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
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