EIU Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences also serves the university by maintaining the high quality of pre-professional programs and supporting course work in general education as well as other disciplines, principally Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Studies, Physical Education, Recreation Administration and Chemistry. The department works closely with the College of Education and Professional Studies in training Biological Sciences teachers for secondary schools and is strengthening ties with other departments in the environmental sciences. Finally, faculty serve on university committees and function as consultants to city government. nonprofit organizations, public schools and industry.research projects under the guidance of a scientist-mentor.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biological Sciences. When students complete a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, they are prepared for exciting careers in the sciences and eligible for graduate study in master or doctoral programs or health-related fields (e.g., chiropractors, clinical laboratory scientists, dentists, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and veterinarians). Visit our careers in biological sciences webpage to explore the possibilities.

The department offers a broad spectrum of courses, most of which include investigative laboratories that appeal to a wide diversity of students. Introductory Biological Sciences classes for majors typically have 32 or fewer students, with advanced courses typically having less than 24. Many of the classrooms in the Life Sciences building are equipped with the latest teaching and learning technology. Additional information on course offerings can be found in the Biological Sciences department course catalog.

The Department of Biological Sciences has an outstanding and accessible faculty comprised largely of PhDs with areas of expertise including: ornithology, plant physiology, horticulture, comparative physiology, microBiological Sciences, fisheries Biological Sciences, genetics, behavior, parasitology, science education, pharmacology, mycology, anatomy, neuroBiological Sciences, aquatic ecology, phycology, plant ecology, plant systematics, developmental Biological Sciences, cell Biological Sciences, lichenology, and wildlife Biological Sciences.

Biological Sciences majors are encouraged to complete an undergraduate research experience and are given a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on experimental research projects. Students have access to a DNA sequencer, electrophoresis equipment, gas chromatograph, the biotechnology center and a modern computer laboratory and are able to gain hands-on experience using a wide variety of advanced scientific equipment. A detailed list of Biological Sciences department faculty research interests can be found on the departmental website.