Im not sure if i should get a bachelors or masters degree in biology?

Question

I want to get into virology and immunology. Im not sure what classes I need to take Im a freshman starting off at a community college and then transferring to another school . Im also not sure what other school would be good to transfer to. what do I need to get here? I am planning to stay in San Antonio, TX , i've always wanted to do research with monkeys too.

Answer 1

If you really want to do something in science, you should get a PhD.  

The courses that you should take for a BS degree will be listed for the department at the university where you will get the degree.  

The list of courses provided in previous answers are good.  I would add the following:

Physical chemistry, neuroscience, biochemistry, biophysics, anatomy,

physiology, pharmacology.

Answer 2

Depends on what level of education you're entering community college with.

For a Bachelor's in Molecular and Cell Biology (which includes Immunology)

Math: you must go through College Algebra, Trig, Precalc, and, depending on the emphasis of your major, potentially up to Calculus II

Chemistry: two semesters of General Chemistry, two semesters of Organic.  Organic is not as difficult as everyone says it is!

Biology: depending on the college, either two or three Bio courses.  Usually, one focuses on the microscopic features of life (enzymes, DNA, RNA, cell structure), and one focuses on the macroscopic features (ecosystems, plant and animal reproductive cycles, etc.)

Physics: the physics requirement can usually wait until your 4th year, if it's required at all for your degree.  You usually need two semesters of the Physics for Life Science majors.  You don't need to take the Physics series for Engineers, since it is a bit too mathematically rigorous for your purposes.

Of course, you'll also need some lower division arts and humanities courses to round out your semesters.  Philosophy, Psychology, Art, Economics, etc.

Good luck!