ID
two biology students collecting specimen in the campus creek

Biology

Study the science of life with a biology bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. As one of the largest majors on campus, you'll find yourself surrounded by energized, passionate people just like you: curious about the earth and all that live on it.

Available as
Major or Minor
Description

The Science of Life

While at UW-Eau Claire, you'll learn from expert professors, who have real-world experience and are dedicated to their craft. Through research opportunities, study abroad and internships, you'll find that your perspective, skillset and resume grow quickly. Explore the unknown, challenge thoughts and ideas, and experience learning through unique projects you won't find on other campuses.

The program is intentionally designed with opportunities to integrate, interpret and translate biological phenomena and environmental observations into meaningful decisions. Combined with a rich, broad-based education in liberal arts, a degree in biology gives you the freedom to choose your path. Combat energy problems, explore food science, work with fish and wildlife, restore habitats, preserve natural resources, or...whatever else inspires you.

No matter your interests, UW-Eau Claire will provide you with the tools and resources needed to choose your direction and make an impact.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor or Minor
Department
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor Yes
Authored on
Hallmarks
tropical plant with green and browning leaves
Exceptional Collections

Explore hundreds of thousands of specimens right on campus. UW-Eau Claire is home to extensive collections of amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects, invertebrates, mammals and birds as well as saltwater aquaria and a herbarium.

Biology classroom discussion
Engaged Faculty

You won't find any TAs here. All biology courses at UW-Eau Claire are taught by expert faculty who take time to invest in their students. Your professors will know you by name and will do all they can to support you in earning your bachelor's degree. Utilize them to get the most out of your education, whether it's through research collaborations, career advice or a letter of recommendation.

UW-Eau Claire students and faculty were among those working to preserve the biodiversity in Putnam Park.
Take Your Studies to the Field

At UW-Eau Claire, we believe that in order to get the most out of your education, you need to have real-life experiences outside of the classroom. Many biology majors take research trips or study abroad. Explore places like Costa Rica, the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos, rural Ecuador, Utah, Nebraska and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Faculty member Jennifer Smith on the right and research student on the left removing samples from the deep freeze
Research and Real-World Experience

Limitless research opportunities await you at UW-Eau Claire. The biology department's student-faculty research program has given students the opportunity to work on projects across the state, country and world. Many biology degree students have then used their research to conduct independent studies, co-author publications, and present results at professional scientific meetings.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
Outcomes Image
biology alumna Bella Thovson working at EC vet clinic, holding a dog
What can I do

Where can the biology program lead me after graduation?

UW-Eau Claire biology graduates are doing some pretty amazing things. By leveraging the knowledge, skills and experiences gained through their liberal arts education, they are able to find a career in biology that both interests and inspires them.

Example Careers

  • Biological technician
  • Biochemist
  • Genetic counselor
  • Health communications specialist
  • Health educator
  • Pharmaceutical /Medical product sales representative
  • Government agency employees

Recent Graduates

Senior Director
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
Wisconsin

Biology Instructor
Pine Technical and Community College
Minnesota

Global Localization Project Manager
Apple Inc.
California

Graduate Student
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minnesota

Courses information
SampleCourses

Biology majors will experience a rich, well-rounded liberal education, with classes and opportunities that go beyond what you might typically expect from a biology program. You'll learn about a wide variety of biology subjects that interest you and have opportunities to further explore those you want to learn more about. 

Here are a few courses in Biology at UW-Eau Claire.

BIOL 221

Foundations of Biology I

Introduction to cell biology, genetics, evolution, and microbiology.

BIOL 321

Ecology

Core concepts and theories in ecology at the individual, population, community, and ecosystems levels and their applications.

BIOL 356

Vertebrate Biology

A course designed to provide a comparative overview of vertebrate diversity. Topics include the anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals within an evolutionary context. For students seeking a general understanding of vertebrate biology and skills in field identification.

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Meet the Faculty

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What's Next?

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