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Biology

(Printable version)

Biology is the science of “life.” It includes an array of subdisciplines such as ecology, evolution, botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology and molecular biology. Biological expertise is a vital component of the solutions to many problems facing our civilization from human health and disease to loss of biodiversity and environmental quality. The UW-Eau Claire biology program is designed to provide students the opportunity to integrate, interpret and translate biological phenomena and environmental observations and then use this information to make meaningful decisions.

Why study biology?

  • Biological careers can be fascinating and rewarding.
  • Biologists frequently play a pivotal role in dealing with various challenges that face society.
  • Students considering a biology major are often interested in serving the medical needs of people; working with fish and wildlife; conserving and restoring habitat; teaching biology; or discovering new facts through research or writing about biological aspects of plants, animals and microbes.
  • Because of the variety of specialties, students with varying aptitudes, backgrounds and career objectives can succeed in biology.
  • It is an exceptional foundation for careers in human biology, ecology, environmental biology, cell and molecular biology and in applied areas such as forestry, wildlife or biotechnology.
  • Biology also is an excellent foundation for students planning to attend medical, dental, veterinary, chiropractic, physical therapy, physician’s assistant or optometry schools.

The Eau Claire Advantage

Learn about the advantages of studying biology at UW-Eau Claire.


Career options

  • Teach at the secondary level or earn a master’s and/or doctorate degree to teach and/or conduct research at a college or university.
  • Work for a governmental agency or non-governmental environmental organization as a researcher, technician, manager or planner.
  • Work as a researcher or manager in a pharmaceutical company, hospital or industrial company.
  • Become a licensed health professional such as a physician or dentist.

Learn more


Undergraduate program

The UW-Eau Claire department of biology offers:

Majors (requires a multidisciplinary minor or a minor offered by another department)

  • Biology – liberal arts
  • Biology – teaching

Comprehensive Majors (requires no minor)

  • Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
  • Biology – Ecology and Environmental Biology
  • Biology – Organismal Biology
  • Biology – Microbiology

Minors

  • Biology – general
  • Biology – teaching (The teaching minor, when combined with a teaching major in chemistry, physics-mathematics, physical science or physics, leads to a 6-12 certification in middle/secondary education programs.)

Multidisciplinary minors

  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Science
  • Pre-professional Health Science

Pre-professional programs

  • Pre-medicine, pre-physicians assistant, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, pre-optometry.

High school preparation

  • High school students planning to major in biology are expected to successfully complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English composition and public speaking as part of their 17 units of college preparation.
  • All students who enroll at UW-Eau Claire are required to have a minimum of 17 college preparatory units including:
    – 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
    – 2 years of a single foreign language
    – 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
    – 3 years of natural science
    – 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
    – 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas

Freshman course work (sample first year)

Fall semester

  • Biol 110, Ecology and Evolution, 4 credits
  • Chem 103, General Chemistry or 115, Chemical Principles, 5 credits
  • Mathematics, 4 credits
  • Social sciences or humanities general education, 3 credits

Spring semester

  • Biol 111, Cell Biology and Genetics, 4 credits
  • Chem 104, General Chemistry or 213, Quantitative Analysis, 5 credits
  • Engl 110, Introduction to College Writing, 5 credits
  • General education, 3 credits

For more information

For more information about UW-Eau Claire’s programs in biology, contact:
Biology
Phillips Hall 331
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004 715-836-4166

 

For more information about campus including costs, housing, admission requirements and tours:
Admissions
Schofield Hall 112
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
715-836-5415
admissions@uwec.edu



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