Biology
If you’d like to combine a firm foundation in the liberal arts with an emphasis in the sciences, our Biology program is for you. Our courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics will guide you toward advanced work in the biological sciences, while science electives will enable you to build expertise in an area of special interest.
Degree Offered: B.A. in Biology
Offered on the Augusta campus
About the Program
Experts in their field, the Biology professors at UMA are first and foremost teachers focused on the student. Combine that with UMA’s small classes and labs, and you’re guaranteed to receive the attention and career guidance you need.
Beyond course and lab work, the Biology department also offers the student opportunities to work directly with faculty on innovative scientific research projects, or intern at a collaborating institution such as the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory of the Department of Health and Human Resources, or volunteer in Haiti as part of a course in global health
UMA’s Biology majors graduate with a broad spectrum of career options. Many of our graduates have obtained positions in laboratory science in both the public and private sectors and in education, while others have pursued graduate study in the biological sciences, medical school, and in allied health programs leading to careers as a physician’s assistant or pharmacologist. Biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and research laboratories are other possibilities for the UMA Biology graduate.
Recent Accomplishments and Awards - Congratulations to All!
Biology major Tristen Ripley was accepted to Tufts Medical School Maine Track Early Assurance Program. This program grants medical school admission to a select group of sophomores. Tristen's stellar academic record combined with his experiences in Haiti as a part of BIO 494 Perspectives in Global Health set him apart from the other applicants.
Mathew Collins (BA BIO, 2012) selected as student graduation speaker. Listen to Mat's speech at Graduation 2012.
Science Faculty Receive Awards at Convocation, September 21, 2012
Peter Milligan, Associate Profesor of Biology - Distinguished Scholar Award
Susan Baker, Associate Professor of Science - Distinguished Educator Award and selected as a faculty speaker at Convocation.
Connect with the UMA Biology Program on Facebook!
Skills You'll Acquire
As a Biology major you will become a problem-solver who likes challenges. You will learn to be accurate, reliable, work well under pressure and finish a task once started. You will also communicate well, both verbally and in writing. Listed below are some representative skills and abilities that you will acquire.
| Investigation | Communication |
|---|---|
| Understanding cause & effect Observing carefully Designing experiments Relating lab findings to common disease process Utilizing formulae |
Using medical terminology Writing reports Educating others Training others Working as a team member |
| Technical | Analysis |
| Using laboratory equipment Maintaining laboratory equipment Monitoring quality control Applying principles of safety Attending to detail |
Collecting & processing specimens Perceiving patterns/structures Examining specimens Conducting tests Analyzing data |
Careers You Can Seek
As a Biology graduate, you will be able to apply your skills in a variety of settings including health care, business and industry, government and research organizations. The following is a list of some of your career options.
| Health Care | Government/Public Service |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Technician Clinical Toxicologist* Diagnostic Virologist* Physician Assistant* Medical Doctor* |
Water Quality Inspector Forensic Laboratory Assistant Food Technologist EPA Staff Member Science Teacher (HS, College)* |
| Research | Business/Industry |
| Cancer Researcher* Pharmaceutical Research Assistant Epidemiologist* Genetics Researcher* Cytotechnologist* Chemist |
Color Development Chemist Brewery Laboratory Analyst Paper Mill Lab Technician Pharmaceutical Sales Sales Representative for Biotechnical Instrumentation and Reagents |
* Graduate level study is generally required for these occupations.
