Undergraduate Programs

Current Academic Information

The Department of Biological Sciences directs two undergraduate major programs and three specializations:   Biology and Microbiology and Ecology and Conservation Biology Specialization, Forensics Specialization and Marine and Aquatic Biology Specialization. It also jointly directs a Neuroscience Major with the Department of Psychology.  Those students interested in a science education major should contact the College of Education's School of Teaching and Learning for it's Early Childhood, Middle Childhood and Adolescent Young Adult programs.  The Department also offers two special-interest programs:  Marine Biology and Pre-Health Professional, under the Biology Major.  In addition to teaching facilities, many specialized research and support facilities are also available, including:  Algal Microscopy Laboratory; the Edwin C. Moseley Herbarium; Computer Facilities; the Ecology and Ethology Research Station; Greenhouse Facilities; Herpetology Laboratory; Marine Laboratory; Microbiology Prep Room; and the Microscopy and Microanalysis Facilities.

Undergraduate Research Program

Many, if not all of our faculty welcome having students working in their labs. Please browse the Faculty Web Pages for a description of current faculty research interests and projects in this department. Contact the professor and volunteer a couple hours a week of your time; you'll be surprised how often it turns into a paid position.

Departmental Honors Program

In addition to the Honors Program offered by the University, the Department of Biological Sciences offers interested students the opportunity to participate in the Departmental Honors Program. For more information, consult the Undergraduate Guide for Biology Majors.

Funding Information

Several Undergraduate Scholarships are available annually. Please check the Biology website each Spring for application information.  Additionally, the Academic Investment in Math and Science program assists women students and students of color in the areas of mathematics, computer and natural sciences. The five-week summer program offers opportunities to improve leadership, professional and academic skills and offers competitive yearly, renewable scholarships.  Work-study employment is also available with research and administrative positions.

Advising Information

All students have questions from time to time, whether it is about course requirements, suggested coursework, degree requirements or administrative rules. They also have more personal questions, including career choices, issues with faculty or other students or other issues that affect their educational experience. Many biology- and school- related questions can be answered in the Undergraduate Guide for Biology Majors which includes the 10 Most Asked Questions About Biology.

Freshmen & Sophomores: You are advised through the College of Arts & Sciences. For questions regarding scheduling, your choice of major/minor, or to schedule a meeting with a college advisor, please call 419-372-2015. Our faculty mentors are also available to assist you with career counseling.

Juniors & Seniors: For questions for your Biology faculty advisor, please contact the appropriate advisor for your degree program below.

Current Biology Faculty Mentors/Advisors are:

Microbiology Major

Dr. Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls, 442C LSC  More Info

Neuroscience Major

Dr. Dan Wiegmann, 311C LSC  More Info

Ecology & Conservation Biology Specialization

Dr. Daniel Pavuk, 319 LSC  More Info

LCCC & Marine Specialization

Dr. Mike McKay, 523 LSC  More Info

Marine Program Advising (A-J)

Dr. Kevin Neves, 523 LSC  More Info

Marine Program Advising (K-Z)

Dr. Matthew Partin, 115A LSC  More Info

Pre-Dent, Pre-Opt, Pre-Pharm, Pre-Phys Assist & Pre-Med (A-G)

Ms. Amy Wagner, 115D LSC  

Pre-Med (H-N)

Dr. George Bullerjahn, 516 LSC  More Info

Pre-Med (O-Z)

Dr. Paul Morris, 532A LSC  More Info

Pre-Vet

Dr. Eileen Underwood, 111E LSC  More Info

Science Education

Dr. Eileen Underwood, 111E LSC  More Info

Forensics

Dr. Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls, 442C LSC  More Info

Biology Majors

Ms. Tamera Wales, 115B LSC, Last names: A-H

Dr. Kamau Mbuthia, 320 LSC, Last names: I-R

Dr. Eileen Underwood, 111E LSC, Last names: S-Z

Undergraduate Activities