In the biology and society concentration of the MS program in biology, students examine topics in which biology intersects with society. The concentration tailors individual plans of study to individual needs and interests, with a solid grounding in the life and related sciences and with a rigorous analytical and interdisciplinary education. The program offers suggested courses for those wishing to focus on these areas: bioethics, policy and law; biology education research; ecology, economics and ethics of the environment; and history and philosophy of science. Bioethics, policy and law --- Students are trained in the pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by the biosciences and biomedicine and in the disciplinary methods necessary to address these issues. Biology education research --- This focuses on using education research to identify ways to improve undergraduate biology education broadly. Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment --- This area trains students in the theory and empirical methods for understanding, analyzing and shaping policy for coupled human-natural systems. History and philosophy of science --- Students are trained in the conceptual foundations of science, especially the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science and its progress.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are trained at the intersection of biological sciences, physical sciences and technology through innovation, design and production. They find Career Opportunities in health care, biotechnology, pharmaceutical discovery, biomanufacturing, security, environmental and food agribusinesses. Career examples include: biochemists and biophysicists; clinical scientists; environmental engineers; health and safety engineers; medical scientists and engineers; microbiologists