3 answers
Madison
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
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What major should I pick for biology?
I'm a high school senior who is interested in genetics, forensics and lab studies, what majors would align with these the most? I have gotten accepted into biology and biotechnology programs but I am also interested in biomedical science, what's the difference?
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3 answers
Soni Bae
Management Consulting
9
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Soni’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Universities offer different biology majors, so it's a good idea to check what majors are available at the schools you're interested in or planning to attend. Some majors that may align to your interests include immunology, bioinformatics, forensic biology, molecular biology, and microbiology.
Regarding the difference between biotechnology and biomedical science: Biotechnology focuses on creating products to improve life and health, often through genetic engineering. It is used in various fields like agriculture, food production, environmental science, energy, and medicine. Biomedical science, however, studies the human body and diseases to help with diagnosing and treating health issues, mainly in health, medicine, and clinical areas.
Universities offer different biology majors, so it's a good idea to check what majors are available at the schools you're interested in or planning to attend. Some majors that may align to your interests include immunology, bioinformatics, forensic biology, molecular biology, and microbiology.
Regarding the difference between biotechnology and biomedical science: Biotechnology focuses on creating products to improve life and health, often through genetic engineering. It is used in various fields like agriculture, food production, environmental science, energy, and medicine. Biomedical science, however, studies the human body and diseases to help with diagnosing and treating health issues, mainly in health, medicine, and clinical areas.
Luna Monet
Member Services
8
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Luna’s Answer
If you’re into genetics, forensics, and lab work, all three majors could fit, but they each have a slightly different focus. Biology is broad; it covers everything from cells to ecosystems—so you get a solid foundation in life sciences, including genetics, and it’s good if you want to explore before specializing. Biotechnology is more hands-on and lab-focused; it’s all about using biology to solve real-world problems, like in medicine, agriculture, or forensics, so you get a lot of practical experience with experiments and techniques. Biomedical science is more focused on human health and disease—it still covers genetics and biology, but the goal is understanding the body and clinical applications rather than general research or forensics. Basically, if you want the most lab time and applied work, biotech is your best bet, biology gives you flexibility, and biomedical science is great if you’re leaning toward medical or clinical labs.
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
As a senior in Dalton, Massachusetts, you're in a great spot for your interests. The Boston-Cambridge-Worcester area is a global leader in Biotechnology, giving you a strong advantage over students in other states.
Here's a guide to help you choose between Biology, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Sciences, based on your interests in Genetics, Forensics, and Lab work.
1. Understanding the Majors:
- Biology (The "Big Picture" Major)
- What it is: The broad study of life, from ecosystems to cells.
- Coursework: Botany, ecology, zoology, and genetics.
- Result: Flexible but often requires further specialization for lab work.
- Biomedical Sciences (The "Human/Medical" Major)
- What it is: Focused on human health and disease.
- Coursework: Anatomy, pathology, physiology, and medical microbiology.
- Result: Best for Genetics and Forensics related to human health. Ideal for medical lab science or clinical research.
- Biotechnology (The "Industry/Tools" Major)
- What it is: Applying biology to create medicines or products.
- Coursework: Lab techniques like PCR, cell culture, and manufacturing.
- Result: Most job-ready degree in Massachusetts, aligning with industrial hubs.
2. Aligning with Your Interests:
- Forensics:
- Best choice: Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Chemistry, as it covers human genetics and chemical analysis.
- Genetics:
- Best choice: Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences, as they teach DNA sequencing and tools like CRISPR.
- Lab Studies:
- Best choice: Biotechnology, which is heavily lab-based, focusing on practical skills.
3. Massachusetts Advantage:
Being from Dalton gives you access to both state systems and private colleges.
- MassBioEd: This organization recruits Biotechnology graduates for companies like Moderna and Pfizer in Cambridge.
- Location Strategy:
- Western MA (UMass Amherst, Berkshire Community College): Offers strong academic research labs, especially in genetics.
- Central/Eastern MA (Worcester/Boston): Closer to internships and biomanufacturing hubs.
4. Final Recommendation:
- Safe Bet: Biomedical Sciences. It covers forensics and genetics, with the option for medical careers.
- Career Bet: Biotechnology. Perfect if you love hands-on lab work, offering immediate job prospects in Massachusetts.
Advice for Freshman Year:
Start with Biomedical Sciences if possible. It's easier to switch to General Biology later. Make sure to take General Chemistry I & II, as they're crucial for Forensics and advanced Genetics.
Here's a guide to help you choose between Biology, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Sciences, based on your interests in Genetics, Forensics, and Lab work.
1. Understanding the Majors:
- Biology (The "Big Picture" Major)
- What it is: The broad study of life, from ecosystems to cells.
- Coursework: Botany, ecology, zoology, and genetics.
- Result: Flexible but often requires further specialization for lab work.
- Biomedical Sciences (The "Human/Medical" Major)
- What it is: Focused on human health and disease.
- Coursework: Anatomy, pathology, physiology, and medical microbiology.
- Result: Best for Genetics and Forensics related to human health. Ideal for medical lab science or clinical research.
- Biotechnology (The "Industry/Tools" Major)
- What it is: Applying biology to create medicines or products.
- Coursework: Lab techniques like PCR, cell culture, and manufacturing.
- Result: Most job-ready degree in Massachusetts, aligning with industrial hubs.
2. Aligning with Your Interests:
- Forensics:
- Best choice: Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Chemistry, as it covers human genetics and chemical analysis.
- Genetics:
- Best choice: Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences, as they teach DNA sequencing and tools like CRISPR.
- Lab Studies:
- Best choice: Biotechnology, which is heavily lab-based, focusing on practical skills.
3. Massachusetts Advantage:
Being from Dalton gives you access to both state systems and private colleges.
- MassBioEd: This organization recruits Biotechnology graduates for companies like Moderna and Pfizer in Cambridge.
- Location Strategy:
- Western MA (UMass Amherst, Berkshire Community College): Offers strong academic research labs, especially in genetics.
- Central/Eastern MA (Worcester/Boston): Closer to internships and biomanufacturing hubs.
4. Final Recommendation:
- Safe Bet: Biomedical Sciences. It covers forensics and genetics, with the option for medical careers.
- Career Bet: Biotechnology. Perfect if you love hands-on lab work, offering immediate job prospects in Massachusetts.
Advice for Freshman Year:
Start with Biomedical Sciences if possible. It's easier to switch to General Biology later. Make sure to take General Chemistry I & II, as they're crucial for Forensics and advanced Genetics.