Category: Biology

The Best Biological Universities In The World

Every person dreams of choosing a profession that would not only always be in demand, and therefore highly paid, but also beneficial to society. One of such prestigious professions is the profession of a biologist. Their professionalism largely determines our health, development, and future. Therefore, it is not surprising that the profession of a biologist is the second most popular in the world.

Many decent biology students dive into the practical study so much that they don’t have time for other college assignments. Some of them simply google something like “write my paper with WritingAPaper writers” in order to keep up with their academic performance and save time for more essential college practices. 

However, not everyone can get this necessary and promising profession because it puts forward several requirements that only people with particular inclinations and temperaments can meet. So, we will take a look at the features of these professions and also take a look at the top-rated biological universities in the world.

What Personality Traits Should A Biologist
Have?

It is not difficult to guess that a biologist, first of all, must love nature and be interested in the appearance and development of life on Earth. In addition, a true biologist is characterized by:

  • analytical and logical thinking;
  • curiosity and patience;
  • accuracy and attentiveness;
  • observation and imagination;
  • a well-developed visual, imaginative memory;
  • assiduity and concentration abilities;
  • responsibility and honesty.

It should be noted that since the work of a biologist involves participation in laboratory research,
which often uses various chemicals, the specialist should not tend to allergies.

Advantages of the of the Biology Profession

As mentioned above, biology is an actively developing branch of science, which opens to specialists huge prospects for career growth and self-fulfillment. Another undoubted advantage of the biology profession is the demand for it. According to labor market experts, this profession, in the coming years, may become one of the most in-demand and highly paid.

An essential advantage of this profession is a great variety of institutions and organizations where you can show your talent and professional skills. Today, biologists are happily employed in research laboratories, environmental organizations, nature reserves, botanical and ecological gardens, research institutes, environmental organizations, agricultural industries, and educational fields (schools, colleges, universities).

Disadvantages of the Biology Profession

Even though biology is one of the most in-demand fields of science in the world, in some countries, this field is still in its infancy. So, biologists’ salaries are low, primarily if they work in public institutions (for example, in laboratories at research institutes or schools).

The job of a “practicing” biologist (a specialist who studies living organisms in their natural environment) involves frequent business trips. These specialists can be found everywhere: in the desert, in the tundra, high in the mountains, in the field, and at the experimental agricultural station. Naturally, conducting research in comfortable conditions is not always possible, so future biologists must be prepared for life in spartan conditions.

More often than not, theoretical training alone is not enough for successful employment for young professionals. Therefore, biology students need to take care of practical work experience in advance (i.e., while still studying to look for a job in a specialty as close to their future profession as possible).

The best biological universities in the world

American universities are leading the way among educational institutions, but other continents also have something to show for it.

Check out lists of the strongest universities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

1. Harvard University (USA)

Harvard University is considered No. 1 in the world in genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, as well as in biochemistry and biophysics by US News & World Report. Harvard’s biotechnology education program allows students to pursue bioengineering, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics. The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology is considered the best at Harvard. This multidisciplinary approach trains not only scientists but also people for managerial positions in the biotechnology field.

2. University of Tokyo (Japan)

The Department of Biotechnology offers graduate programs in biomolecular research, biofunctionalism, and molecular and cellular biosciences. Students study DNA, protein engineering, and bioinformatics. Importantly, master’s students take international internships.

3. University College London (UK)

University College London is regularly ranked in the top 10 of various prestigious rankings of the best biotechnology universities. Students receive their first higher education in biochemistry (studying chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biotechnology). The master’s degree in biotechnology specializes in critical areas like cell regulation, molecular cloning, and others. The most crucial area of study here is experimental biochemistry.

4. University of California San Francisco (USA)

The university offers some of the world’s best programs in biochemistry and biophysics, the fields closest to biotechnology. Molecular biotechnology programs and internships are by far the most popular. Graduate students have the opportunity to combine scientific research with professional business experience, allowing them to quickly find work after graduation in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector.

5. University of Pennsylvania (USA)

The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in biotechnology and a so-called “professional master’s degree” in biotechnology. Students can choose a major in molecular biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals/engineered biotechnology, or biomedical technology. A dual degree with Wharton University is also available.

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)

Founded in 1998, the Department of Biological Engineering quickly became one of the best in the world – it couldn’t be otherwise at the best technological university on the planet (according to the latest rankings). It has first-class laboratory facilities in biomedical engineering, environmental and health sciences, microbiology, etc.

7. Johns Hopkins University (USA)

You are offered with undergraduate and graduate programs in biotechnology by The Center for Biotechnology Education at Johns Hopkins University. Students receive core knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and proteomics. Students also study applied science and the application of new technologies to business, as well as opportunities for overseas internships. There are also part-time and distance learning programs.

8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1824 and is considered to be the oldest technological university in the United States. The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences offers a number of programs, including a top-rated program at the interface between biotechnology and medicine.

9. Stanford University (USA)

Stanford University, one of the top universities in the world, offers an excellent program in the Department of Bioengineering. The program was jointly developed with the Department of Medicine and Engineering and focuses on engineering approaches to medical problems and biological systems. The university also offers tempting internship opportunities at leading companies in the industry.

10. University of Rhode Island (USA)

This renowned university offers several undergraduate and graduate-level biotechnology programs. Much research focuses on stem cell biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, and bioprocesses.

We hope you will easily get accepted to one of these universities and make your dream of becoming a successful biologist come true.

Advice for Biology Speciality Students in 2022

 When you study biology, you have more understanding of the diversity of life and how biological systems work. You learn the interdependence of life forms and the influence of genetics. The world is facing many challenges today, and as a biologist, you would be involved in finding solutions. You could have an interesting and lucrative career as a biologist in many different fields, including medicine, teaching or research. 

Specializing in biology can be a great choice for you in 2022. As biology is such a huge field of study, you can choose from many different sub-disciplines. Molecular biology, human biology, environmental biology and plant biology are just a few of the sub-disciplines you could study. 

Understand the career opportunities

Writing a literature review of the highest quality is important in many scientific fields. It’s a time-consuming process that can make coping with other important college tasks difficult. If you’re a biology student who wants help with writing essays, research papers or literature reviews, you can use an essay writing service. Professional literature review writers know how to meet the requirements of the most exacting professors. You will get quality work that’s done by experts that can be called gold-standard. 

There are many different types of jobs for which the study of biology offers a good foundation. If you know which type of career you would like to pursue, you will know which courses you need to concentrate on and which electives to choose. 

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria. They try to understand their effects on human health, the environment, climate and agriculture. This type of work is crucial in the pharmaceutical and medical fields. The recent pandemic showed just how crucial the job of a microbiologist could be. 

Research scientists conduct experiments of all kinds and often work in laboratories or hospitals. Their studies may contribute to the development of new products or applications and much more. 

Forensic scientists play a role in criminal investigations and analyze evidence for biological clues. They study DNA and organic matter. 

Other jobs you may be interested in are those of a biological technician or environmental scientist. Finding out how to reduce carbon emissions without too many side effects could be part of your work as an environmental scientist. In the field of agriculture, you could help to design the future of crops and food supplies. In the field of medicine, you could. work on the use of antibiotics without creating resistant bacteria. You could also choose to
become a biology teacher or professor and pass on your knowledge. 

Focus on the skills you need to develop

In addition to specific biology subject knowledge, you will learn many other skills while studying biology. Research and data analysis will be an essential part of what you do. You have to apply scientific principles to problems and communicate your findings in a relatable way. Report writing and presentation skills are important. You have to learn how to work independently and collaborate in groups. Time management skills are necessary if
you want to meet deadlines. These are skills you can apply in many different careers. 

Think about the environment in which you want to work

The environment in which you want to work also determines what field of biology you choose to specialize in. You will need to learn how to use technical equipment and specialist techniques in that specific environment. Research organizations often publish reports where they list certain future skills they will require due to changes in the industry. You could focus on getting an education for a brighter future by choosing skills that will be in demand. Experts in skills that are in demand are often very well paid. 

Get an internship or volunteer

You will need to try and get work experience in the relevant field of biology. This will help you to apply your knowledge and develop your practical skills. It will also help you to start forming a network of contacts. 

You can apply for an internship at various institutions to gain valuable work experience. Voluntary work can also be useful. Conservation facilities, schools, research laboratories, science museums, zoos, veterinary practices and other institutions may have opportunities for you as an intern or volunteer. 

Conclusion

Many of the issues the world is facing today are connected to biology, and you could do a
great deal of good in the world as a biology specialist. There are many career options in a
great variety of fields. The sooner you understand what field you would like to work in and
the type of job you want to do, the easier it is to choose the right study path. Becoming an
intern or volunteering can provide you with useful insights if you aren’t sure which area you
want to move into as a biologist.

Preparing to Study Biology

Students entering college find themselves researching different majors: here is some general info on what you may experience getting a degree in Biology.

Many choices confront you as you move into, through, and ultimately beyond high school. When you reach this last phase, you may be torn between a number of your interests as you consider what school to attend and what majors to consider when you get there. Like you, many including myself struggled with this question and made their choices for better or worse.

Hopefully, your choice brings you closer to what you want to spend the rest of your life doing (which you probably do not even know yet), but whatever you choose, you have arrived at this article due to at least some minor interest in the science of biology. Besides it, take into account that most courses require to write a lot. Moreover, being an active essay writer, a student is more likely to succeed in his/her study. Most students comprehend and memorize material better while making notes. 

That established, let me try to tell you a little bit about this wonderful topic which has been my own chosen area of study. I’ll try to cover some areas of interest, the potential for employment, and what to expect from your classes.

General

Biology is the science of life. According to one of the most popular college-level textbooks on the subject by Campbell and Reese: “biology is a central science, and attractive to humans because of our basic curiosity about the world around us”.

Biology is the study of all living things and their interactions with each other and their environments. Biology in general is broken up into several other categories, each a completely defined science in itself. Ecology tends to deal mainly with non-human species interactions, while environmental science tends to deal with the impacts of humans on nature.

Anatomy is the study of the human body or the body of one species, while comparative zoology is the study of the similarities and differences between species. As you can see, biology encompasses and overlaps many other sciences.

The Information Explosion

Students studying anything in high school or college currently are in the midst of what is being called an “information explosion.” The information explosion is a widely used term used to refer to the fact that the human race generates new information at a nearly incomprehensible speed. For example, according to the EMC organization, which studies information and information technology, if you wanted to store all of the current information in the world on electronic media like computer memory, you would be short of enough space by about 35%.

This makes specialization within one’s field a necessity for progress. And many biologists have chosen one special area of interest, such as endocrinology, microbiology, immunology, botany, ichthyology, and genetics; to name only a fraction. This practice of specialization is likely to become more pronounced as time moves forward. As such when you get to the more advanced levels of biology you are likely to develop a favorite area of study, and professors will quickly encourage you to try and become an expert in this topic.

Some Areas You Might Get a Job

Biology in all forms is a very engaging and rewarding science to be a part of. Some of the highest paying jobs find their roots in biology, and so do many of the most perplexing scientific questions of all time. Pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and medicine are among the most recognized in both of these areas, due to the high amount of interest in our health and wellbeing.

Environmentalism is a popular movement in our society and awareness of the human impact on the planet seems to be ever-growing. Academics and government agencies alike are working on environmental issues such as pollution, overpopulation, and irresponsible agricultural practices. Large corporations are discovering that waste and pollution are huge problems for them. Corporate green advocates, environmental public relations, and efficiency experts are all working to rectify the image of the company as the villain by default. Quite simply it is profitable to be green nowadays, and someone with an understanding of green work practices, an interest in the wellbeing of the planet, and a good sense of public image is valuable to a company.

Academic and research biology is a growing field as well. There are barely enough students to accommodate the staggering number of subjects, and new ones seem to be being created almost every month. All of the topics I have previously mentioned can represent entire degrees in and of themselves, each requiring a great number of courses to master. As for the best essay writing service reddit, academic research leads to important new directions for science including the decoding of the human genome and the now almost commonplace practice of genomics: sequencing and studying the genetic codes of humans and other organisms.

Skills You’ll Need for College

Students of biology will experience all facets of a course in a major science. Writing ability, patience with material and vocabulary, and a keen memory and attention to detail are all essential. An understanding of all other major sciences is likely to be required through general education courses by your school, or as a prerequisite for admission into the program. Most important to the science of biology, arguably, would be a good grasp of mathematics, and an excellent understanding of chemistry. My degree required four semesters of chemistry as a minimum, and many of the upper-level biology classes introduce their chemistry concepts. Expect to deal with reaction equations, practices in working safely with chemicals, an understanding of stoichiometry, and the major molecule types important to live. Math students may find an excellent use for their abilities in both ecology and genetics, which analyze populations a great deal. Any biology student should be prepared for periodic crash courses in other topics, to deal with the complexity of life on Earth.

Conclusion

In short, knowledge of biology is currently on the rise in popularity and demand. Students of biology are a valuable commodity and a proven ability to understand the concepts represented within the science is an indispensable skill, both in monetary and scholarly measurement. If your interests fall within saving the planet, making money, solving the mysteries of life, or becoming famous (for modern celebrity biologists search: Craig Venter, Joe Davis, and Tyrone Hayes to name just a few of my personal favorites), then hopefully you can be persuaded into the study of biology, to use your talents for the benefit of all life in our universe.

Oh, and feel free to quote that last line when employers ask you why you want to work for them.

Mastering Biology Terminology In Introductory Courses

Ideas for increasing retention of vocabulary presented in introductory college-level biology courses.

As a teacher, and previously as a student, I have found one of the more frustrating courses to get through is a large survey course like Intro to Biology. The amount of material covered is often daunting, and no topic is covered in enough detail to allow you to get used to the terminology. One of the largest problems is that many students want to succeed but have no idea how to approach the course. It is highly important for students who constantly need help with writing papers for academic purposes throughout the whole course. One of the first things I tell students is that biology courses should be considered and prepared for the same way you would use for a foreign language course.

How to Remember Biology Terminology

Consider the following tips for learning and remembering the many terms that are associated with the field of biology.

Write the words. Write them in your notes. Re-write your notes. Write them on note cards. Write them with definitions that you put into your own words. Simply transcribing word-for-word from the glossary in the back of your textbook is not going to reinforce the actual meaning of the word.

Speak the words. Say them out loud in class (If you have a professor that does not give opportunities for you to speak in class, you may want to suggest they do!). Say them to your study partner when you are reviewing the material. Say them to the wall in your room when no one else is there. Just say them.

Read the words. Biology textbooks have a lot of words in them. You need to find the parts that describe the specific term you are trying to understand and read that section. Highlighting an entire chapter in yellow is not going to help you remember any of the terms, but sifting through the text to find what you are looking for will.

Hear the words. First, you need to listen in class and try to hear what the professor is saying. Second, you might benefit from recording lectures and listening to them again at another time. Some MP3 players have a record feature that will allow you to do this.

Draw the words. Draw the structure, concept, or pathway that is being discussed, and be sure to include clear labeling. Many students are visual learners, and creating a picture of that term on a piece of paper may help with retention. If you feel you cannot draw, consider one of the biology coloring books widely available, or make a copy of figures out of your text and white out the labels so you can re-fill them.

Break down the words. Most biology terms are based on Latin or Greek root words. By breaking down words you can learn the parts of many terms at once. For example, “city” means “cell,” the term “leuko” means “white,” and hence the term “leukocyte” means “white cell”; a white blood cell to be specific. “Cyte” is also included in the names of many other cell types, including “osteocyte,” “erythrocyte” and “lymphocyte.”

Compare the words. Many of the words used in biology sound very similar, but mean very different things. Find the words that look or sound the same and find ways to remember why they are different. For example, glycogen and glucagon differ by only a few letters, but one is a storage molecule and the other is a hormone. The terms might even be discussed in the same chapter or lecture, as they are both related to regulating blood sugar levels, making them even more tricky when it is time to decide between the two on an exam. You could remember that glucagon releases glucose into the bloodstream, and has an “on” together like the word hormone.

Test the words. The best way to learn is through frequent testing of the material. Now, you do not want to wait until your final exam to try this idea. Take advantage of the multiple choice questions in your textbook, or use the website provided by the text to try out some quizzes. If the course you are taking does not provide any of these tools, create your own! Students must use critical thinking when processing the research on their own or asking someone to write my essay for me while considering biological concepts.  This is a very productive way to use your time with a study partner or group. Better yet, each of you prepares a test beforehand and brings it to your session. You can have fun deciding which of you would be the most challenging professor among you!

Succeeding in Your Biology Course

All of these methods may not work for everyone. Different people learn in different ways. Try a few, and if they don’t work, try a few more. One major tip for success is to practice these methods frequently during the course. An all-night cram session is not going to work for this kind of material. Many short review sessions will be much more productive.

12 Compelling Reasons Why Studying Biology Is the Right Choice for You

If you are pondering whether you should start a biology major or maybe you’re pondering whether to continue because it’s not what you expected, this post is addressed to you. And I hope that after reading it, the answer to both questions is a resounding YES!

Studying Biology

Let’s begin!

1. It’s your calling

If you think it is, then don’t hesitate to act on it! Do you want to buy a college essay or other papers all the time because you are disinterested in your major? Nothing is as satisfying as dedicating yourself to what you are passionate about. Nothing. So don’t miss this opportunity. I’ve always said I’d rather be poor but happy with what I do than rotten with money and bitter at my desk. Don’t miss this chance to achieve personal and professional happiness by doing what you love most. 

2. It changes the way you look at everything

Being a biologist is a way of life. It is the lens through which you end up filtering everything around you. Studying biology will change you on a very deep level, and you will learn to see the world through different eyes. And trust me, it’s an experience worth having. 

3. Biology has opportunities

You can work in more than just science, as a teacher, or as a government employee. There are many career options, and some are waiting for you to discover them. It only takes courage and imagination. Working for one of the best essay writing services, you can also help students with their biology assignments. Opportunities are waiting for you to discover them.

4. You contribute your grain of sand to universal knowledge

Like all sciences, it opens up the possibility of becoming part of a trove of knowledge that humanity has been collecting since time immemorial. It is unlikely (though possible) that you will make a remarkable discovery, but you will certainly contribute to the building of knowledge, either by adding a brick or by getting more people to visit it: scientists, teachers, disseminators, environmental educators… 

They all contribute to the dissemination of this knowledge. Even conversations between colleagues over a few beers can get someone else to come and learn a little more about this amazing world we live in.

5. Great travel opportunities

Few professions require such high mobility, both voluntary as part of your studies and mandatory as you have to emigrate to other countries to make a living. With all the consequences that entail. All the great travelers I have met have a powerful aura around them, a powerful magnetism. Their outlook on life, their understanding of it, and their attitude toward other people and the world are imbued with all the experiences gained during their travels. Wouldn’t you like to be one of them? 

6. It’s fascinating

In biology, it doesn’t matter what you study, it doesn’t matter what you work on. Whatever you do, you will enjoy it. Of course, it’s not a bed of roses; it requires a lot of sacrifices and some struggle. But if you finally find your way and follow it, I assure you, you will live it intensely (for better or for worse). Many biologists I know, even if they don’t work in biology, retain the passion and connection to nature and life that they acquired during their studies.

7. It is a journey of discovery

And by that, I don’t just mean scientific discoveries, but personal ones as well. This is a very challenging career and profession. Unless you are one of those rare and genius geniuses who show up from time to time, you will have to constantly put your best foot forward. 

It will force you to explore your limits and get to know yourself better. But you will also discover new areas of knowledge that you thought you would never be interested in. You will learn a lot about yourself, I guarantee it.

8. It’s a lot of fun

Biologists have a very specific idiosyncrasy. No matter what country or field you work in, there are always some common traits that are common to almost all of us (although there are exceptions). I can tell you that the best parties I’ve been to have always had biologists in attendance.

I don’t know what things are like at your university, but while I was studying, when I was getting my degree, whenever a lot of biologists gathered, it always ended with a few beers: with people from your science group, after a paper, after a conference, on a field trip… And I can assure you that I was with people of all ages and from all walks of life.

9. You will meet many people

As with any career, you will say. However, ours has many features that make networking in biology something fundamental. Much of the work you will do during and after your degree will have to be done in the company of other people. Collaboration is fundamental in the biological sciences: articles, conferences, research, or conservation projects… You always need a team. So try to choose the best.

10. You will discover wonderful spots you never saw before

Once you begin to familiarize yourself with the flora and fauna and begin to visually identify species without the help of guides, a whole new world opens up before you. It is when you walk down the street of your town or village that a whole new life unfolds before you. 

Where you once thought there were only house sparrows (Passer domesticus) or loons (Diplotaxis virgata), now a whole plethora of living creatures unfolds that previously went unnoticed before your astonished eyes. Then you learn about the little living paradises, those islands of nature amid civilization, which surround you and are waiting for you to find them.

11. It’s an adventure

As you may have heard. The job of a biologist is one of the most adventurous professions, in the most romantic sense of the word. Remote and inhospitable places, which can range from the most enclosed jungle to the icy expanses of Antarctica. Challenging situations, sometimes not without risk, to get the data you need. Adrenaline, discovery, excitement. If you really want it, you can try a little bit of all of them.

12. Direct contact with nature

What better way to be one with nature than to work as a biologist? You can work with the kinds of animals you like, from the most common to the most exotic. Plants or animals-you choose the path. Or even those creatures that straddle the blurry line between living and non-living, such as viruses or prions. From the largest to the smallest. From your lab or deep in the woods. To study life, you have to go where it is. What other contact can you ask for?

Final words

If it is not yet clear to you, perhaps this career is not for you. But if reading any of these reasons made you feel identified, making your heart beat faster, or made you smile, then don’t hesitate and act. Because biology must be lived, and how else can you study life?