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
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists
- Bioremediation field supervisors
- Project managers in life science and/or allied health professions
Support the Biology Department
Support for the Biology Department at UIS means support for students who will become trailblazers in laboratories, doctor's offices, pharmacies and more. Your gift directly impacts the future of our community. Please consider a gift today.
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