As scientific breakthroughs continue to emerge at an incredible pace, there is perhaps no field of study more dynamic than that of the biological sciences.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers scientific training to prepare students for a wide variety of careers ranging from field ecologist, to molecular biologist, to technical writer, to physician assistant, to soil conservationist, and much more. A major in biology is excellent preparation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, cytotechnology, forensics, and biotechnology.

Facilities
The University's convenient location at the southern end of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - as well as on-campus nature preserves, including woodland and prairie areas - offers students opportunities for ecological field studies. Other extraordinary facilities include Upham Hall, which recently underwent a $40-million renovation transforming it into one of the nation's state-of-the-art science centers. The renovated facility features four 60-seat classrooms, one 100-seat lecture hall, one 185-seat lecture hall, wired classrooms, modern research laboratories, and 34,000 square feet of new space. Students also have the opportunity to take accredited courses through our international partners in Australia and Fiji.

Faculty
Teaching is a top priority of the department's 15 faculty members, all of whom hold doctoral degrees. The Department does not use teaching assistants. Each faculty member conducts ongoing research in such areas as fish evolution, plant physiology, avian and mammalian ecology, conservation biology, molecular genetics, cell biology, tropical and temperate plant ecology, reproductive physiology, animal development, and bacterial genetics, providing our 400+ majors with hands-on learning experiences every semester. Faculty and Staff Listing

Hands-on Learning
Connecting classroom theory with practical application is a vital part of the biological sciences program. The Department is a national leader in undergraduate research, as evidenced by the extensive support received from the National Science Foundation. Students take advantage of numerous research programs, including development of cancer cells, as well as field practicums and internship opportunities at the University Health Center, Whitewater Veterinary Hospital, Pigeon Lake Station in northern Wisconsin, and state, federal, and private agencies. Students typically add three to four credits toward their degrees through internships and can add as many as nine.

Student Organizations
Students in the Department are highly active and engaged in activities outside the classroom. Many participate in Beta Beta Beta, the College's chapter of the National Honorary Biological Society, which includes visiting lectures, presentations, field trips, and social functions and gatherings. It is common for students to receive external grants for their research activities, to co-author articles in leading national science journals, and to present research findings at regional and national conferences.