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
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.
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.
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. Gary Bulla at (217) 581-3499 or gabulla@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. Karen Gaines at (217) 581-6235 or kfgaines@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 Katie Johnson at (217) 581-7270 or kjohnson4@eiu.edu
