Biological Sciences (BA, BS)

Overview

At SIUE, our diverse programs of study include specializations that allow students the opportunity to pursue any areas that are of interest to them. Students can customize their academic program in order to better prepare them for their chosen career.

What can I do with a degree in biological sciences?

Many careers are available for people with basic or advanced training in biology. There are opportunities in: 

• Botany
• Ecology
• Education
• Fisheries
• Forensics
• Forestry
• Genetic engineering
• Horticulture
• Medical technology
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Parasitology
• Physiology
• Wildlife management 
• Zoology 

Technical and supervisory positions are available in federal, state, industrial and university laboratories. 

Most students entering schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, veterinary science, chiropractic and podiatry are biology majors. Basic training in biology is essential for careers in: 

• Nutrition
• Pharmacy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy

Hands-on Learning

Outdoor venues on our beautiful campus provide excellent opportunities for innovative biological study and hands-on learning. Our outdoor classroom consists of a 75-acre lake, a 35-acre botanical garden and 380 acres of forest and restored grasslands set aside as a nature preserve. In addition, classes in the biological sciences program are held in the Science West Building, which is a modern science education facility with fully equipped teaching and research labs.

The department is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology in: 

• Microscopy
• Physiology
• Histology
• Cell biology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Toxicology research

Extensive botanical and zoological teaching collections are also available within the department. Opportunities for plant and animal research are available in our greenhouse and vivarium facilities.

The University supports student research through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program and faculty members provide extensive opportunities for collaborative research. Biological sciences students frequently present their research at national and regional scientific meetings.

Faculty

Download Program PDF