A degree in Biology can open doors to many interesting and exciting careers. At UIS, the Biology degree is a hands-on process: students work directly with the equipment and learn through a balanced curriculum that strengthens both intellectual and practical skills.

Students actively participate in research through faculty research interests in molecular, cellular, and organismal biology. Scientific facilities available to students include a new, well-equipped building with research laboratories. Because UIS is located in the state capital of Illinois, there are many opportunities for internships that help students gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Our students are prepared for further training in biology—including medical and other professional schools—and for careers in biology in the public and private sectors. UIS offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology.

Upon Graduating, Students Will

  • Design and conduct a scientific study to investigate biological systems;
  • Articulate and apply the concepts of cellular biology, organismal biology, ecology and evolution;
  • Explain the molecular basis of heredity and the processes of biological evolution;
  • Integrate the knowledge they have obtained across their biology coursework to address applied issues
  • Communicate effectively in written and oral scientific formats.

Great Facilities

  • Fully-stocked Greenhouse
  • Transmission Microscope
  • Scanning Electron Microscope
  • DNA Sequencer
  • Multiple Research and Teaching Laboratories
  • The Field Station at Lake Springfield
  • The Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon
  • Photograph Facilities (2 dark rooms, macro- and microphotographic equipment)
  • Quality light microscopes (polarizing, phase, fluorescence)
  • Spectrophotometers (UV, infrared, visible, atomic)
  • Sampling equipment (aquatic and terrestrial habitats)
  • Gas Chromatography & Mass Spectrophotometry
  • Ultracentrifuges
  • Array of organic and biochemistry analysis equipment
  • The following Molecular Biology equipment:
    • -80° C freezer
    • temperature-controlled incubators
    • laminar-flow hoods
    • horizontal agarose-gel electrophoresis
    • vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
    • pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
    • thermocycle
  • The following Research Laboratories:
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Botany
    • Cell Biology
    • Electron Microscopy
    • Microbial Ecology
    • Molecular Biology

Career Paths

  • Laboratory technicians
  • Science instructors at secondary, community college, and university levels
  • Pharmaceutical or scientific supply sales personnel
  • Environmental health supervisors
  • Graduate and/or doctoral-level positions in biotechnology, cell physiology, or biology
  • Medical, dental, osteopathic, veterinary, chiropractic, and podiatric specialists, to name a few
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical therapists
  • Bioremediation field supervisors
  • Project managers in life science and/or allied health professions