Overview of Biological and Physical Sciences
Biological and Physical Sciences is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on both the biological and physical aspects of science. It addresses the interrelationship between the principles, theories, and discoveries of the biological and physical sciences. Topics of study may include cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, astrophysics, mathematics, biochemistry, geology, biology, physics, and chemistry.
Career Opportunities Associating with Biological and Physical Sciences
Career opportunities are available for graduates of Biological and Physical Sciences in medical and health careers, such as biomedical engineering and medical research. Other career opportunities include research positions in the biotech industry, academic faculty roles, environmental science, animal sciences, astronomy, physics, and chemistry. Additionally, Biological and Physical Sciences graduates may choose to pursue a profession in the fields of mathematics, engineering and biotechnology.
Internship and Co-op Opportunities in Biological and Physical Sciences
Various internships and co-op opportunities are available for students and recent graduates of Biological and Physical Sciences. Programs such as internships and co-ops offer students the opportunity to gain experience in their respective field by working in an applied or research setting. Internships and co-ops can be found through individual universities and research organizations, as well as through private companies.
Specialized Tracks or Concentrations in Biological and Physical Sciences
Students of Biological and Physical Sciences typically specialize in one of several distinct tracks, such as biotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, genetics, biomedical engineering, and systematics. Depending on the individual’s particular interests and goals, other specialized areas of study may be available, such as astrophysics, oceanography, and geoscience.
Preparing Students for Graduate School or Further Education
A Biological and Physical Sciences degree is beneficial for those who wish to pursue a graduate degree in either the biological or physical sciences. The combination of readily available laboratory and field research opportunities as well as courses in advanced topics in the field provide students with the necessary experience to be well prepared for graduate school.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Biological and Physical Sciences
The use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more prevalent in the Biological and Physical Sciences. AI technology is being used to process large datasets, as well as develop new techniques in areas of research such as genetics, robotics, and computer vision. AI can also be used to adapt to unpredictable environmental factors, such as natural disasters, and provide rapid insights in a range of disciplines.
Career Outlook for Biological and Physical Sciences
Employment of Biological and Physical Sciences is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Students with a degree in Biological and Physical Sciences will benefit from an increased demand for skills related to research, accuracy and analytical thinking in various industries, such as healthcare, biotechnology, and data science. Furthermore, there is potential for graduates to enjoy increased salaries over their careers, with Biological and Physical Sciences graduates in the top 10 percent earning over $140,000 annually.
Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Biological and Physical Sciences:
- SUNY Empire State College, Salary: $52,259
- Thomas Edison State University, Salary: $49,000
- University of South Florida, Salary: $48,251
- The University of Texas at San Antonio, Salary: $45,207
- University of Notre Dame, Salary: $40,806
- Grand Valley State University, Salary: $38,369
- University of Houston-Downtown, Salary: $36,725
- Washington State University, Salary: $34,602
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Salary: $34,176
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $33,036
For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Biological and Physical Sciences.

