Some of the most exciting advances in science and medicine take place in
laboratories every day. That's why cell biology students are content to work
in labs on a regular basis.
A student's goals will help determine which courses to take, and whether
a bachelor's, master's or PhD degree should be the goal.
Some programs are offered as part of medical school programs. Others are
offered by biology and biochemistry departments. Cell biology may also be
studied under the hubs of molecular biology, cytobiology or cytology (the
study of cells).
Most cell biology programs will be made up of courses in molecular and
cell biology, physiology, biostatistics, chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy
and various other math and science classes. The higher the level of education,
the more concentrated and specific the courses will be.
If you're not sure whether cell biology is for you, you may want to enroll
in a general biology program for your undergraduate degree. Take plenty of
cell biology classes and then pursue a specialization at the master's level.
Most undergraduates majoring in biology or cell biology will also have
to take courses in the humanities and social sciences. The reading, writing
and logic skills learned in these other courses will serve the future scientist
well when it comes to analyzing and reporting on findings.
Lab, research and even computer work will all play major roles in
a cell biology student's coursework.
"In cell biology and genetics, we use computers for searching databases
for published articles, gene sequences, molecular modeling and various other
tasks," says Bonnie Baxter. She is a biology professor at Hobart and William
Smith Colleges.
A bachelor's degree in biology or cell biology usually takes four or
five years.
"Bachelor degree recipients with science laboratory skills can go right
into high-paying jobs in biotechnology," says professor Craig Woodward of
Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. "It will also prepare them for graduate
or professional school."
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree, many students will
decide to do a PhD if they wish to engage in independent research, or
a medical doctorate if they wish to practice medicine.
Students should hone their discussion skills by joining math and science
clubs in both high school and college.
Additional courses in writing, computer science or public speaking
may be of particular value.
Costs include tuition and books. Students usually don't need personal microscopes
or other scientific materials.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Find more information related to this field of study
Cells Alive!
Check out some pictures of living cells and other cool stuff
Cell and Molecular Biology Online
A detailed guide to related sites on the web