Welcome to the Biology Department website!

Our very own Connie Ingham (Far left) received the 2008 Maxine Swanson Award by the Women's Commission.

The Biology department offers undergraduate programs in Biology and Natural Resources Management and a graduate program in Biology. The department has 422 undergraduate biology majors, 115 undergraduate natural resources management majors, 28 graduate students, and 35 full-time faculty.

 The Biology program is designed to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the life sciences. We believe it is vital for students at the undergraduate level to become familiar with the major principles and unifying concepts of biology. Thus, the curriculum introduces the fundamental areas of biology and still provides flexibility. Students may select from several optional emphasis areas, including:

• Animal Biology
• Aquatic and Fisheries Biology
• Genetics and Cell/Molecular Biology
• Plant Biology
• Pre-Medical & Pre-Dental
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Teacher Certification
• Wildlife Biology

Biology majors at Grand Valley State University are able to tailor their programs to fit career needs or interests with consultation from their advisers. Any of these areas, in addition to the general biology major, serves as the foundation for graduate study.

Faculty in the Biology Department are involved in a broad range of research providing many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in a variety of projects. These areas of research include animal behavior, aquatic biology, bioethics, cell biology, climate, conservation biology, developmental biology, ecology, environmental history, evolution, genetics, microbiology, natural resources management, natural resources policy, plant biology, and science education.