Biology at The W
The Study of Life
The biology majors offer a broad range of coursework and opportunities for students.
The traditional biology major is for students interested in entering careers centered around biology -- whether it is in academia, industry, or health professions. The traditional biology major starts with a collection of central biology courses then students branch out their studies through the a wide variety of advanced biological topics offered such as: plants, animals, ecology, physiology, anatomy, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, and evolution.
The biology with concentration in science communication major is for students not intending to become professional biologists, but instead are interested in applying biology concepts to other professions, such as middle or high school teaching , or public communication, etc. The concentration in science communication provides students with a broad range of survey courses in both biology and the physical sciences that will prepare students to communicate biological concepts in a variety of settings, including the classroom if the students also pursues an accelerated MAT degree.
Undergraduate Student Research
Many students complete a faculty/student research project or internship either at MUW or at another institution during the summer. Here at MUW, many of the biology faculty have been awarded multi-year grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Sciences Foundation, and other sources, which have allowed them to establish well-equipped laboratories for microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, and genomics research right here in Parkinson Hall, where the Dept. is housed. Dr. Onyeagucha, Dr. Crossley, Dr. Heda, Dr. Hagey, Dr. Whitwam, Dr. Burnes, Dr. Dodson, Dr. Brady, and other departmental faculty have several students involved in their research efforts at any point in time. The grant funds have allowed for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, faculty release time, stipends for student researchers, and student travel to professional meetings.
Biology Majors
Biology Scholarships
There are various biology scholarships offered by the Department available to current Biology majors. Most of these scholarships are available to all students (including international students) except those students who are full-ride Centennial Scholars. Amounts awarded are generally in the $500 to $2000 dollar range.
Careers & Graduate Studies in Biology
MUW graduates in Biology are well prepared for the next step in their academic and/or professional lives. Students continue on to graduate school, industry positions, teaching positions, and professional programs. MUW offers all the prerequisite coursework required for admission to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and veterinary medicine and has academic advisors who are knowledgeable about admissions requirements of these programs.