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Department of Biology

Discover Your Scientific Skillsets

We are focused on developing your skillset as a practicing scientist, from asking a biological question to drawing conclusions from the experiments you've performed and the data you've collected.

 Whether you’re interested in wildlife conservation or medical school, our programs will prepare you for your future endeavors.

student in bio lab with professor

Academic Programs

Minors

  • Biology minor
  • Biology - Applications in Scientific Reasoning minor
  • Biology - Applied Learning minor
  • Biology - Scientific Reasoning minor
Program descriptions and catalog listing for Biology

Our Mission

We provide students opportunities to engage in scientific and scholarly activities such as internships and study abroad programs. By collaborating with faculty, students collect and analyze scientific data in classroom, laboratory and field settings. Students develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific data by reading and discussing peer-reviewed scientific literature. These activities are designed to help students understand basic scientific principles, guide future career decisions and to prepare them to be informed citizens capable of understanding diverse issues involving human health, evolution and environment.

    News

    • Monkeys are serious business for undergraduate’s research in rainforest

      October 21, 2025

      Amber Gordon spent the summer in Coast Rica examining how the size of habitats influences mixed-species associations between squirrel monkeys and capuchins in the rainforest.

      Amber Gordon

    • Highlanders in the News: Week of Sept. 12, 2025

      September 12, 2025

      This week: A look at senior Will Justice’s recent seaside studies; Radford’s Professional Accelerated Cyber Education (PACE) program gets a profile; and Professor of Biology Karen Powers delves into one of the biggest hazards facing airborne birds.

      Senior Will Justice magnifies a specimen in a laboratory.

    • Highlander Highlights: Week of May 5, 2025

      May 9, 2025

      Every two weeks, Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students and faculty.

      Highlander Highlights
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