Dr. Kausalya "Kay" Shenoy
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Biology
kay.shenoy@uky.eduBiology is the study of LIFE. It is the exciting study of how living systems do their business: How plants produce nearly every bite of edible food through photosynthesis. How microorganisms reproduce and acquire resistance to antibiotics, how they produce disease, and how they benefit our lives. It is the study of animal development from conception through maturation, reproduction, senescence and then ultimately to death. It is the study of how we perceive our world through our amazing senses, and it is the study of the very brain we use to process this information and everything about our world. It is the study of the great diversity of living things on Earth and how they interact with each other and with human society. Biology tells us who we are in this vast living world. It tells us where we came from, and it tells us where we might go as a species.
From biological principles, the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, and many other life science careers arise, and in these uncertain times of great climatic change, the emergence of new diseases, and human overpopulation, we will rely on Biology more and more. Fortunately, the science of Biology has delivered and continues to deliver on its great promise to provide new cures for disease, new ways to understand ourselves and new approaches for remediation of environmental discord.
Career opportunities in Biology
The biology major encompasses both a broad foundation of core courses and the opportunity for specialization within a subfield through biology electives, providing the breadth and depth essential to educating biologists. The major prepares students for a post-baccalaureate profession in biology, for advanced professional training in the health sciences, or for graduate study in basic and applied areas of the biological sciences.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 25-26
Major Requirements
Other Course Work Required by the Major
Total Hours - 56
Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$51,430
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
81,400
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
3,900
new jobs (average)
Biological technicians typically work in laboratories. Most biological technicians work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreBiochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$107,460
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
34,500
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
2,300
new jobs (average)
Biochemists and biophysicists typically work in laboratories and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results. Most work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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Dr. Kausalya "Kay" Shenoy
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Biology
kay.shenoy@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
