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Welcome
from the Department of Biological Sciences Chair
Welcome to the Eastern Illinois University Biological Sciences Web Site!
If you have a passion for understanding how cells and living organisms function,
and enjoy scientific experimentation and field or laboratory studies, then you
should consider majoring in biology. Biology is the study of living organisms
(bacteria, algae, protozoans, fungi, plants, and animals). It is a large
discipline that encompasses molecules and cells, organs and organ systems,
organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Biologists study cell and
molecular biology, genetics and evolution, organismal biology, systematics and
ecology, and behavior.
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:
www.eiu.edu/~biology/careers.htm
The department offers a broad spectrum of courses, most of which include
investigative laboratories that appeal to a wide diversity of students.
Introductory biology 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 at the
department’s website:
www.eiu.edu/~biology/academic_programs/course_catalog.htm
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, microbiology, fisheries
biology, genetics, behavior, parasitology, science education, pharmacology,
mycology, anatomy, neurobiology, aquatic ecology, phycology, plant ecology,
plant systematics, developmental biology, cell biology, lichenology, and
wildlife biology.
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
faculty research interests can be found on the departmental website:
www.eiu.edu/~biology/research.htm
Choose from three different options of study …
Biology Option
Students interested in botany, zoology, ecology and systematics, and cell and
molecular biology who want to pursue careers in biology, including wildlife
biology, fisheries biology, endangered species biology, work in nurseries,
garden centers, and zoos or become natural resources managers should pursue the
biology option. Students in the biology option are encouraged to complete an
undergraduate research project with a faculty mentor in the department or to
apply for a research experience in biology at another university.
For more information, contact Dr. Andrew S.
Methven at (217) 581-6241 or
asmethven@eiu.edu.
Environmental Biology Option
Students interested in careers in environmental sciences, including
environmental consulting, environmental engineering, water treatment, wastewater
treatment, public health, and environmental protection should pursue the
environmental biology option. Students enrolled in the environmental biology
option are required to gain valuable practical experience by completing a
twelve-week internship.
For more information, contact Dr. Thomas A.
Nelson at (217) 581-2500 or
tanelson@eiu.edu.
Teacher Certification Option
Students interested in becoming high school science teachers, specializing in
Biological Sciences, and teaching upper division high school biology courses,
honors and advanced placement courses, should choose the teacher certification
option. Students take courses in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics,
and education and complete a semester-long student teaching experience.
For more information, contact Dr. James A.
McGaughey at (217) 581-2928 or
jamcgaughey@eiu.edu.
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