Cell Biology and Histology

What it’s about:

Cell biology emphasizes the cell as the basic unit for examining characteristics common to all living organisms. Histology is the study of how cell are organized into functional units called tissues, and how tissues are organized into organs.

What the study of this major is like:

Cell biology is often offered as a concentration within the broad-based major in biology; in some cases it is offered as a major in cellular and molecular biology. Histology, also called microscopic anatomy, may be included under histo technology, cytotechnologist, micro technique, or even microscopy. Histology is usually taught as a course within a major or as a separate associate’s degree or certification program.

In cell biology, the focus is on the cell as the basic unit of life. You will explore the fundamental processes that are common to allliving cell, and investigate the unique characteristics and processes of more specialized cell types such as lymphocytes and neurons. Additionally, you should acquire a broad, general foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Most of your classes will involve lectures. However, as is usual for science classes, most of your learning will take place in the lab. In cell biology laboratory sections, you will take part in various aspects of research. You may also have the opportunity to participate in research on your own, either on an independent-study project mentored by faculty members or on an internship.

Since cellular biology and molecular biology are two rapidly growing areas in biology, the amount of information you will have to deal with can be overwhelming. You’ll find that the work requires both attention to detail and the ability to appreciate and comprehend broad concepts. As a biologist, you should be ready to take initiative and to work cooperatively with others. Although you will often study alone, you will sometimes work in pairs or in small groups in the lab. Because of the emphasis on real-life learning, many laboratory experiments cannot be completed within a typical laboratory period (3 hours). Therefore, you can expect to work outside of class, either alone or in small groups. Keep in mind, too, that much of the laboratory learning may at first seem repetitious; but this valuable experience will help you master the hands-on research skills you’ll need.

In some colleges, the biology degree offers a broad exposure to the hierarchy of living things, spanning molecules, cells, organisms, ecologies, and ecosystems. In other colleges, the biology major focuses on molecular, cellular, or biochemical processes. If you select a broad-based program, it is possible that you may discover a field that interests you more than the one you initially selected. In a narrower program, you might have fewer options if you decide to make a change. With a strong background in basic biology, however, you can take supplemental courses in graduate school to keep yourself competitive with students coming from more specialized undergraduate programs.