Our Department
Western Michigan University embraces collaboration and leverages resources to offer academic programs that are responsive to the needs of all students and society. In the Department of Biological Sciences undergraduates, graduate students and faculty collaborate on real-world applications through laboratory research, publications and fieldwork. The full Post-Graduate Activity Report can be found here.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
In the Department of Biological Sciences we offer students hands-on experiences in life science research in a broad range of biological and biomedical sciences areas, including:
- cell and tissue engineering
- cell and tissue regeneration
- consequences of human activity on ecosystems
- developmental biology
- ecology and ecosystem services
- environmental biology
- evolutionary biology
- impacts of climate change on living organisms
- immunology and virology
- Neuroscience
- microbiology and microbial ecology
- restoration ecology and management of native plants
These experiential learning opportunities allow students to hone their skills in effective teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication using oral, written and digital formats. Our students have the opportunity to present at National Conferences as part of their studies.
A Career in Biological Sciences
Biology careers can lead you to study living organisms to help develop biological knowledge and understanding of living processes for a number of different purposes, including treatment of disease and sustaining the natural environment. We are convinced that the skills learned at WMU prepare you for different careers such as:
- Pre-dental and Dental School
- Environmental scientist
- Ecologist
- Nature conservation officer
- Occupational Therapist
- Medicine
- Lab Research Scientist
- Biotechnologist
and others. You will be a valued member of the workforce and an outstanding contributor to our society.
Office Hours
The Biological Sciences office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment during the regular academic year. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact your professor or Dr. Rossbach, the Biological Sciences chair, to schedule an appointment.