<p>I am really interested in medical research and while I thought about pursuing an MD/DO I decided that its not really for me and I am better suited in lab settings. I really am interested in cardiology/immunology and I definitely will be pursuing a grad degree; however, I can't decide whether or not I should go for biology or biotechnology. The degree programs are pretty similar except biology of course incorporates more ecology/taxonomy courses. I am interested in both, but which degree is more marketable/better for pursuing med research? I'm assuming biotech, right?</p>
<p>Do you mean an undergrad degree? The exact field you major in doesn’t matter, so make your decision on whether you want to be exposed to ecology and evolution or not.</p>
<p>And if you mean a graduate degree, “Biology” vs. “Biotechnology” still doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>If I understand what is going on- you finished/are finishing undergrad, considered MD/DO programs, but decided that you prefer a lab setting. Now you are trying to figure out what graduate program to pursue. </p>
<p>It sounds like you are only looking into masters programs. There are a number of ‘professional science master’ programs that specifically aid in improving a career in biotech. These programs tend to provide instruction in intellectual property law, business administration, regulatory issues as well as molecular biology/cellular biology.</p>
<p>There are also any number of biology departments around the country that host masters programs. These tend to be extensions of undergraduate training eg. course based, minimal research component, and tend to prepare people to begin a Phd program or start a career.</p>
<p>If you want to do translational research, which is what I think you mean, you should consider a Phd program in immunology or cell bio/pharm/or whatever. Many graduate schools also offer translational medicine programs and even degrees (see [HHMI</a> News: The 2010 Med into Grad Grantees](<a href=“http://www.hhmi.org/news/medintogradsum20091117.html]HHMI”>The 2010 Med into Grad Grantees | HHMI) ) About 50% of medical research in this country, by funding, is done by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. There other half, minus the sliver funded by foundations, is done in academia. Either way, you will want a Phd or clinical degree to play a significant part of the process. Alternatively, if you want to be on the patient care side, you could consider a nursing degree, there are RNs involved in many aspects of clinical trials. </p>
<p>I hope I read your post correctly and this was the information you were asking for.</p>