Biological & Chemical Sciences

Defining Interest Communities: Pathways for Discovery, Purpose, and Vocation

Interest Communities serve as starting points for exploration, not boundaries. Every student’s path is unique, and the skills you develop through Assumption’s liberal arts education open doors to countless possibilities.

Each Interest Community highlights common academic pathways at Assumption University. For simplicity in web navigation, we’ve organized related areas of study that connect to this passion area. These groupings are meant to help you connect your coursework, experiences, and goals, but they are not intended to define or limit your options.

Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by our mission to awaken a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, Assumption challenges you to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with thoughtful citizenship. Whether you study biology, philosophy, business, or the arts, your education here prepares you to thrive in diverse fields and serve the common good.

Your journey of meaning, purpose, and vocation extends far beyond your major. Explore freely. Your path may include electives, double majors, minors, or concentrations across disciplines. Your career direction will reflect your curiosity, values, and the connections you build along the way, not just your academic label.

Explore Biological & Chemical Science Programs at Assumption University

Biology – Study life through hands-on labs and research. Build scientific, critical thinking, and communication skills with faculty support and a strong liberal arts foundation.

Biotechnology and Molecular Biology – Explore genetics and cellular systems to create real-world applications like pharmaceuticals while building hands-on lab experience and in-demand biotech skills.

Chemistry – Examine the structure of matter through hands-on labs and research, building skills for careers in science, healthcare, education, or advanced study.

Neuroscience – Explore the brain and nervous system through biological and psychological approaches, gaining research experience and skills for careers in health, science, and advanced study.

Physics – Explore universal principles through hands-on experiments and research in state-of-the-art labs. Develop analytical skills with faculty support, interdisciplinary connections, and pathways to engineering or diverse science careers.

Environmental Science – Analyze environmental challenges through interdisciplinary coursework and field experiences, building skills to address sustainability, policy, and ecosystem health.

Discover Common Pathways to Purpose & Vocation in Biological & Chemical Science

Note: These example occupations are provided to spark inspiration and exploration of interest. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a starting point.

Analytical Chemist – Use advanced instrumentation to analyze chemical compounds and materials for research, quality assurance, or product development.

Biomedical Researcher – Conduct laboratory experiments to study diseases, cellular processes, and potential treatments, contributing to scientific knowledge and medical advancements.

Biotechnologist – Apply biological systems and organisms to develop products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biofuels in laboratory or industrial settings.

Clinical Research Coordinator – Manage and oversee clinical trials, ensuring studies follow protocols, regulations, and ethical standards while collecting and analyzing patient data.

Data Analyst – Analyze experimental data from physics labs using statistical tools and software to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and support research findings.

Environmental Policy Analyst – Evaluate environmental laws and data to develop policies and recommendations that address sustainability and regulatory challenges.

Environmental Scientist – Investigate environmental problems, analyze data on pollution or ecosystems, and develop solutions to protect natural resources and public health.

Forensic Scientist – Analyze biological and chemical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA or toxic substances, to support criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

Genetic Counselor – Help individuals understand genetic conditions by interpreting test results and guiding healthcare decisions (requires specialized graduate training).

Microbiologist – Study microorganisms like bacteria and viruses to understand their effects on humans, animals, and the environment, often in healthcare or research settings.

Neuroscience Research Assistant – Support studies on brain function and behavior by collecting data, running experiments, and analyzing neurological findings.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative – Communicate scientific information about medications to healthcare providers while building relationships and supporting product use.

Physician – Diagnose and treat illnesses, interpret medical data, and provide patient care, often requiring advanced medical education beyond undergraduate study.

Physician Assistant – Practice medicine under physician supervision by diagnosing conditions, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications.

Public Health Specialist – Analyze health trends, design community health programs, and promote disease prevention through education, policy, and outreach.

Quality Control Analyst – Test products and materials in labs to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards, especially in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Research Physicist – Design experiments, model physical phenomena, and publish results in academic or industry settings, leveraging Assumption’s lab research experience.

Science Educator – Teach biology, chemistry, or environmental science concepts at the secondary or postsecondary level, often combining instruction with research or curriculum design.

Sustainability Specialist – Develop and implement strategies to reduce environmental impact within organizations, focusing on energy use, waste reduction, and compliance.

Toxicologist – Study the effects of chemicals and substances on living organisms, assessing risks and ensuring safety in pharmaceuticals, food, or environmental contexts.

Wildlife Biologist – Study animal populations and ecosystems, conduct field research, and contribute to conservation and habitat management efforts.

Build momentum through Explore → Build → Engage → Launch. Complete checklists, attend events at each stage, and tap Resources for career development support throughout.

*Note: If you are exploring science as your pathway to a healthcare profession, be sure to follow the established pre-clinical four-year advising checklist built by Assumption University faculty, in addition to the tips below.

First-Year: Explore

Explore biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and environmental science through introductory courses and by getting involved with organizations like Assumption Against Cancer, Neuroscience Club, American Chemical Society, Greenhounds, and Second Hand Hounds. Attend department events, faculty talks, and health-professions or science-related panels, and complete beginner-level LinkedIn Learning courses to explore interests in research, lab work, and health sciences.

Sophomore Year: Build

Deepen your coursework in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or environmental science and look for ways to get more involved in scientific and health-related communities. Join the American Chemical Society to access chemistry research, career guidance, and professional networking. Seek research opportunities with faculty in labs focused on biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or environmental work, and consider roles in Assumption Against Cancer or Neuroscience Club if you’re interested in cancer research, health, or brain science. Explore leadership roles in any organization where you can manage projects, lead teams, or coordinate events, even if the club isn’t science-specific.

Junior Year: Engage

Secure (or complete) at least one internship, research position, or clinical experience in fields such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, environmental science, health professions, or related industries to apply your skills in professional settings. Attend networking events, employer panels, and career fairs, and actively build your LinkedIn presence by highlighting coursework, lab experiences, research, leadership roles, and internships.

*Internships and research significantly boost graduate employability across studies. Students with practical experience consistently achieve higher job placement rates than those without. (Baert, S., Neyt, B., Siedler, T., Tobback, I., & Verhaest, D. (2021).

Senior Year: Launch

Launch with clarity. Apply best practices to your next step (ie, full-time roles or graduate school) using resources for tailored résumés, cover letters, the job search, interview preparation, and more! Stay engaged with scientific organizations to strengthen your network and support a smooth transition beyond Assumption.

LinkedIn Groups for Students Interested in Biological & Chemical Science

Why join LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups give you access to targeted professional communities where you can network with industry professionals, discover hidden job/internship opportunities, stay current on industry trends, ask career questions, and learn from experienced practitioners, all for free. As a student, joining these groups helps you build your professional network before graduation and signals a genuine interest to recruiters.

Recommended Groups for Assumption University Students:

Life Sciences | Molecular Biology | Biotechnology – 25k+ members share CRISPR/NGS trends, biotech job postings, lab techniques, and pharma news. Ideal for molecular biology/biotech students networking for research, internships, and industry connections.

Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) – Represents mind and brain researchers investigating cognition’s psychological, computational, and neuroscientific bases. Connects neuroscience students with conference info, research discussions, and career opportunities in brain science.