WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN: GENETICS, CELL BIOLOGY, AND DEVELOPMENT
Activities Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development Majors Do Genetic scientists, or geneticists, research or study the fundamental genetic mechanisms such as DNA and chromosome replication, DNA repair, recombination, and transposition; Gene expression and the many factors and circumstances that regulate it; Genomics--the analysis of whole genomes from both structural and functional viewpoints; Human genetics and genetic counseling the inheritance and variation of characteristics on forms of life to determine laws, mechanisms, and environmental factors in origin, transmission, and development of inherited traits. They analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, such as color differences, size, disease resistance, and the relationship of heredity to maturity, fertility, or other factors. For instance, genetic scientists may breed a family of mice with a tendency toward high blood pressure to test the effects of exercise or diet on that condition. Geneticists may counsel clients in human and medical genetics. They are a valuable part of a health care team, giving information and support to families with birth defects or genetic disorders.
Cell biologists research or study the interactions between cells, properties of cell membranes, molecular transport into and within cells, cell signaling processes; Control of the cell cycle, regulation of cell division; Cell structure and function, organelles, components of the cytoskeleton, and cell motility. Cell biologists have a wide range of career opportunities in the research field, ranging from the Centers for Disease Control to non-profit health research. Cell biology research is conducted in many different fields, so you could find yourself in a hospital researching a vaccine, or in the military concocting explosives.
Developmental biologists research or study the developmental mechanisms, specification of cell fates; Cellular differentiation, and formation of tissues and organs. Developmental biology research might be in areas such as inheritable illness, cardiovascular disease, reproductive technology, vaccine development, cancer drugs or emerging infections.
A PhD is usually required for independent research and always to teach at the college level. A master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research and jobs in management. A bachelor’s degree is required for some positions in applied research or product development, but mostly non-research jobs. A bachelor’s degree in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development provides a solid foundation for advanced professional degrees.
Industries Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development Majors Work In (Sample Listing) Educational Institutions Industrial/Academic Labs Government Agencies Bio-Pharmaceutical Crop/Animal Genetics Medical Centers Bio-medical Healthcare Testing Labs Chemical Manufacturers Clinics Food Manufacturers
Employers Who Hire Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development Majors (Sample Listing) Cargill BASF Pioneer Hi-Bred International Sanford Health R&D Systems Bristol-Myers Squibb Mayo Clinic Genetech Genzyme Merck & Co. Pasteur Foundation USDA Beckman Coulter City of Hope Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Dow AgroSciences
Information on this page was compiled from ehow.com, University of Minnesota departmental websites, Professional Association websites and “Careers in Science” Types of Positions for Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development Majors (Sample Listing) Cell Culture Specialist: Feeds and maintains human/rodent stem cells and cell lines; prepares cells for immunochemistry; and conducts molecular biological procedures such as DNA isolation from cells and/or tissues. Genetic Counselor: Works with patients at risk of an inherited disorder, advising them of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning in order to prevent, avoid or ameliorate it. Industrial Hygienist: Scientists and engineers committed to protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community. Research Associate: Manages research projects, including planning and assisting with data collection; data analysis; and writing and disseminating research results. Science Teacher: Develops and teaches science curriculum which includes scientific experiments.
**Some of these positions may require an advanced degree**
Useful Websites for Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development Majors Nature Jobs www.nature.com/naturejobs/index.html Science Careers www.sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/ Science Jobs www.science-jobs-search.com/ New Scientist Jobs www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/default.aspx The Scientist Jobs www.the-scientist.com/careers/ Nature.com www.nature.com/genetics/index.html Genetics Jobs www.geneticsjobs.org/ Genetics Job Circle www.genetics-jobs.jobcircle.com/jobs/genetics-jobs.html Biology Jobs www.biologyjobs.com/ The Science Jobs www.thesciencejobs.com/ LifeScience Alley www.lifesciencealley.org/ (Contact the CCSE for login information) Biobusiness Alliance of MN www.biobusinessalliance.org/ BioCareers www.biocareers.com Hire Bio www.hirebio.com Lab Support www.oalabsupport.com
Professional Organizations American Association for the Advancement of Science www.aaas.org/ Society for Developmental Biology www.sdbonline.org/ Genetics Society of America www.genetics-gsa.org/ American Society for Cell Biology www.ascb.org/ American Society of Human Genetics www.ashg.org/ National Society of Genetic Counselors www.nsgc.org/ American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy www.asgct.org/ National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov American Institute of Biological Sciences www.aibs.org/home Association for Women in Science www.awis.org National Academy of Science www.nas.edu
*additional job/internship search websites and resources at: ccse.umn.edu*
See the Major Binders available in the CCSE’s Resource Center for more information about this major and career.
Information on this page was compiled from ehow.com, University of Minnesota departmental websites, Professional Association websites and “Careers in Science”