Biological Sciences Undergraduate Programs
A versatile degree with an array of rewarding careers.
Why should you consider COSAM?
Biology is the science of life. Biologists study every facet of life from the molecular structure of neurotransmitters to the population health of whales worldwide. Our knowledge of biological principles allows us to create new drugs and therapies, maintain safe packaging processes for food, monitor the health of an ecosystem, plan for potential disease outbreaks, predict the best treatment plan based on a tumor’s specific genetics, and protect endangered animals. Biology is an evolving field, continually creating new jobs and opportunities that do not exist today.
You will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research with guidance from a team of award-winning faculty. Opportunities exist for both laboratory and field-based research. Students often work long-term with faculty culminating in a conference presentation or publication.
If you are interested in biodiversity, the Auburn University Museum of Natural History provides unique access to historic and regional specimens. The AUMNH currently comprises five large collections (fishes, aquatic invertebrates, insects, herpetology, and plants) and several modest-sized collections (arachnids and myriapods, birds, mammals, and vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology). Students can volunteer and do research with the museum.
You may also study abroad with classmates in Biology to apply your knowledge and skills in the field. Our students have challenged themselves through coursework and cultural exchange on previous trips to Jordan, Costa Rica, and Swaziland.
What careers can you pursue with a degree in biology?
- Agriculture or Food Science
- Animal Training
- Aquaculture
- Biomedical Research
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Conservation
- Consulting
- Eco-Tourism
- Environmental Protection
- Epidemiology
- Genetic Counseling
- Genetics of Oncology
- Food Safety
- Forensic Science
- Laboratory Management
- Law
- Marine Archeology
- Medical Device Development
- Medical/Pharmaceutical Sales
- Medical/Technical Illustration
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Public Policy/Regulation
- Quality Control
- Science Journalism
- Science Museums
- Technical Sales and Marketing
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoos & Aquariums
I have been presented with every opportunity possible to explore my interests. As a COSAM student, I love the diversity of exciting courses offered with hands-on labs and field trip excursions, as well as the many pre-professional clubs! While COSAM presents me with the ability to engage in what I’m passionate about, they are also giving me the applicable knowledge and supportive resources I need to succeed in my future career as a veterinarian.
As a student in high school I was always drawn to biological sciences. There was always new fascinating information to learn around every corner. It contains so much diversity within the science to explore every facet of every organism on Earth.
In my Organismal Biology lecture, my professor brought in her own pet boa constrictor, David Boa, for students to touch and hold to get a better understanding about the anatomy of a snake. Not only did this provide a great learning experience for me, but it also sparked an interest for a career in veterinary work focused on reptiles.
Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated by how the natural world works. I can vividly remember day after day as a child watching documentaries about nature, specifically ones focused on the ocean. Because of this, choosing my major was not a difficult decision.
It’s my curiosity about the secret of life that led me into Cell and Molecular Biology in COSAM. There’s no lack of ambitious students and caring faculty in COSAM, and my learning experience alongside them has been truly inspiring. The courses here are designed to prepare students for their future pursuit of passion, be it graduate research or professional paths.