Biology degree programs are available at universities and colleges for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some of these degree programs are considered arts degree programs, while others are considered science degree programs. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs typically include a variety of subtopics, such as marine biology or zoology, and university applicants frequently consider these options when deciding which university to attend.
Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are among the biology degree programs offered by many universities. Students in these classes typically study both animal and plant biology, with lectures and practical laboratory sessions. People who want to work as researchers usually finish a bachelor’s degree before going on to graduate school to study the subject in greater depth. Some universities combine BS biology degrees with teacher training programs, though these courses are geared toward middle and high school teachers rather than college or university professors.
Many colleges and universities offer biology degree programs that are Bachelor of Arts (BA) rather than Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. A BA degree is primarily theory-based, whereas a BS program includes a significant amount of practical work. BA courses were once distinguished from BS programs by the fact that the former were frequently taught partially in Latin. In many cases, students enrolled in joint honors programs will enroll in BA biology degree programs, which are designed for those who want to learn the science rather than apply their knowledge. A BA program may include zoology, marine biology, and animal science classes, just like a BS program.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in biology can continue their education by enrolling in postgraduate master’s degree programs. Master’s programs, like undergraduate programs, are divided into two categories: science and arts. People who want to work as researchers typically enroll in Masters of Science (MS) programs, whereas Masters of Arts (MA) programs are more theory-based and often attract applicants who want to work in jobs that aren’t science-related but could benefit from having some knowledge of the subject.
Doctorate degree programs in biology are the most advanced. Students are usually required to complete a dissertation that focuses on one aspect of the topic over the course of several years. Senior lecturers and department heads at universities typically hold doctorate degrees, whereas junior lecturer positions are frequently filled by people with masters degrees.
Biology classes used to be made up of classroom sessions and face-to-face interaction with teachers. Many colleges have started offering online courses since the turn of the century, though some of them still require students to attend at least one laboratory session. Other colleges also offer mail-based sessions, which work similarly to online sessions but with students and teachers communicating via mail rather than email.