These are golden years for professionals trained in biology and the life sciences. In response to a rapidly changing world, new jobs are emerging every day. Private-sector jobs for college-trained technicians are expected to increase rapidly throughout the next century. Most job growth will be in the areas of genetic engineering, biochemical research, health and fitness, and environmental preservation and cleanup.

Education and Training
Non-research positions such as lab technician are generally available for students who earn a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences. However, most students continue on to graduate school to specialize in one of the health professions: for example, medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.

For those interested in the life sciences as a career field, graduate study is particularly important. Those seeking careers in applied research or a job in management, inspection, or sales for a medical-related operation, generally need a master’s degree. Employment as a college instructor, independent researcher, or administrator in a life science firm or institution usually requires a Ph.D.

Courses in the Life Sciences
While University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is not able to offer a degree in the life sciences overseas, life science courses are regularly offered and can be used to satisfy part of UMUC’s General Education Requirement in mathematics and natural sciences. Life science courses that include labs (e.g., BIOL 101/102; BIOL 160/161; BIOL 201/202) are offered at a limited number of locations in Asia where appropriate equipment and lab facilities are available. Some of these courses are conducted in the lab facilities of the local DoDDS High School. Check with your local Field Representative to see what is available at your center.

Students thinking about a career in the life sciences can complete a variety of courses in the field from UMUC Asia, including:

• BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
• BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
• BIOL 160 Human Biology (3)
• BIOL 161 Laboratory in Human Biology (1)
• BIOL 164 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (3)
• BIOL 181 Life in the Oceans (3)
• BIOL 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3)
• BIOL 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3)
• BIOL 211 Environmental Science (3)
• BIOL 212 Environmental Science Laboratory (1)
• BIOL 215 Population Biology and General Ecology (3)
• BIOL 220 Human Genetics (3)

In addition, you should be aware that a degree program in the life sciences typically includes coursework in calculus, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. For all science fields, computer experience and knowledge of mathematics are always beneficial.

For more information on career opportunities, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Peterson’s Job Opportunities for Engineering, Science, and Computer Graduates, and other specialized guides to the job market.

General information on careers in the life sciences is available from:

American Institute of Biological Sciences
Office of Career Service
730 11th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20001-4584

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB)
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd. Suite 402
McLean, VA 22101

For information on careers in physiology, contact:
American Physiological Society
Membership Services Dept.
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814

For information on careers in microbiology, contact:
American Society for Microbiology
Office of Education & Professional Recognition
1913 I St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20006

For information on nursing, contact the American Nurses Association.-

Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.

UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.

Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.

A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”

Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.

1. Many students begin with BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology or BIOL 160 Human Biology. When possible these courses are offered in conjunction with the one-semester-hour laboratory courses BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology or BIOL 161 Laboratory in Human Biology, allowing students to fulfill the General Education Requirement in Biological and Physical Sciences, which includes one laboratory course.

 

2. Other introductory-level courses may be available at your location, and also apply to the General Education Requirement. These courses have no prerequisites, although some knowledge of introductory biology may be helpful. Included are BIOL 181 Life in the Oceans; BIOL 211 Environmental Science; BIOL 215 Population Biology and General Ecology; and BIOL 220 Human Genetics.

 

3. If you are interested in biology and the life sciences you may wish to continue by taking BIOL 164, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology, for which the prerequisite is either BIOL 101 or BIOL 160.

 

4. Be sure to take basic courses in mathematics and English, and in other areas such as computer studies, statistics, and psychology. Mathematics and computer skills are increasingly important in all of the life sciences.

UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.

UMP-104 (4M 9/06)