Biology
Explore Genetics & Biotech at MTSU. Dive into molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical research for rewarding careers.
Biology, Genetics and Biotechnology Concentration, B.S.
Genetics and biotechnology is for students who are interested in the inner workings of organisms and cells. This concentration is also considered molecular biology and utilizes genetic and biochemical technologies to address basic science and applied science questions, many of which have a medical slant.
Examples of applied science pursuits relevant to this area are the production of genetically engineered, medically relevant biology products, such as insulin, or diagnostic testing, such as PCR-based COVID or genetic disease testing.
Examples of basic science pursuits undertaken in this area are investigating which genes are involved in a stress response or how a whole organism develops from a single fertilized egg.
Graduates of this concentration typically work in biotechnology industry or medical research laboratories. They also pursue advanced degrees, such as M.S., Ph.D, or M.D., so they can become leaders of research and medical teams.
News Briefs
A region's richness
Biology isn't all microscopes and petri dishes. The department has a number of professors whose research takes them ā and many of their students ā into the field to study the visible world and its creatures. Whether helping Dr. Vincent Cobb in his study of the thermal ecology of snakes in the region or assisting Dr. Brian Miller in his research on hellbenders, one of the largest (and some would say ugliest) salamanders in the world, Biology majors will find that there is plenty to see and learn about right here in middle Tennessee.
Research that matters
For more than a decade, Dr. Elliot Altman has explored the mysteries of peptide therapy research. His work has been part of a process that could revolutionize the treatment of types of arthritis and cancer in years (as opposed to decades). (His research also includes discovering ways to increase the efficiency of certain alternative fuels.) Motivated students in the Biology Department can be part of that process or other fascinating areas of work that makes a difference in people's lives.
News Briefs
A region's richness
Biology isn't all microscopes and petri dishes. The department has a number of professors whose research takes them ā and many of their students ā into the field to study the visible world and its creatures. Whether helping Dr. Vincent Cobb in his study of the thermal ecology of snakes in the region or assisting Dr. Brian Miller in his research on hellbenders, one of the largest (and some would say ugliest) salamanders in the world, Biology majors will find that there is plenty to see and learn about right here in middle Tennessee.
Research that matters
For more than a decade, Dr. Elliot Altman has explored the mysteries of peptide therapy research. His work has been part of a process that could revolutionize the treatment of types of arthritis and cancer in years (as opposed to decades). (His research also includes discovering ways to increase the efficiency of certain alternative fuels.) Motivated students in the Biology Department can be part of that process or other fascinating areas of work that makes a difference in people's lives.
Biology, Genetics and Biotechnology Concentration, B.S.
A degree in biology is a āfoundation degreeāāa direct door-opener for a large number of careers, as well as a crucial first undergraduate step on the path toward those careers that require additional graduate training.
Examples include
- Agricultural scientist
- Animal behaviorist
- Bio-engineer
- Desert ecologist
- Medical laboratory tech
- Medical librarian
- Microbiologist
- Molecular endocrinologist
- Park ranger
- Safety manager
- Science teacher
- State park resource ecologist
- Toxicologist
- Virologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Zoo biologist
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Aegis Sciences Corporation
- American Red Cross
- Area High Schools
- Arnold Air Force Base
- Austin Peay State University
- Biomimetic Therapeutics
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Covance
- Cytometry Associates
- Environmental Science Corp.
- Erlanger Medical Center
- GenHunter Corporation
- ICON Clinical Research
- Jack Daniels Distillery
- Local Community Colleges
- Merck and Co.
- Monsanto
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Pathgroup Laboratories
- Pfizer Inc.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- USDA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vi-jon
MTSUās Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our guides.
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