Department of Biology

Welcome to Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where we are dedicated to providing quality education through hands-on learning, outstanding facilities, and a nationally recognized undergraduate research program, ensuring you are well-prepared to contribute to solving critical global problems. At the heart of our department lies a deep passion for understanding the living world, from the tiniest microorganisms to the grand tapestry of ecosystems that shape our planet.

Our faculty members are not only accomplished researchers but also enthusiastic educators who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with students through dynamic courses, numerous research opportunities, and hands-on laboratory experiences.

Beyond our campus, we are committed to engaging with the broader community, sharing our passion for biology through outreach programs, public lectures, and partnerships that promote scientific literacy and environmental stewardship.

Our comprehensive programs offer diverse pathways for students eager to launch a career, pursue professional school, or advance to graduate studies. For those fascinated by the function of living things at the smallest scale, our Cell/Physiology Emphasis prepares you for careers in medicine, biotechnology, or physiology research. If you are passionate about conservation and the interconnectedness of nature, explore our Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Emphasis, which emphasizes field work and a deep understanding of natural systems. If you dream of studying aquatic life from local rivers to the ocean, our unique Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology Emphasis offers an incredible opportunity, including a required year of study abroad at Deakin University in Australia. Finally, students with a clear focus on healthcare fields such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science will find an intentional path in our Pre-Biomedical Professions Emphasis. We also offer a Biology Science Education major for future middle and high school teachers and participate in the collaborative, online Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology program for those pursuing an advanced degree.

Meet our faculty View our academic programs Natural History Specimen Collection

Contact us

Heather Pelzel
Department Chair & Professor
Phone: 262-472-5134
Location: Upham Hall 320A

Amber Kammeraad
Department Assistant
Phone: 262-472-1092
Location: Upham Hall 320

UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of Biology has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:

Joseph & Madeline Chopp Scholarship
J.A. Cummings Biology Scholarship
Y.W. Fok Memorial Scholarship
Willard Gross Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Dan and Jean Sable Scholarship
Silver/Savage Literature, Writing and Science Scholarship
James S. and Susan R. Schlough Scholarship
Donald J. Stevenson, MD. Memorial Scholarship
A.A. Upham Scholarship for Science
UW-Whitewater Foundations Scholarship for Outstanding Junior
from the College of Letters and Sciences
Dr. Dionne A. Harrell Scholarship

More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.

Explore scholarships

The Department of Biology supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Club an information and community service organization, P.H.A.T Club (Pre-Health Associates of Today), Pre Health Club, and Beta Beta Beta.

Explore student organizations

UW-Whitewater offers students in Wisconsin and surrounding states a unique opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology in collaboration with our sister institution, Deakin University, in Australia. UWW sends approximately 10-15 student each year to this program.

How to prepare for Australia

GPA requirement
UWW Biology requires 2.75/4.0 GPA to be accepted into the program. If a student falls below a 2.75 GPA an appeal can be made to a committee made up of UWW faculty (generally biology professors). Deakin requires a 2.6/4.0 for international students. Deakin has refused students below a 2.6 in the past.

During your last semester at UWW
Each student must speak with the program manager (currently Dr. Bruce Eshelman) within the first 2 weeks. This meeting will begin the paperwork process required to attend Deakin University. Students also choose classes they will take at Deakin.

Cost of the program
Per unit cost: International students are charged for each unit of coursework they take. UWW students get a bit of a break on the cost. Fees are reduced for each student depending on the number of students enrolled in Deakin that year.

Exchange rate: Students need to factor in the exchange rate of US Dollars to Australian Dollars. This is often the biggest factor determining total cost and recent history has shown this can vary up to ~10% over the course of a year.

Example tuition 2017-2018: First semester Deakin Program fees $7,449.02 USD. Second semester estimated around $6,400 USD. This is only tuition. We anticipate an increase for future semesters.

Example room and board: A recent student (2018-2019) received a quote of $10,608 AUD ($8,313 USD) for 12 months of room and board. Students usually live in campus dormitories during their time in Australia, but many students have chosen to live off campus. Meal plans are available, but the dorms have kitchenettes, so student can cook for themselves.

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Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide scholarships, support for undergraduate research students, and essential resources that enrich our programs and help our students shine.

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of aspiring scientists, healthcare workers, and innovators.

If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.

Donate to the Department of Biology at UW-Whitewater