In the recent years, biology has been modernized with the development of new and sophisticated techniques in molecular and cellular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. These techniques are utilized today in various areas of research, from genetics and differentiation to biomedicine, field studies, and animal behavior. Our department’s program of study and research reflect this modern view of biology. Students are exposed to modern concepts, and current methods of experimentation in molecular biology, genomics, and field biology within introductory courses taken at the outset of their studies. Motivated students have the opportunity to choose advanced courses, which are given in the specialized areas of faculty research.

Graduates with bachelor's and master's degrees in biology are expected to have additional opportunities in nonscientist jobs related to biology, in fields like sales, marketing, publishing, and research management. Non-Ph.D.s also may fill positions as science or engineering technicians or as medical health technologists and technicians. Some become high school biology teachers. Biological scientists are less likely to lose their jobs during recessions than those in other occupations, because many are employed in the government, or on long-term research projects.