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.
Sample Job Titles
arborist
environmental specialist
biochemist
fisheries biologist
curator
marine biologist
cytologist
microbiologist
ecologist
museum technician
florist
biomedical engineer
food scientist
biophysicist
forester
biotechnologist
geneticist
immunologist
teacher
pathologist
professor
pharmacologist
sales representative
zoologist
aquarist
science writer
entomologist
biotechnology investment analyst
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Evolutionary Biologist
Biologist/Ecologist Risk Assessor
Ecologist
Marine Conservationist
Research Specialist
State Park Employee
Environmental Planner
Eco Risk Assessor/Ecotoxicologist
Research Biologist
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Quality Assurance Technician
Environmental Health and Safety Project Manager
Environmental Scientist
Risk Assessment Specialist
Industrial Environmental Manager
Environmental Planner
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Toxicologist
Hazardous Materials Specialist
Earth Scientist
Environmental Protection Specialist
Agronomist
Industrial Hygienist
Grassroots coordinator
Safety Engineer
Soil Scientist
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.
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Research Technician
Research Biologist
Molecular Biologist
Research Associate
Cellular Biologist
Stem Cell Biology Scientist
Senior Technical Sales Representative
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.
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Systems Physiologist
Cognitive Electro-Physiologist
Biomedical Modeler
Physician
Astronaut
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.
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Turf Manager
Assistant Professor
Chemical Technology
Specialist
Greenhouse or Nursery
Worker
Golf Course Designer
Golf Course Maintainer
Research Manager
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
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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
Sample Job Titles
Animal Research Technician
Manager of Research Farms and Facilities
Genetic Manipulation Specialist
Manager of Ranches/Farms/Feedlots
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Individual Proprietor
Herdsperson/Artificial Insemination/Embryo Transfer
Cell Culture Specialist
Laboratory Animal Management
Animal Care Technician
Livestock Management Services
Dairy, Meat and Seafood Technical Assistants
Manager for Training/Boarding Facilities
Managers of Stud Farms/Livestock/Poultry Operations
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.
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Interior Landscaper
Greenhouse Manager
Arborist
Horticultural Therapist
Retail Gardener
Lawn Service Specialist
Floriculturalists
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.
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Sample Job Titles
Forester/Forestry Technician
Service Forester
Public Forester
Industrial Forester
Conservation Scientist
Range Manager/Range Scientist
Ecologist
National Park Service Professional
Tree Manager
Soil Chemistry Consultant
Environmental Consultant/Monitor
Hydrologist
Land Manager
Research Technician
Wildlife and Fisheries Manager
Resource Monitor
Conservation Education
Environmental Protection Agent
Soils/Wetland Specialist
Environmental Soil Scientist
Plant Pathologist
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.
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Sample Job Titles
Nutritionist
Quality Assurance Manager
Food and Nutrition Services Director
Clinical Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition Manager
Food Scientist
Athletic Counselor
Nutrition Journalist
Dietician
Research Assistant
Investigator, FDA
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
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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.
Sample Job Titles
Veterinarian
Biomedical Researcher
ParaVeterinarian
Microbiologist
Forensic Pathologist
Pathovirologist
Biomedical Technician
Pathobiologist
Immunologist
Teacher
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