Biology, Organismal Biology, and Ecology Concentration, B.S.
- Biology, Physiology Concentration, B.S.
- Biology, Teacher Licensure (MTeach), B.S.
News Briefs
A region's richness
Biology isn't all microscopes and petri dishes. The department has a number of professors whose research takes them — and many of their students — into the field to study the visible world and its creatures. Whether helping Dr. Vincent Cobb in his study of the thermal ecology of snakes in the region or assisting Dr. Brian Miller in his research on hellbenders, one of the largest (and some would say ugliest) salamanders in the world, Biology majors will find that there is plenty to see and learn about right here in middle Tennessee.
Research that matters
For more than a decade, Dr. Elliot Altman has explored the mysteries of peptide therapy research. His work has been part of a process that could revolutionize the treatment of types of arthritis and cancer in years (as opposed to decades). (His research also includes discovering ways to increase the efficiency of certain alternative fuels.) Motivated students in the Biology Department can be part of that process or other fascinating areas of work that makes a difference in people's lives.
News Briefs
A region's richness
Biology isn't all microscopes and petri dishes. The department has a number of professors whose research takes them — and many of their students — into the field to study the visible world and its creatures. Whether helping Dr. Vincent Cobb in his study of the thermal ecology of snakes in the region or assisting Dr. Brian Miller in his research on hellbenders, one of the largest (and some would say ugliest) salamanders in the world, Biology majors will find that there is plenty to see and learn about right here in middle Tennessee.
Research that matters
For more than a decade, Dr. Elliot Altman has explored the mysteries of peptide therapy research. His work has been part of a process that could revolutionize the treatment of types of arthritis and cancer in years (as opposed to decades). (His research also includes discovering ways to increase the efficiency of certain alternative fuels.) Motivated students in the Biology Department can be part of that process or other fascinating areas of work that makes a difference in people's lives.
A degree in biology is a "foundation degree" — a direct door-opener for a large number of careers, as well as a crucial first undergraduate step on the path toward those careers that require additional graduate training.
Examples include
- Agricultural scientist
- Animal behaviorist
- Bio-engineer
- Desert ecologist
- Medical laboratory tech
- Medical librarian
- Microbiologist
- Molecular endocrinologist
- Park ranger
- Safety manager
- Science teacher
- State park resource ecologist
- Toxicologist
- Virologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Zoo biologist
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Aegis Sciences Corporation
- American Red Cross
- Area High Schools
- Arnold Air Force Base
- Austin Peay State University
- Biomimetic Therapeutics
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Covance
- Cytometry Associates
- Environmental Science Corp.
- Erlanger Medical Center
- GenHunter Corporation
- ICON Clinical Research
- Jack Daniels Distillery
- Local Community Colleges
- Merck and Co.
- Monsanto
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Pathgroup Laboratories
- Pfizer Inc.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- USDA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vi-jon
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