CMU Biology Department

Biology

Recent breakthroughs—such as molecular-level discoveries in the mechanics of life, innovations in health-related biology, and new imperatives for sustaining environmental balance—make the biological sciences an exciting field of study. The biology department at CMU has facilities and academic programs to support research, teaching and learning in this vibrant subject.

Distinctions

The CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island is a wonderful facility for teaching, learning, and research. Biology classes taught at CMUBS every summer provide exceptional opportunities to learn in a unique ecological setting. The new academic center provides spacious and modern classroom and laboratory facilities. Research projects can be conducted during the summer or throughout the academic year.
Students can choose between the Biomedical Science major and several options within the Biology major, including the Microscopy Option. CMU is the only university in the nation with a bachelor's degree concentration in microscopy. Students in the program gain experience using light, fluorescence, confocal and scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

Research Expertise

Biological research at CMU pushes new frontiers. The biology faculty represents a wide variety of professional expertise. Active research in subjects including conservation and wildlife biology; botany, zoology, physiology, and microbiology; genetics, cellular and molecular biology; fisheries, limnology, and ecology; and biology education is supported by grants from a variety of organizations including federal and state agencies. Strong mentoring relationships develop between faculty and students—both undergraduate and graduate—as they become involved in collaborative research projects.

Teaching & Learning

The Department of Biology offers a variety of academic programs to train future professionals including scientists, teachers, and technicians. In addition to modern classrooms, biology facilities include specialized laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, and several sites for field-based research and learning. Discovery is an essential component of learning, so Biology students are immersed in challenging and integrated field and laboratory experiences that build scientific skills and prepare them for future careers.

Undergraduate majors can choose a general option, or may specialize in biomedical science, microscopy, natural resources, preparation for graduate school, or teacher education. As part of a capstone experience, many undergraduates conduct independent research or complete an internship under the guidance of a faculty member. Graduate students may pursue a thesis-based master’s degree in biology or conservation biology. The Department offers outstanding opportunities for graduate research in cell and molecular biology, genetics, microbial ecology, aquatic biology, physiology, ecology, behavior, evolution, and systematics.

Career connections

Several program options allow students to tailor biology studies to fit their specific needs. Majors prepare students for entry into career areas including:

industrial and academic research laboratories;
elementary or secondary education;
natural resource management, conservation, or ecology;
clinical, forensic, or microscopy laboratories,

as well as for admittance to advanced degree programs such as:

professional schools such as medical, veterinary, dentistry;
graduate-level biology programs.

For more information read our Annual Reports: