Dissecting frogs. That's what many people think of when they hear the word biology. But that's a very small part of what biology students do. They study every aspect of the living world around us, from microbes to ecosystems.

An undergraduate degree may prepare you for entry-level positions in a variety of scientific fields, but for the most part you'll need further study. If you want to be a researcher, you'll likely need at least a master's degree, and often a PhD.

Students majoring in biology take a wide variety of classes. These might include microbiology, cell biology, botany, animal and marine biology, genetics, ecology and evolution.

That means it's important to concentrate on math, chemistry and physics, as well as biology, early in your high school studies.

Students shouldn't neglect English either, says Michael Lizotte. He is an assistant professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

"The skills learned in a good high school course in comparative literature could be more useful than taking one more high school biology course," he says. That's because biology students need to read and write reports and studies.

There's more to getting ready for college than simply taking classes. "The real key to being prepared for college is developing self-discipline and good study skills," says Sarah Armstrong. She is a biology professor at Millsaps College.

Don't forget about volunteer work. It can provide you with great experience.

"Students will find having laboratory or field experience useful, as our program is research-based," says Kathryn L. Edwards. She is a biology professor at Kenyon College in Ohio. "However, other activities are also useful, such as hospital or geriatric service, veterinary clinic aid, and any activity in which you can show leadership skills."

Textbooks are not cheap in biology programs. Some schools may also charge a minimal fee for laboratory costs.

Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Find current information related to the field of study for Biological Scientists

• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-sc
  ience/biological-technicians.htm

Biology Resources and Links
Review sites dedicated to biology and science education

• http://naturalsciences.sdsu.edu/links.html

Online Biology Book
Estrella Mountain Community College's list of helpful links

• http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/
  BioBookTOC.html

Science Careers
Check out the latest career opportunities and news from the journal Science

• http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/