Alumni
WHY DID YOU TAKE BS BIOLOGY? HOW DID IT SHAPE YOUR CAREER TODAY?
Ever since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by the vibrant colors of flowers and the unique features of animals. I also dreamed of becoming a doctor and a researcher. Hence, I pursued a BS in Biology to discover more of nature’s wonders while preparing for a career in medicine. Through the BS Biology program at UP Mindanao, I gained a strong foundation in fundamental medical subjects such as Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Microbiology, and Parasitology. Additionally, the program helped me develop critical academic skills essential for success in medicine. Today, I am studying medicine while still maintaining a strong regard for the environment.
CARL DOMINIC AMANTE
Magna Cum Laude
Class of 2023
Medical Student, UP Manila
I took BS Biology as part of my plan in pursuing the medical field. The knowledge I acquired from UP Min’s BS Bio program has adequately prepared me for medical school, especially in biochemistry, histology, parasitology, microbiology and basic anatomy and physiology. These were important stepping stones in surviving the first few years in med school.
JOIE SHEEN A. BASTIAN, MD, DPBS
Class of 2011
Pediatric Surgery/General Surgery
Philippines Children’s Medical Center/Davao Doctor’s Hospital
I pursued a degree in biology at UP Mindanao to gain a strong foundation in the natural sciences and develop research skills. My degree and the experience I had conducting independent research as an undergraduate student motivated me to pursue a career as an ecologist. The diverse skills and knowledge I gained gave me confidence to take advantage of opportunities to ask and answer ecological research questions in various systems– from ridges to reefs, and from tailed to taloned creatures.
PATRICIA KAYE T. DUMANDAN, PhD
Class of 2014
PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology
University of Florida
I took the BS Biology program of UP Mindanao because I wanted to expand and build on my interest and passion for the biological sciences. Unlike other institutions, which offer a similar program albeit more structured as a pre-med course, UP Mindanao’s BS Biology program offers more to its students by exposing them to the various fields and aspects of the study and the wonders of research. This in turn gave the students more training insofar as honing their research and analytical skills, both essential and applicable not only in the field of biology but also to other scientific and non-scientific fields. To put it simply, the program is a great training ground not only for future medical students, but also for those who aim to focus on and pursue research. While I ended up not pursuing science career-wise, the BS Biology program of UP Mindanao gave me the necessary skills in the field I ended up in. The training I received while I was enrolled in the program allowed me to hone my research and analytical skills, as well as giving me the discipline needed to apply the same. These helped me when I decided to choose to have a career in the field of law, which also requires skills in research and analysis.
ATTY. KARLO MAURO C. TANJILI
Class of 2014
Litigation Lawyer
Associate Lawyer at Hernandez & Associates