Biological Sciences

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The study of living matter in all its diverse forms

A commitment to academic rigor, service, inclusivity, collaboration, economic development, sustainability and good stewardship of institutional resources.
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Why Biology?

Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences majors train in the broad spectrum of life sciences. Students prepare for careers as lab technicians, conservation scientists or foresters, microbiologists, zoologists or wildlife scientists, environmental technicians, occupational health specialists, and much more. Many go on to pursue graduate study through WMU's masters and doctoral programs in these sciences.
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Our Department

Welcome to 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 discovery and real-world applications through laboratory research, publications and fieldwork.

Assistance

Need Assistance?

The department and college are available during normal business hours to get you answers in a timely manner.
Email the Chair, Dr. Rossbach
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Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning at WMU

We offer students hands-on experiences in life science research in a broad range of biological and biomedical sciences areas. 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. We also generously support students who apply to present at national conferences as part of their coursework.
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Areas of experiential learning include:

  • 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

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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 any career you desire.
— Dr. Silvia Rossbach, Chair

career outcomes

97%

of grads are employed or continuing their education.

—2024-2025 Career Outcomes Report
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95%

of Biological/Biomedical Sciences grads are working in a field directly related to their degrees

—2024-2025 Career Outcomes Report
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3,124

graduates from our programs as of 2025.

—2024-2025 Career Outcomes Report
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Publications & Research

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Faculty Research
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2026 newsletter coming soon

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Publications

Upcoming Events

Each academic year, graduate students in our programs participate in graduate-level seminars featuring accomplished scholars who come to campus for presentations. Students engage with them in weekly talks and have the opportunity to network beforehand during a provided lunch. 

This fall, talks will be held every Friday at 2:00 pm in room 1260 of the Chemistry Building.

September 18 - Dr. Michael Gutknecht of WMed

September 25 - Michael Clemente, Imaging Core Manager, WMed

October 2nd - Dr. Anne Danielson-Francois, Dept. of Biological Sciences U. of Michigan, Dearborn

October 9th - Dr. Theresa Crimmins, Assistant Director of USA National Phenology Network

October 16th - Dr. Connie Krawczyk, Van Andel Research Institute

November 6th - Dr. Tyler Bassett, Michigan Natural Features Inventory

November 13th - Dr. Becky Fuller, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois

December 4th - Dr. Erica Wehrwein, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University

December 11th - Dr. Pam Hoppe, Professor Emeritus, Department of Biological Sciences

Join us for this year's lecture series!

At Burdick's Bar & Grill on the first Thursday of every month, beginning September 3, 2026 until May 6, 2027.

  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm Happy Hour
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Presentation

visit: eventbrite.com/o/science-on-tap to register.

September: Climate Change with Dr. David Karowe
October: Genetics
November: WMed's Tyler Bassett

 

Science On Tap 2026-27

science on tap schedule first thursday of every month first meeting september 3rd, 2026 at 5pm