Why Study Biology? | College Majors | College Degrees | Study Hall

Summary

This video script from Fast Guides introduces biology as the science of all living things, highlighting its broad scope and diverse career paths. It covers various subfields, the importance of acquiring knowledge, and the potential for making significant discoveries. The script emphasizes the need for analytical skills, perseverance, and a clear career vision, showcasing the potential of a biology major to lead to impactful work in understanding life.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Biology is the study of all living things, encompassing a vast array of topics from the origin of life to the intricacies of plant reproduction and animal behavior.
• 🏫 A degree in biology involves acquiring extensive knowledge about life and applying this knowledge to solve new problems and answer new questions.
• 🌿 Studying biology helps in understanding human needs, developing medicine, and exploring the molecular basis of life and environmental impacts on organisms.
• 🔍 Biology offers a wide range of subfields, including anatomy, astrobiology, biochemistry, bioclimatology, bioengineering, botany, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, and zoology.
• 🎓 A biology degree typically includes coursework in genetics, biochemistry, ecology, cell structure, molecular biology, and anatomy and physiology, building a strong foundation in understanding life at various scales.
• 🧪 Students in biology programs often engage in lab work and research, which is crucial for building practical skills and contributing to scientific advancements.
• 📈 Biology majors may also take math-related courses like calculus, physics, or biostatistics, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of biological studies.
• 🌐 The broad scope of biology allows for diverse career paths, from medical technology to studying insects, and the flexibility to pursue further education in specialized fields.
• 💼 Challenges in biology include the philosophical nature of deep questions in the field, which can lead to more questions than answers, and the demanding nature of lab and science courses.
• 🏥 Post-graduation opportunities for biology majors are diverse, ranging from immediate entry into careers like biological technician or health communications specialist to further education for roles in genetic counseling, biochemistry, or teaching.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The primary focus of the video is to provide an overview of the field of Biology, its various subfields, and the career paths it can lead to.

What is Biology in the context of this video?

Biology, as described in the video, is the science that studies all living things, including the origin of life, how our bodies work, how plants reproduce, and why some animals are social.

What are some of the subfields of Biology mentioned in the video?

Some of the subfields of Biology mentioned include Anatomy, Astrobiology, Biochemistry, Bioclimatology, Bioengineering, Botany, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, and Zoology.

What are some of the skills a Biology major might acquire during their studies?

A Biology major might acquire skills such as designing and conducting experiments, scientific fluency, time management, research skills, and the ability to communicate findings.

Why is it important to study Biology?

Studying Biology is important as it helps in understanding human needs, developing medicine, understanding the molecular basis for life, and how environmental changes affect living organisms.

What are some potential career paths for Biology majors?

Potential career paths for Biology majors include becoming a Biological Technician, Health Communications Specialist, Genetic Counselor, Biochemist, high school biology teacher, or pursuing further education to become a doctor or dentist.

What are some challenges that Biology majors might face?

Some challenges Biology majors might face include the philosophical nature of biological questions that often result in more questions than answers, the time-consuming nature of science and lab courses, and the need for a clear idea of post-graduation plans.

What is the role of mathematical models in Biology?

Mathematical models are used frequently in Biology, particularly in genetics, ecology, and other scientific fields, to estimate things like population sizes based on behavioral patterns.

Why might a Biology major consider a double major or minor in a related field?

A double major or minor in a related field can help a Biology major understand humans better, such as Psychology or Sociology for those interested in medicine, or deepen their scientific knowledge with Chemistry.

What is the significance of Katalin Karikó's research mentioned in the video?

Katalin Karikó's research, which took over 40 years, eventually contributed to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the importance of perseverance and collaboration in scientific research.

What are some additional skills or knowledge areas that can complement a Biology major?

Additional skills or knowledge areas that can complement a Biology major include learning a common language like Chinese or Spanish, or studying fields like Computer Science, Statistics, or Chemistry to deepen scientific knowledge and enhance data analysis skills.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Introduction to the Diverse World of Biology

The script introduces the field of Biology as the science of all living things, encompassing a vast array of topics from the origin of life to the intricacies of bodily functions. It dispels the myth of biology being about creating monsters, instead highlighting the potential for significant discoveries like vaccines and new species. The paragraph emphasizes the shared goal among biologists to enhance our understanding of life, including human biology. Hank Green welcomes viewers to the Fast Guides series, presented in partnership with Arizona State University and Crash Course, focusing on the study of Biology, which is both broad and deep, with much known and yet much to discover. The importance of formal education in biology for acquiring knowledge and applying it to solve new problems is underscored, along with the mention of various subfields such as anatomy, astrobiology, biochemistry, and more, indicating the wide range of interests one can pursue within biology.

05:03

🎓 The Journey Through a Biology Degree and Career Prospects

This paragraph delves into the academic aspects of pursuing a degree in Biology, which may go by different names like 'Life Sciences' or 'Biological Sciences'. It outlines the typical curriculum, including courses in genetics, biochemistry, ecology, and more, designed to build a strong foundation in understanding life at various scales. The paragraph also touches on the development of essential skills such as experimental design and the application of mathematical models in biological research. Challenges faced by biology students, such as the philosophical complexities of unanswered questions and the time-consuming nature of lab work, are acknowledged. The script also provides insights into potential career paths post-graduation, ranging from biological technicians and health communications specialists to advanced roles in medical and scientific fields. The importance of perseverance, as illustrated by the story of biochemist Katalin Karikó, is highlighted, emphasizing the long-term rewards of dedication in the field of biology.

10:06

🌐 The Impact of a Biology Career and Continuing Education

The final paragraph of the script discusses the diverse career opportunities available to biology majors, from immediate entry into the workforce in roles like biological technicians or health communications specialists to pursuing further education for careers in genetic counseling or biochemistry. It also mentions the potential to enter teaching or undertake a PhD for college-level instruction and research. The paragraph underscores the transferable skills acquired through a biology degree, such as time management, research publication, and scientific communication. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of biologists in advancing our understanding of life and society, encouraging viewers to explore various degrees through the Study Hall program and reflecting on their own educational journey or challenges in choosing a degree.

Keywords

💡Genetic Experiments

Genetic experiments refer to scientific procedures that involve the manipulation or alteration of an organism's genetic material, typically in a laboratory setting. In the video's context, it humorously suggests a scenario where such experiments unexpectedly result in the creation of a 'monster,' emphasizing the dramatic potential of biological research. The script uses this as a metaphor to contrast the actual, less sensational, but still impactful outcomes of a career in biology.

💡Biologist

A biologist is a professional who studies living organisms and their relationship to the environment. The video script highlights the diverse career paths available to biologists, from contributing to the development of life-saving vaccines to discovering new species. The term is central to the video's theme, emphasizing the importance of biologists in advancing our understanding of life.

💡Career Paths

Career paths refer to the various professional routes one can take within a field of study or work. The script mentions that despite the diversity of career paths in biology, individuals in the field share a common goal of understanding more about living things. It underscores the broad applicability of a biology degree and the potential for varied professional experiences.

💡Life-Saving Vaccines

Life-saving vaccines are biological preparations that provide immunity to infectious diseases. The script uses the development of vaccines as an example of the significant contributions biologists can make to society, showcasing the practical applications of biological research in protecting and improving public health.

💡Subfields

Subfields in biology are specialized areas of study within the broader discipline. The video lists several subfields such as anatomy, astrobiology, and biochemistry, illustrating the vast scope of biological study and the diverse interests one can pursue within a biology degree. These subfields are integral to the video's message about the breadth of opportunities in biological research and practice.

💡Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the structure of organisms, including their parts and how they are organized. The script mentions anatomy as one of the many subfields of biology, emphasizing the detailed and systematic approach biologists take to understand the physical components of living things.

💡Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms, focusing on the molecular and cellular level. The video script references biochemistry as an example of a specialized area within biology that intersects with chemistry, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of biological research.

💡Ecology

Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment. The script touches on ecology as one of the science classes that biology students are likely to take, underlining the importance of understanding how living things interact with and are affected by their surroundings.

💡Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is the study of biological processes at the molecular level, including the structure, function, and interactions of the various systems of a cell. The video script includes molecular biology as part of the curriculum for biology students, emphasizing the significance of understanding life at its most fundamental level.

💡Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the ability of an open system to regulate its internal environment to maintain a stable condition. The script introduces the concept of homeostasis as an example of the principles studied in biology, illustrating the dynamic balance that living organisms maintain to ensure survival.

💡Research

Research in the context of biology involves systematic investigation and study to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The video script highlights the importance of research in a biology degree, as it is through research that biologists contribute to the existing body of knowledge and address new questions in the field.

💡Double Major

A double major refers to the academic achievement of completing two separate academic majors in one course of study. The script suggests considering a double major or minor to complement a biology degree, such as psychology or sociology, to gain a broader understanding of human behavior and enhance career prospects.

💡Challenges

Challenges in the context of a biology degree refer to the difficulties or obstacles students may face in their academic journey. The script acknowledges the philosophical and practical challenges biology majors might encounter, such as the complexity of biological questions and the time-consuming nature of lab work.

💡Biological Technician

A Biological Technician is a professional who assists scientists in laboratory or field investigations of living organisms. The script mentions this as one of the potential careers for biology graduates, providing an example of how a biology degree can lead to hands-on work in research settings.

💡Genetic Counselor

A Genetic Counselor is a healthcare professional who provides support and advice to individuals or families who may be at risk for hereditary conditions. The video script presents this as a career option for those who pursue further education after obtaining a biology degree, emphasizing the role of genetic counselors in assessing genetic risks.

💡Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are abilities and knowledge that can be applied across various jobs or industries. The script concludes by emphasizing the transferable skills gained through a biology degree, such as time management, research, and communication, which are valuable in any career path.

Highlights

Biology is the science of all living things, encompassing a wide range of topics from the origin of life to how plants reproduce and why some animals are social.

A career in Biology can lead to exciting professional discoveries, such as life-saving vaccines or the discovery of new species.

Studying biology helps us understand important aspects of human needs, such as what a healthy lifestyle means for different people and how to develop medicine.

Biology degrees involve acquiring knowledge from centuries of scientific research and applying it to solve new problems and answer new questions.

Biology is a broad field with subfields such as anatomy, astrobiology, biochemistry, bioclimatology, bioengineering, botany, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, and zoology.

Biology majors learn to draw conclusions between all kinds of living things, which can be applied in various career paths or advanced degrees.

Biology courses typically include subjects like Genetics, Biochemistry, Ecology, Cell Structure, Molecular Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology.

Studying biology involves learning about concepts like homeostasis, which is the idea that living things maintain a stable internal environment.

Biology students gain important skills such as designing and conducting experiments, which are crucial for their future careers in science.

Biology majors often take math-related courses like Calculus, Physics, or Biostatistics, which are essential for understanding and modeling biological phenomena.

Many biology programs include a lab and research requirement or provide opportunities for science-based internships.

Biology is a great major for students interested in science and wanting to understand the human body or other living organisms more deeply.

Biology majors can face challenges such as the philosophical nature of deep biological questions that often result in more questions than answers.

Persistence and collaboration with other scientists can lead to significant work in biology, as exemplified by Katalin Karikó's contribution to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Biology majors often take more science and lab courses, which can be demanding and may limit personal time.

Biology graduates can pursue a variety of careers, such as Biological Technician, Health Communications Specialist, forest ranger, zoo worker, or botanist.

Further education after a Biology degree can lead to careers like Genetic Counselor or Biochemist, with median salaries around $81,000 and $94,000 per year, respectively.

Biology majors learn transferable skills such as time management, research publication, communication of findings, scientific fluency, and awareness of industry trends.

Biologists often love their work due to the many options available, leading to careers that can involve fieldwork, lab work, desk work, or conferences.

Biology is crucial for understanding ourselves and growing as a society, with biologists making an impact through their work and research.

Transcripts

It feels like just another day in  the lab, when all of the sudden  

the cells you’re doing genetic experiments on turn  into a MONSTER, grow TEN THOUSAND TIMES bigger, 

and start to TERRORIZE the city  you live in – and it’s up to you  

to save the world. This is the life  of a biologist… in maybe a movie. 

Alas, a career in Biology will not have you  accidentally creating monsters in a lab,  

but it can lead to exciting professional  discoveries, like life-saving vaccines or  

new species. Even though there are many different  career paths, people who are interested in Biology  

share a similar goal: helping us understand  more about living things, including ourselves. 

Hi, I’m Hank Green, and welcome to Fast Guides,  a Study Hall series presented in partnership  

with Arizona State University and Crash Course.  In this episode, we’ll be focusing on Biology.

Biology is the science of all living things,  which includes a lot of stuff: the origin of life,  

how our bodies work, how plants reproduce, why  some animals are social and some aren’t… and I’m  

just barely scratching the surface here. Life is an extremely broad topic,  

and one that we have been studying for a  long time and so we know a LOT about it. 

We know so much! Way more than you  think we know. Which is why you need  

to go to school if you want to learn about it. But there is also a lot we DON’T know about life. 

Getting a degree in biology is both about  acquiring all of that knowledge that people  

have worked for centuries to attain,  and then APPLYING that knowledge to  

solve new problems and answer new questions. Studying biology also helps us understand  

important things about our human needs, like what  a healthy lifestyle means for different people,  

or how to develop medicine to help  us recover from illness and injury. 

It also paves the way for fundamental  answers about the Earth (and our universe),  

like the molecular basis for life and how changes  to the environment affect living organisms. 

You can take your pick of subfields  depending on what part of life you’re  

most interested in, from anatomy to zoology. I’ll run through some options, rapid-fire: Anatomy  

is the study of body structure, astrobiology is  the study of how life could exist off of Earth,  

biochemistry is about chemical processes and  living things at the cellular and molecular  

level, bioclimatology is about the effect of  climate on living things and the environment,  

and bioengineering is about applying engineering  design ideas to living things to make new  

technologies. Botany is the study of plants,  evolutionary biology studies how species change  

across generations, genetics is about how things  are inherited and all that DNA and RNA stuff,  

marine biology studies life in salt  water, microbiology is about tiny life,  

physiology is how bodies work, and  zoology is about how animals work. 

And I could keep going. Many of  the fields I mentioned are even  

whole majors in their own right. Because  there is just so much to learn about life! 

Even if you don’t think you’re a science person,  biology can be a great way to test the waters  

because there is seriously something for everyone. You’ll learn the skills to talk about and draw  

conclusions between all kinds of living things  – and can use this foundational knowledge in a  

lot of different career paths or advanced degrees. Now while earning your degree in Biology -- which  

might have a slightly different  name at your school like “Life  

Sciences” or “Biological Sciences” -- you can expect to take plenty of science  

classes like Genetics, Biochemistry, Ecology,  

Cell Structure, Molecular Biology,  and Anatomy and Physiology. 

All these classes help build your vocabulary  to learn and talk about living things,  

from a huge scale like ecosystems to a tiny  scale like knowing what goes on inside cells. 

Sometimes you’ll learn about  concepts, like homeostasis,  

which is the idea that living things generally  maintain a stable internal environment, like  

how humans maintain a normal body temperature. But you’ll also gain important skills that you’ll  

need for the rest of your career in science,  like how to design and conduct experiments. 

You can also expect to take other  math-related courses like Calculus,  

Physics, or Biostatistics. Even though some  Biology classes can involve memorizing lists of  

muscles and how they’re connected to each  other, others involve calculating probability  

or modeling chemical reactions. Mathematical models are used  

frequently in genetics, ecology, and many other  scientific fields. For example, you might use  

data about a species’ behavioral patterns to  estimate its population in a designated area. 

Many programs include a lab and  research requirement, or provide  

opportunities for a science-based internship. After all, college isn’t just about learning how  

to learn, it’s building upon past  research and using what we know  

about life to ask more questions about it – and that often involves lab experiments. Plus,  

the relationships you make along the way  can only be helpful later in your career. 

So overall, biology is a great major for  students who are interested in science  

and want to understand the human body  or other living organisms more deeply. 

Typically students who have strong analytical  skills, are able to handle long hours and a wide  

variety of subjects, and embrace adventure  are especially well suited for this major. 

(And depending on the lab component, since  some schools include dissection as part of  

the curriculum or research, it can help  to have something of a strong stomach.) 

And like I mentioned earlier, Biology is  a broad topic with lots of specializations  

you can choose from, which your program might  offer as concentration options or upper-level  

courses like Microbiology, Cellular and  Molecular Biology, or Marine Biology. 

So because the study of life can take  you down a lot of different career paths,  

biology can be a good major for people  who want to keep their options open. 

Maybe you’ll head into a program thinking  you want to learn about medical technology,  

but find a hidden passion in studying insects! And if you choose to take on a double major or  

minor, you might consider one that helps you  understand humans better such as Psychology or  

Sociology – especially if you hope to go into  a field like medicine that focuses on people,  

rather than non-human animals or plants. Or you might want to learn a common language  

such as Chinese or Spanish to help you  communicate with more people in the future. 

Or something like Chemistry can  deepen your scientific knowledge,  

especially since many of the course  requirements and topics will likely overlap. 

Or you can go in a direction that helps with data  analysis like Computer Science or Statistics. 

There are a lot of opportunities  with a Biology major! 

But of course, there are also  challenges. A major challenge that  

Biology majors face is more philosophical. Like a lot of the big or deepest questions  

in biology often result in more questions than  answers – from how to treat a single disease or  

even generally understand how brains work. It can be hard to pick specific biological  

questions that you devote your work to,  and it can be tough to stay persistent and  

not take no for an answer as you’re  doing experiment after experiment. 

Hungarian-American biochemist Katalin Karikó  spent over 40 years on her research before it  

eventually contributed to the COVID-19  vaccine, saving millions of lives. 

It’s a prime example of how answers  can seem elusive and daunting at times,  

but how perseverance – and collaboration  with other scientists – can result  

in some pretty important work. Another challenge might be that students  

majoring in biology are going to take a lot more  science and lab courses than someone majoring in  

something like business or even psychology. These classes can take up more time, and some  

students claim that the demands of a biology  degree can limit your personal time. So it’s  

good to be prepared for that ahead of time. And because the paths after graduation vary  

so greatly, it’s important to have or to form  along the way a clear idea of what you would  

like to do after graduation, or else you might  not be able to strategically plan your course  

load over your four-year education or might  struggle with choosing what internship you’d  

like to explore during your time in school. And depending on the career path you choose,  

you can be in for a very long, sometimes expensive  road, if it involves more school, like becoming a  

doctor or other medical professional. So if you start Biology and find that  

it’s not the major for you, and it’s  not too late in your program to switch,  

you might consider another major in the  sciences such as Chemistry or Psychology. 

You might even be able to transfer some credits  over, but be sure to check the specifics of your  

programs before you make the leap. As far as after college goes,  

Biology majors can enter the workforce right  away with a variety of different careers. 

For example, you can become a Biological  Technician where the median salary is around  

$45,000 per year, and you can help out in a  variety of labs or other research facilities. 

Or you could become a Health Communications  Specialist and help others better understand  

their health and treatment while making about  $63,000 per year -- though there’s a huge variety  

of salaries as a health communications specialist. But these are just two examples. There are  

also tons of other jobs you could take on  depending on your interests and experiences,  

like a forest ranger, or zoo worker, or botanist. Many students who graduate with a Biology degree  

go on to further education, which can prepare  you to be a Genetic Counselor who makes around  

$81,000 per year and assesses the risk of  hereditary birth defects and genetic disorders. 

Or you might be a Biochemist where  the median salary is $94,000 per year  

and study chemistry as it relates to biology. Biology majors can also go into teaching, usually  

after getting some sort of teaching certification  -- though it depends on the state and school. 

High school biology teachers  make about $45,000 per year. 

Or you might pursue education, like a  PhD, and teach at a college or university. 

With more education, you might also perform  your own research, have it published,  

or become recognized in your field in other ways. Biology is also a popular major for people who  

hope to one day become doctors or dentists  and go onto medical school after graduation. 

No matter what career path you choose, biology  graduates also learn skills that can be  

transferred to whatever they decide to do next. They learn skills like time management,  

how to publish research, how to communicate  findings, scientific fluency, awareness of  

industry trends, and research skills. Not to mention that biologists tend to  

love what they do, because you have  so many options that you’ll probably  

find something you’ll enjoy eventually. Some of these careers will require longer  

hours in labs or communicating with people,  but most people feel that it’s worthwhile. 

So while you might not be fighting giant  monsters or curing the zombie apocalypse,  

a career in Biology could lead you to some  of the most interesting and critical work  

that you can imagine, from working with animals to  helping us learn how to take care of our bodies. 

Depending on your career, you may spend time  in the field, in the lab, behind a desk,  

or at conferences, but it will all be towards  learning about life on (and potentially off of)  

Earth and making an impact on humanity  through your work and research. 

Ultimately, we need biologists to understand  ourselves and continue to grow as a society.

Thank you for watching. If you want to investigate  

more degrees before you choose  a major (like we all should!),  

check out our other videos to look into more  majors to find the one that’s right for you! 

This series is part of the Study  Hall program, a partnership between  

Arizona State University and Crash Course. If you liked this video, or found it helpful,  

give it a like and comment and let us know  how you chose your degree, or how you’re  

struggling to choose a degree, or what you wish  you’d known before you started your degree.