Department of Biology and Natural Resources Management

Biology is an exciting and dynamic field focusing on the study of living things and their environments. The Department strives to set a standard of excellence in biology and natural resources education as a unit within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. We offer undergraduate degrees in Biology or Natural Resources Management, and a graduate degree in Biology.

Students interested in ecology and environmental sustainability will find many opportunities to pursue their interests in our undergraduate programs, which include emphases in General Biology, Biomolecular Processes, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, in addition to the degree in Natural Resources Management. Undergraduate students also may complete emphases in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Teacher Certification, or pursue Pre-Medical and other Pre-Professional preparation through our undergraduate program. The Biology MS degree program also offers optional emphases in either Aquatic Sciences or Natural Resources.

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, botany, climate, conservation, development, ecology, environmental sustainability, evolutionary biology, genetics, microbiology, natural resources management, natural resources policy, restoration ecology, and science education.

News / Upcoming Events

Biology Department Seminar Series:

Click here for the full seminar schedule for fall semester.

Biology faculty member, Bob Hollister, is looking for undergraduates to do research documenting vegetation in northern Alaska. All expenses will be paid and students will be paid approximately $1,000 per month.

BIO Graduate Student alumnus, Jacob Doggett publishes research with NRM faculty member, Ali Locher, on the survival and fitness of the northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) in the West Gulf Coastal Plain.

Research by NRM faculty member, Erik Nordman, and Paul Isely from the Seidman College of Business Economics Department, was featured in the International Joint Commission's newsletter, the Great Lakes Connection. Their work suggests that removing invasive Phragmites stands from waterfront properties substantially increases property values.

Samuel Merring: From Internship to Tuition Crew to the U.S. Forest Service

BIO Graduate Student alumnus, Danielle Bradke, publishes research with NRM faculty member Jennifer Moore to support the management of threatened Eastern Massasauga rattle snake populations.

Biology faculty member, Alexey Nikitin, has co-authored a series of papers on genetic affiliations of ancient nomadic warriors from the Great Eurasian Steppe, including the fearsome Scythians and the legendary Amazons.