Scientists are at the forefront of research and innovation as they find answers to humanity’s most complicated questions. With constant developments in research and technology, the need for skilled and experienced scientists is growing.

If you are interested in developing a deeper understanding of the organization of life in classes taught by experts in their field, a Biology degree from University of Bridgeport (UB) is the perfect fit. Our Biology degree opens doors for careers in science, medicine, and much more. In fact, the program has been modernized with the development of new and sophisticated techniques in molecular and cellular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Our graduates go on to have exciting careers in biomedical science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, the medical field, and so much more. It all starts by earning either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology.

All Biology students pursue one of four concentrations to tailor to their degree to align with their interests and career goals. The four biology concentrations are designed to train students in a particular and contemporary area of biology and require laboratory experience.

Let’s explore the four types of biology concentrations available to students at UB:

• Biomedical Science/Biotechnology
• Ecology/Conservation/Environmental Biology
• Pre-Medicine/Vet/Dental
• Pre-Allied Health

1. Biomedical Science/Biotechnology

If you dream of working in a biomedical science lab as a technician, or running the show as a lab supervisor, then you should consider adding a biomedical science/biotechnology concentration to your Biology bachelor’s degree.

In fact, by adding this concentration, you can foster your interest in pursuing graduate school in biotech, which puts you on the forefront of research in areas like gene therapy, vaccine development, and bioremediation. Those concentrations can then lead to programs in osteopathy, nursing, and other medical professions.

The biomedical science/biotechnology concentration teaches students to:

• Explain the multiple factors of human health and well-being from a multidisciplinary perspective.
• Apply the principles of human biology to the physiological and biochemical aspects of human health.
• Display competency in career-related skills needed to enter the biomedical and biotech workforce.
• Exhibit appropriate training and preparedness to pursue post-graduate careers, advanced degrees, or professional programs.
• Effectively communicate scientific information orally and in writing.

This biology concentration will ensure you have a personalized, hands-on learning experience to prepare you for an exciting career in biotechnology.

2. Ecology/Conservation/Environmental Biology

Students interested in ecology, field biology, natural resources, environmental biology, conservation biology, evolution, animal behavior, and/or organismal biology should consider a biology concentration in ecology/conservation/environmental biology.

This concentration offers biology students the scientific basis for understanding the sustainability of various ecological systems. They learn advanced principles of biology and ecology, and their applications and solutions to problems of environmental management.

Students interested in the following topics often pursue this type of biology concentration:

• Wildlife and fisheries management
• Conservation science
• Endangered and invasive species management
• Forest, wetland, and aquatic ecology
• Environmental Microbiology

Both the BA and BS in Biology at UB offer this concentration.

3. Pre-Medical/Vet/Dental

The Pre-Medical/Vet/Dental biology concentration offers students the fundamental entrance requirements for colleges of medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. Entrance into those types of schools is highly competitive, and though completion of this concentration does not guarantee admittance, it provides a solid foundation and gives students an advantage over applicants without this concentration.

A pre-medical/vet/dental biology concentration typically satisfies the minimum admission requirements for most medical health programs and provides background for the science portion of the standardized aptitude tests like:

• Medical (MCAT)
• Dental (DAT)
• Veterinary (VCAT or GRE)
• Optometry (OAT)

At UB, only the BS in Biology offers this concentration.

4. Pre-Allied Health

The pre-allied health concentration offers students the flexibility to take a variety of healthcare-specific courses as part of their Biology degree. With this concentration, students become prepared to pursue additional schooling and professional careers as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals.

The pre-allied health pathway is designed to develop informed professionals capable of making the world healthier and more humane. It expands students’ knowledge and skills in health education and prepares them for professional practice.

This concentration also provides opportunities for students to take prerequisite courses for professional allied health schools such as nursing, Physician’s Assistant (PA), Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and other medical fields of study.

Only the BS in Biology at UB offers the Pre-Allied Health concentration.

Choosing Your Specialization In Biology

Ultimately, students should pick a biology concentration based on the career they wish to accomplish in the industry. Completing a concentration can provide many benefits, but students should not stress over choosing one.

The biology program concentrations are designed to provide deeper background and understanding of a particular focus area, to prime students for roles in that particular field — not pigeonhole students into that field for the rest of their lives.

Interested in learning more about our biology program? Reach out to our admissions office or explore our comprehensive support services available to help you determine if the BA or BS in biology program is right for you. Our faculty and staff will help you determine the best major and biology concentration for you and your career goals. Start your future today!