Biology core courses focus on general areas of biology. These general or survey courses help students learn the basics of biology and introduce students to different specializations within biology. Some of the courses in the biology core include cell biology, genetics and microbiology. Students also have to take courses in natural sciences, such as chemistry or physics, and mathematics classes ranging from calculus to statistics.
Students choose an area of biology they would like to specialize in within the broader field of biology. These areas can include life sciences, forensic biology and prehealth professions. Life science students focus on digging more deeply into biology, taking courses such as introduction to biological chemistry, basic and practical microbiology, and plant biology in preparation for a career as a biologist or perhaps a high school biology teacher. Forensic biology students learn about forensics, DNA and cells as they prepare to become forensic scientists or work in crime labs. Courses in forensic biology include cell biology, molecular biology and forensic anthropology. Students who choose to study pre-health professions often pursue a career in medical, dental or veterinary science by taking courses such as molecular genetics, human or comparative anatomy, and principles of animal cellular and developmental biology.
Individual colleges and universities dictate their general education requirements. These core courses are liberal arts-related courses such as literature, writing, psychology, sociology, history and foreign language. These courses offer students a basic education, familiarizing them with academic areas other than biology.
Biology majors often have to complete an internship or research project in biology. Students find a lab in which to complete an internship, or they work on a field-research project relevant to their area of study. A biology internship, for example, might be at a local zoo or life science lab. Students conducting biology research projects choose a specific biology topic and then conduct research, analyze data, discover new trends and create a research project focused on that particular topic. Research projects and internships prepare students for a career or postgraduate study, and they serve as networking opportunities for students.