The training of science and biology teachers plays a fundamental role in education and societal development. These professionals help children and young people understand topics such as biodiversity, the environment, health, genetics, and sustainability.
For those interested in life sciences and wishing to transform knowledge into learning, a degree in Biological Sciences is one possible path.
But the course goes beyond preparing students for teaching. Throughout the degree program, students develop scientific, pedagogical, and... Practical skills that can open doors to different fields of work..
In this article, you will discover how a bachelor's degree works in Biological Sciences, What you study during your undergraduate degree, what career opportunities are available, and how to assess if this is the right choice for you.
Enjoy your reading!
What is a degree in Biological Sciences?
A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences is a type of undergraduate program geared towards training educators. Graduates of this program are qualified to teach Science in elementary school and Biology in high school, in both public and private schools.
The main difference compared to a bachelor's degree lies in the focus of the training. A bachelor's degree has a technical and scientific foundation, geared towards laboratories, applied research, and environmental consulting. licensed combines The same biological knowledge combined with pedagogical disciplines that teach how to transmit this content to classes with very different profiles.
Both qualifications share the core biological disciplines: Zoology, Botany, Ecology, and Genetics. The Bachelor's degree adds a teaching component of approximately [length of time]. 1,000 hours, This module covers Didactics, Educational Psychology, Science Teaching Methodology, and supervised internships in schools. This module is what legally qualifies the professional to practice teaching.
What is studied: curriculum and main subjects.
The course lasts four years, divided into eight semesters. Students go through three main blocks: general biological training, in-depth thematic study, and pedagogical training. The curriculum for Biological Sciences varies between institutions, but follows the guidelines of the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) and the Federal Council of Biology (CFBio).
General biological makeup
In the first semesters, the focus is on building a scientific foundation. Common subjects at this stage are:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology: Cell structure and function, cell division, and principles of molecular genetics;
- Zoology: Classification and biology of animal groups, from invertebrate fauna to vertebrates;
- Botany: Plant morphology, physiology, and taxonomy, with an emphasis on Brazilian flora;
- Ecology: Relationships between organisms and the environment, food chains, biomes, and anthropogenic impacts;
- Genetics: Heredity, Mendel's laws, population genetics, and an introduction to biotechnology.;
- Microbiology and Parasitology: Study of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, with applications in public health.
In-depth study and specific disciplines
From the second half of the course onwards, the content becomes more specialized. Human and Comparative Physiology, Evolution, Biostatistics, and topics in Marine Biology or Conservation Biology are introduced, depending on the institution.
Practical laboratory classes and field activities are given more weight here, and for those who will be teaching Science, this part of the curriculum is one of the most useful.
Pedagogical training
This block is what defines the teaching degree in practice. The pedagogical subjects prepare the future teacher to plan lessons, work with heterogeneous classes, and create strategies for content that, out of context, seems abstract to students. Examples of what appears in the curriculum:
• General Didactics and Science Didactics;
• Developmental and Learning Psychology;
• Methodology of Science and Biology Teaching;
• Educational Policies and Education Legislation;
• Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), mandatory since 2005 by Decree No. 5,626.
The supervised internship has a minimum workload of 400 hours, according to MEC (Brazilian Ministry of Education) guidelines. In practice, the student goes to schools, observes experienced teachers, and then takes on classes under supervision. This is where theory becomes real teaching.
Bachelor's degree vs. Licentiate degree: which to choose
This is the most common question for those entering the Biological Sciences selection process. The answer depends on what you want to do after graduation.
Scientific research, clinical analysis laboratories, environmental consulting, biotechnology companies – a bachelor's degree is the most direct path. Teaching, working on environmental education projects, taking teaching exams – a teaching degree is the necessary qualification.
It's also important to know that registration with the Regional Council of Biology (CRBio) is required for those who want to perform technical activities regulated by the council, such as expert assessments, reports, and environmental consulting. To teach in basic education, a bachelor's degree recognized by the MEC (Ministry of Education) is sufficient. Registration with the CRBio is not a requirement.
Where can a graduate in Biological Sciences work?
The most practical question for anyone choosing a course is: where will I work? Graduates in Biological Sciences have more job opportunities than just in public and private schools.
Teaching in basic education
Our main focus is on teaching Science to middle school students (grades 6-9) and Biology to high school students.
According to data from Salary Portal based on CAGED data., The average salary for a Science and Natural Sciences teacher in elementary school is R$ 6,046.80 per month for a 28-hour work week, with a minimum salary of R$ 5,881.66 and a maximum salary of R$ 15,771.94, depending on the school system and length of service.
Environmental education and social projects
Many graduates work outside of school, in environmental education programs in city halls, conservation units, national parks, and NGOs. The demand for professionals who can communicate science to a non-specialized public has grown along with the environmental agenda; this is no coincidence.
Public competitions
A bachelor's degree qualifies individuals for teaching positions in state and municipal school systems. These positions offer job security, a career path with progression based on length of service and qualifications, and many states include benefits such as transportation allowance and meal allowance.
Technical and higher education
With a master's or doctoral degree, graduates can teach in technical courses and colleges. An academic career also opens doors to research, scientific publication, and student mentoring, a real option for those interested in science applied to education.
Profile for a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences
The desire to be a teacher doesn't have to originate in childhood, but certain traits frequently appear early on in those who excel in this field:
• Scientific curiosity: Those who enjoy understanding the reasons behind things, rather than just memorizing them, have an advantage in the more complex subjects of the course;
• Communication: Explaining concepts like mitosis or the food chain to classes of teenagers requires clarity and, on some days, a great deal of patience;
• Interest in people: A teacher's work is essentially relational. Those who enjoy following the development of their students often find meaning in their career even during difficult times.;
• Environmental interest: A large portion of those who pursue environmental education do so because of a genuine engagement with the subject, not a purely professional choice.
Analytical skills are important in Biostatistics courses and field research, but they are not a prerequisite for entry; the course develops them progressively.
How to apply: selection processes
The most common way is through the ENEM exam. Public universities use the score for SISU; many private universities also accept it as a selection criterion. Some institutions offer their own entrance exam with tests of general knowledge and an essay.
Before choosing where to study, research the institution's Course Concept (CC) and Enade score on [website/platform name]. e-MEC. These are the indicators used by the Ministry of Education to evaluate the quality of education, and they allow for comparison of options without relying on marketing rankings.
You've chosen the area. Now choose where to study carefully.
A degree in Biological Sciences combines science and education, and those who pursue this path generally know what they want. The key point is the institution: an up-to-date curriculum, functioning laboratories, professors with practical experience beyond theory, and real access to internships that concretely change their training.
If you are researching undergraduate options in São Paulo, it's worth checking out... courses from ESEG College, part of the Etapa Group. ESEG has received the highest possible rating from the MEC (Brazilian Ministry of Education) in STEM and management courses, boasts a faculty with professional experience in the market, and offers on-site training in São Paulo. Access the [website/link]. ESEG website and see the options available for the next semester.
Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences.
A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences is a four-year undergraduate program that trains teachers qualified to teach Science in elementary school and Biology in high school. The course combines biological training with pedagogical subjects and supervised internships in schools.
A degree in Biological Sciences qualifies one to teach in basic education. The bachelor's degree focuses on research, laboratory work, and technical practice. The core subjects are shared, but the teaching degree adds a pedagogical block of approximately 1,000 hours, including an internship in schools.
According to data from Salary Portal Based on CAGED data, the average salary for a Science and Natural Sciences teacher in elementary school is R$$6,046.80 per month, for a 28-hour work week. Compensation varies according to the school system, region, and length of service.
A graduate in Biological Sciences can work as a teacher in public and private schools, in environmental education programs, in state and municipal teaching positions, and, with postgraduate studies, in technical and higher education.
No. To teach Science and Biology in basic education, a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences recognized by the MEC (Brazilian Ministry of Education) is sufficient. Registration with the Regional Council of Biology (CRBio) is required for technical activities regulated by the council, such as environmental consulting, reports, and expert assessments.
