Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 4/12/2008

Question
Dear Dana, I understand that you have a PH.D in biology so I ask what is you advise for those who vision ourselves one day in involving ourselves in that field? I for one love biology and what it offer me. What should I do to prepare myself for college in this field? What should I expect? What do you think that I should focus on? What do you believe that I should do to help me have an advantage when I go to college. I’m sorry for all the questions, I’m a senior in high school, so I’m a bit curious. I hope that you can help me out because I’m a bit lost. Thank you!

Answer
Dear Peter,

A biology major is a versatile major that will prepare you for a variety of different careers, from research in the various biological sciences (genetics, development, ecology, etc.) to medical, dental or veterinary school, physician's assistant, any of the related health professions, environmental law, and even teaching.

To prepare yourself for a biology major, the very best thing you can do is READ READ READ.  If you can get your hands on a used copy of a fantastic textbook "Biology" by Neil Campbell and other authors, then that is the very best way to start reading and familiarizing yourself with the basics of the science.  Most universities use this textbook (though there are other excellent competitors), and if you've already started studying it, you'll be at an advantage.

Since you're already a senior, I guess it's too late for me to urge you to take chemistry, biology, and physics in high school.  But you could take some non-majors courses at a local community college to get a head start, if it's not too expensive.

Read other books (not textbooks) in the biological sciences, too.  I would recommend anything by Stephen Jay Gould, E. O. Wilson, and Richard Dawkins, all eminent naturalists and biologists.

I think this is a good start, but if you have more questions, please feel free to write back.

Good luck!

Dana