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Quinebaug Valley Community College

Pathobiology Studies at UConn

Do you have an interest in working with animals? Are you interested in studying the complexities involved in animal health and diseases? Are you curious about the relevance and impact they have on people and the environment? If so, Pathobiology may be the major for you.

Pathobiology involves the study of animal science, animal disease, anatomy, and microbiology. It scrutinizes the very specific and microscopic study of normal and pathological anatomy and microbiology of laboratory animals, domestic mammals, birds, and free living mammals. It also examines, on a more macroscopic level, the overall epidemiology of animal disease and its relevance to people and the ecological environment at large.

Pathobiologists generally are found in careers that involve helping animals such as Veterinary Medicine or Para-veterinary Medicine. They are also found working in other facets of medicine. They work in biotechnology, the biomedical sciences, and various lab and research positions in the health field such as pharmaceutical or vaccine companies, and specific animal research facilities.

The undergraduate coursework for Pathobiology involves pathovirology science, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, immunology, and cell biology. The Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science offers opportunities in undergraduate research projects to heighten students’ level of educational experience, along with opportunities for student employment, and scholarship money and awards. The Department also offers an active seminar series that functions as a forum for various scientific investigators to present their research and to interact with students’ and faculty.

There are job opportunities in the field for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Pathobiology. However, more specialized, advanced, and teaching positions in Pathobiology will require a graduate degree in the field. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in the field, UConn also has a graduate program in Pathobiology. At the graduate level, UConn offers, M.S. (Master’s of Science) and Ph.D. programs in Pathobiology with areas of concentration in Pathobiology, bacteriology, pathology and virology.

Some of the skills that are vital in obtaining positions in the field of Pathobiology include: competency in conducting scientific research, computer skills, and knowledge of theoretical biologically based concepts, communication and interpersonal skills. The nature of the work will vary based upon whether or not you hold a bachelor’s degree in the field or an advanced graduate degree. It is also dependent upon where your specific area of interest within the field falls. If you possess a desire to do direct work with animals, or if you would prefer to focus solely in the research aspect of Pathobiology, or if your interest lies in teaching, Pathobiology offers a wide variety of career opportunities. However, wherever you choose to focus the work is highly scientific, systematic, and rigorous in nature.

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