Biology Career Facts
Lansing Community College offers four applied science degrees in biological sciences:
- Environmental Technology
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Agricultural Technology
An associate degree in environmental technology can lead to a career as a technician in an environmental consulting firm, in manufacturing, recycling and waste management companies, or utility and public service departments. Within these organizations, an environmental technician might work with clients to comply with environmental standards, assist in field investigations, track the movement and effects of environmental hazards or work as a team member in environmental cleanup. Jobs in this field are expected to grow faster than average. Concern about the environment will lead to career opportunities. With an associate degree and some experience, median annual earnings were $40,000 in 2000.
LCC offers the only program in the state that leads to an associate degree in molecular biotechnology. The degree is a laboratory-intensive curriculum that emphasizes the applications of DNA technology and genetics. Employees with this degree work in many areas of biotechnology such as research into the causes and cures of disease, improvement of plants and crops, pharmaceutical research, environmental cleanup, and forensics. With advances in basic biological knowledge related to genetics and molecules, this career field has experienced growth which should continue. Wages vary greatly depending on the type of organization, geographical location, education, and experience but generally range from $13 to $28 an hour.
For those who choose to transfer and receive a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a Ph.D., careers in biology include biological and medical scientists who study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. Most specialize in a particular area of biology. These scientists work mostly in research and development in private industry, university or government laboratories. Most biologists are further classified by the type of organism they study. These include:
- Aquatic biologists who study plants and animals living in water;
- Biochemists who study the chemical composition of living things;
- Botanists who study plants and their environment;
- Physiologists who study life functions of plants and animals,
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists who study animals and wildlife;
- Soil scientists who study soil characteristics;
- Agricultural and food scientists
A degree in biology often serves as an entry into medical school Median earnings of biological scientists were $49,239 in 2000, ranging from a high of close to $80,000 to a low of $30,000.
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