The professional biologist is involved in many important issues of our society such as ecology, population, health care and food technology. Fields such as medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, and pest control all depend on biologists for basic scientific knowledge. As a profession, biology is a very rewarding and stimulating field with a great variety of occupational opportunities. Continual growth in research and development, particularly in medical research, is a major reason for the expected increase. Biologists are employed in government agencies, industry, pharmaceutical companies, dairy companies, seed processors, and food companies.
Biologists do research in all areas of health care and pollution control.
They are found in space biology, radiation biology, and environmental health and basic research. About half of the biologists in the country are on staffs of educational institutions, and the teaching field is still in need of good biologists to carry on proper development of ideals and attitudes needed to meet the challenges of today and the future. Salaries depend on the type and place of employment and the level of preparation. The biology department at CSM aims not only to give the student a viewpoint and knowledge of fundamental theories for further work, but also to develop responsibility, initiative, creativity and critical thinking through various aspects of independent study research and interaction with the faculty. Courses are designed to meet the needs of students desiring knowledge of biology for a liberal education, medical related fields, teaching, and research.