We live on a truly miraculous planet – the perfect combination of breathable air, liquid water and the only known home to living organisms. Biologists study Earth’s life in all its forms, from bacteria to horses and everything in between. They seek to understand how living things came to exist, how they function, what they do, and how they’re impacted by external factors. Because of biologists, we have a better understanding of the planet we call home.
Biological technicians are the glue that holds the lab together. Acting as assistants to scientists and biologists, they carry out a variety of tasks – preparing specimens, assisting with experiments and compiling data.
How can we grow crops that resist disease, withstand droughts or yield larger produce? Bioengineers solve issues like these by enhancing or augmenting biological processes. This may mean working to develop a transgenic papaya that resists the ringspot virus, a strain of cotton plant that is able to tolerate herbicides or a type of popcorn that produces more kernels. In this way, bioengineers help improve the productivity of crops used for food, fiber and fuel.
The existence of water, and the life that it supports, makes our planet unique. Aquatic scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams to conduct research that monitors and studies the overall health and behavior of both plant and animal life in aquatic ecosystems. This research often uncovers exciting discoveries the pull back the curtain on many unknowns about life under that water’s surface. By understanding aquatic life, aquatic scientists are able to preserve our vital resources for generations to come.
If you are solutions-focused with a passion for animals, a career as an animal scientist could be a great fit for you. They research genetics, nutrition, growth, development and reproduction of domestic livestock and companion animals to better animal quality of life and well-being.
How are living things impacted by environmental pollutants? How is food converted into energy? Biochemistry programs study the chemical reactions, processes and components of living things – such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, fertilization, protein structure and neural processes. Graduates of these programs can pursue careers in a variety of industries, including the agricultural, medical, industrial, governmental and environmental fields.
Cognitive science is the scientific study of the human mind. This is a highly interdisciplinary field—introducing and combining ideas and principles from psychology, computer science, neuroscience and linguistics. Human brain cognition provides an excellent framework for the development of advanced machines and programs, making this field especially beneficial for the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) efforts. Students pursuing this degree will explore intellectual abilities and processes; learning how they can be applied to develop intelligent devices such as AI, robotics and large-scale computational systems.
The area of biochemistry and molecular biology exists at the intersection of biology and chemistry—arguably one of the most cutting-edge and influential current areas of science. Biochemistry and molecular biology programs introduce students to the chemistry of living organisms and techniques used to analyze the composition and function of biomolecules. Graduates may pursue careers in the medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural research and chemical industries.
The field of biotechnology focuses on the intersection of biology and technology–leading to new products that are designed to enrich lives, ease day-to-day life and support healthier living. Early biotechnological advances included selective breeding and hybridization to create the fruits and vegetables we’re familiar with today. Currently, students pursuing biotechnology degrees will learn to explore and manipulate living organisms for the purpose of invention and/or improving products. From vaccine production to genetic modification and tissue culture, biotechnology is everywhere.
This site includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. AgriNovus Indiana has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
In addition to O’Net, AgriNovus Indiana gathered information from several resources. If you would like more information about the data on this site, please contact us at fieldatlas@agrinovusindiana.com.
