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Biology, Bachelor of Science

Biology, Bachelor of Science

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  2. Biology

Bachelor of Science in Biology at Western Kentucky University

The 21st Century has been called the Century of Biology. Discoveries over the past 150+ years have brought us to the cusp of a deep understanding of how life on Earth originated, functions, and interacts at both the micro- and macro- scales. We have also developed tools and technologies that will enable us to transform the treatment and outcomes of disease, identify and better protect an increasingly diverse array of species, enhance our ability to produce food and other resources for the world, and increase the quality of life. Biological Sciences at Western Kentucky University offers degree programs that are at the cutting edge of this new age. 

 

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Biology, Bachelor of Science (525)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Biology

Overview

The major in Biology (525) provides students the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of biological sciences and its applications. A minor, second major, or certificate is not required. The major in Biology begins with foundation classes and laboratories that build into a core of advanced courses and laboratories. In addition to a required core, students complete a range of biology elective courses tailored to their interests to support their career goals. The students can also apply up to six credit hours of faculty-guided independent research and/or an internship experience toward their degree program.

The program offers six different concentrations - Applied Genetics (BIAG), Applied Microbiology (BIMI), Animal Physiology & Behavior (BIAP), Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation (BIWC), Integrative Biology (BIIB), and Pre-Medical Professions (BIPM). These six concentrations are designed to facilitate essential requirements and provide training for a variety of career pathways and advanced degree programs to suit student interests.

Concentrations

  • Applied Genetics (BIAG)
  • Applied Microbiology (BIMI)
  • Animal Physiology and Behavior (BIAP)
  • Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation (BIWC)
  • Integrative Biology (BIIB)
  • Pre-Medical Professions (BIPM)

Program Requirements (54 hours)

This option for a major in biology requires a minimum of 54 hours in biology including 29-30 hours at the 300 or higher level. No minor is required. A range of upper-level courses are aligned with six concentrations offered within the major.

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Course List
Required Courses
BIOL 120
& BIOL 121		Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics
and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab 1		4
BIOL 122
& BIOL 123		Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology
and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab 1		4
BIOL 489Professional Aspects of Biology1
Required Supporting Courses
BIOL 382Introductory Biostatistics3-4
or MATH 136 Calculus I
or MATH 183 Introductory Statistics
CHEM 120
& CHEM 121		College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory		5
PHYS 231
& PHYS 232		Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I		4
Total Hours21-22

 Applied Genetics (BIAG) Concentration 

Course List
Applied Genetics Core Courses
BIOL 224
& BIOL 225		Animal Biology and Diversity
and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab		4
BIOL 327
& BIOL 337		Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory		4
BIOL 316Evolution: Theory and Process3
BIOL 312Bioinformatics4
BIOL 319Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology3
or BIOL 382 Introductory Biostatistics
or BIOL 411 Cell Biology
BIOL 403Molecular Basis of Cancer3
or BIOL 495 Molecular Genetics
Applied Genetics Electives12-13
Suggested electives, include at least one with an associated lab component*
BIOL 319
Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL 328
Immunology
BIOL 335
Neurobiology
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 369
Internship in Biology
BIOL 382
Introductory Biostatistics
BIOL 399
Research in the Biological Sciences
BIOL 403
Molecular Basis of Cancer
BIOL 407
Virology
BIOL 411
Cell Biology
BIOL 446
Biochemistry I
BIOL 450
Recombinant Gene Technology
BIOL 495
Molecular Genetics
Total Hours33-34

Applied Microbiology (BIMI) Concentration 

Course List
Applied Microbiology Core Courses
BIOL 226
& BIOL 227		Microbial Biology and Diversity
and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab		4
BIOL 319
& BIOL 322		Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
and Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory		4
BIOL 316Evolution: Theory and Process3
BIOL 312Bioinformatics4
BIOL 470Pathogenic Microbiology4
BIOL 328Immunology3
or BIOL 336 Food Microbiology
or BIOL 472 Applied and Environmental Microbiology
or BIOL 407 Virology
Applied Microbiology Electives11-12
Suggested electives *
BIOL 328
Immunology
BIOL 336
Food Microbiology
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 369
Internship in Biology
BIOL 399
Research in the Biological Sciences
BIOL 407
Virology
BIOL 446
Biochemistry I
BIOL 450
Recombinant Gene Technology
BIOL 472
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
BIOL 495
Molecular Genetics
Total Hours33-34

Animal Physiology and Behavior (BIAP) Concentration 

Course List
Animal Physiology and Behavior Core Courses
BIOL 224
& BIOL 225		Animal Biology and Diversity
and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab		4
BIOL 316Evolution: Theory and Process3
BIOL 327
& BIOL 337		Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory		4
BIOL 330
& BIOL 331		Animal Physiology
and Animal Physiology Laboratory		4
BIOL 334Animal Behavior3
BIOL 335Neurobiology3
or BIOL 377 Animal Form and Function
or BIOL 464 Endocrinology
Animal Physiology and Behavior Electives12-13
Suggested electives, include at least one with an associated lab component *
BIOL 315
Ecology
BIOL 321
Comparative Anatomy
BIOL 335
Neurobiology
BIOL 377
Animal Form and Function
BIOL 382
Introductory Biostatistics
BIOL 369
Internship in Biology
BIOL 399
Research in the Biological Sciences
BIOL 446
Biochemistry I
BIOL 464
Endocrinology
Total Hours33-34

Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation (BIWC)

Course List
Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation Core Courses
BIOL 222
& BIOL 223		Plant Biology and Diversity
and Plant Biology and Diversity Lab		4
or BIOL 224
& BIOL 225		 Animal Biology and Diversity
and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 315
& BIOL 355		Ecology
and Ecology Lab		5
BIOL 316Evolution: Theory and Process3
BIOL 327
& BIOL 337		Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory		4
BIOL 332Principles of Wildlife Ecology3-4
or BIOL 458 Fisheries Management
BIOL 382Introductory Biostatistics3
Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation Electives10-11
Suggested electives, include at least one with an associated lab component *
BIOL 325
Insect Biodiversity
BIOL 332
Principles of Wildlife Ecology
BIOL 326
Ornithology
BIOL 369
Internship in Biology
BIOL 399
Research in the Biological Sciences
BIOL 348
Plant Taxonomy
BIOL 456
Ichthyology
BIOL 457
Herpetology
BIOL 458
Fisheries Management
BIOL 459
Mammalogy
BIOL 477
Marine Biology
BIOL 485
Field Biology
BIOL 497
Aquatic Field Ecology
Total Hours33-34

Integrative Biology (BIIB) Concentration

Course List
BIOL 222
& BIOL 223		Plant Biology and Diversity
and Plant Biology and Diversity Lab		4
or BIOL 224
& BIOL 225		 Animal Biology and Diversity
and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab
or BIOL 226
& BIOL 227		 Microbial Biology and Diversity
and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 319
& BIOL 322		Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
and Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory		4
or BIOL 327
& BIOL 337		 Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 315Ecology3
or BIOL 316 Evolution: Theory and Process
Laboratory Experience Courses (Select Two) *
BIOL 212
Genome Discovery Exploration
BIOL 312
Bioinformatics
BIOL 321
Comparative Anatomy
BIOL 322
Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 325
Insect Biodiversity
BIOL 331
Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 337
Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 338
Immunology Lab
BIOL 348
Plant Taxonomy
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 355
Ecology Lab
BIOL 356
Ornithology Lab
BIOL 404
Techniques and Theory of Electron Microscopy
BIOL 412
Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 447
Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 450
Recombinant Gene Technology
BIOL 456
Ichthyology
BIOL 457
Herpetology
BIOL 458
Fisheries Management
BIOL 470
Pathogenic Microbiology
BIOL 472
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
BIOL 485
Field Biology
BIOL 496
Plant Biotechnology
BIOL 497
Aquatic Field Ecology
Science Process Courses (Select One) *
BIOL 212
Genome Discovery Exploration
BIOL 312
Bioinformatics
BIOL 331
Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 355
Ecology Lab
BIOL 397
Scientific Process
BIOL 404
Techniques and Theory of Electron Microscopy
BIOL 407
Virology
BIOL 412
Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 456
Ichthyology
BIOL 457
Herpetology
BIOL 470
Pathogenic Microbiology
BIOL 495
Molecular Genetics
BIOL 496
Plant Biotechnology
BIOL 497
Aquatic Field Ecology
HON 404
Honors Thesis / Project II
Total Hours11

Pre-Medical Professions (BIPM) Concentration  

Course List
Pre-Medical Professions Core Courses
BIOL 224
& BIOL 225		Animal Biology and Diversity
and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab		4
or BIOL 226
& BIOL 227		 Microbial Biology and Diversity
and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 316Evolution: Theory and Process3
BIOL 319
& BIOL 322		Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
and Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory		4
or BIOL 327
& BIOL 337		 Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 330
& BIOL 331		Animal Physiology
and Animal Physiology Laboratory		4
or BIOL 411
& BIOL 412		 Cell Biology
and Cell Biology Laboratory
or BIOL 397 Scientific Process
BIOL 321Comparative Anatomy3-4
or BIOL 328 Immunology
or BIOL 382 Introductory Biostatistics
or BIOL 446 Biochemistry I
Pre-Medical Professions Electives13-16
Suggested electives, include at least one with an associated lab component *
BIOL 319
Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL 327
Genetics
BIOL 328
Immunology
BIOL 330
Animal Physiology
BIOL 335
Neurobiology
BIOL 321
Comparative Anatomy
BIOL 369
Internship in Biology
BIOL 382
Introductory Biostatistics
BIOL 397
Scientific Process
BIOL 399
Research in the Biological Sciences
BIOL 411
Cell Biology
BIOL 446
Biochemistry I
BIOL 467
Biochemistry II
BIOL 464
Endocrinology
BIOL 470
Pathogenic Microbiology
Total Hours32-35
1

Must complete with a grade of “C” or better.

2

 Elective Coursework:

  • In consultation with their advisor, students select majors-level coursework to obtain a minimum of 54 credits total, provided that at least 30 hours total are upper-division courses.
  • Students may count up to 6 credit hours of a combination of BIOL 369 and/or BIOL 399, and up to 4 credits of BIOL 485 toward this major.
  • Professional Programs have additional course requirements beyond those listed in PMP Concentration. Consult with Pre-health advisors.
*

The following BIOL courses will not count towards the BIOL electives nor the Biology major requirements: BIOL 113, BIOL 114, BIOL 131, BIOL 231, BIOL 207, BIOL 208, BIOL 295, BIOL 303.

Finish in Four Plans

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 120
& BIOL 121
or BIOL 122 and BIOL 123
4BIOL 122
& BIOL 123
or BIOL 120 and BIOL 121
4
MATH 116 (or higher)3CHEM 120
& CHEM 121		5
ENG 1003COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023Colonnade - Explorations3
Elective3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 222
& BIOL 223
, BIOL 224 and BIOL 225, or BIOL 226 and BIOL 227
4BIOL 319
& BIOL 322
or BIOL 327 and BIOL 337
4
Concentration Supporting Elective (see Biology advisor)4ENG 2003
Colonnade - Foundations3PHYS 231
& PHYS 232		4
Colonnade - Explorations3Colonnade - Explorations3
 14 14
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 315 or BIOL 3163Upper-Level BIOL Elective with Lab4
Upper-Level BIOL Elective with lab (see Biology advisor)4Upper-Level Elective 3
Colonnade - Explorations3Upper-Level BIOL Elective 3
Colonnade - Connections3Colonnade Connections3
Upper-Level Elective3Writing in the Disciplines3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 4891Upper-Level BIOL Elective 4
Upper-Level BIOL Elective4Upper-Level BIOL Elective 4
World Language 3Colonnade - Connections3
BIOL Process Elective3Upper-Level BIOL Elective 4
Upper-Level Elective 3 
 14 15
Total Hours 120

Gene editing, genome sequencing, genetically modified organisms, pharmacogenomics, precision medicine, gene therapy– genetics and genomics touch every aspect of life and are at the forefront of medical and scientific breakthroughs in human, animal, food, and microbial sciences. The Applied Genetics concentration will train you in the foundations of genetics, molecular and cellular biology, and bioinformatics. It will prepare you for a career or graduate program in clinical, agricultural, or food genetics, genetic counseling, genetic engineering, or biological forensics.

We live in a world of microbiology; it is beneath your feet, and at your fingertips…but most people are not aware how abundant and important microorganisms are. The Applied Microbiology concentration will help you understand the process of infection, and how to isolate and identify the cause of many problems that occur in agriculture, food, industry, and public health. Once you master the skills of handling microorganisms in a laboratory and understand the process of controlling their populations, you are career-ready for a large number of jobs in quality control, water and sewage treatment, or public health laboratories.

Do you want a career focused on animals? Are you interested in knowing how animals work from the inside out or why they behave the way they do? The Animal Physiology & Behavior concentration will engross you in the mechanisms that help animals accomplish the daily challenges necessary for survival. With this concentration, you would be a strong applicant to any graduate program in physiology or behavior, as well as careers in laboratory or field research, zoos, aquaria, or as a veterinary technician, among many, many others. 

If you are interested in studying the connections between organisms and their environment, in creating management plans and policies, and protecting wildlife and restoring ecosystems, the Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation concentration is the right one for you. You can investigate sources of aquatic pollution and contamination, monitor endangered populations, or replant a degraded habitat. The Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation track prepares students for careers as an environmental or conservation scientist, fisheries biologist, forester, zoologist, or wildlife biologist. It also prepares young scientists for graduate school and careers in terrestrial or aquatic ecology and wildlife-based research.

If you are not quite sure what you want to do as a career yet, but are passionate about life sciences, the Integrative Biology concentration is the one for you. It will provide you with a solid foundation for success in the biological science field. The job market for biologists is expected to grow by 4.7% between now and 2032 and a degree in biology can open the door to diverse career options. Whether you are interested in research or education, or solving problems related to some of the most important issues facing humans today, such as the loss of biodiversity, emerging diseases, or the climate crisis, a biology degree can be the first step toward achieving your goals.

Are you interested in a career in medicine or veterinary science? Do you want to be a doctor, veterinarian, dentist, physical therapist, pharmacist, chiropractor, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, or physician’s assistant? If so, the Pre-Medical Professionals concentration is your pathway to success. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and experiences needed to prepare you for the rigor of professional school and strengthen your application with internship and research opportunities so you can excel in your chosen field.

Biology, Bachelor of Science (617)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Biology

Overview

The major in Biology (Reference Number 617) provides an opportunity to acquire broad-based study in biology for students who wish to be certified to teach high school biology. These students must complete both the major in Biology (617) with a teacher education certification (TCHR) and the major in Science and Mathematics Education (reference number 774). Interested students should contact the SKyTeach Office, Kelly Thompson Hall 1011A, 270-745-3900 or visit www.wku.edu/skyteach.

In addition to coursework, students may apply up to three credit hours of faculty-guided independent research and/or an internship experience towards their degree.

Concentrations

  • Teacher Education (TCHR)

Program Requirements (36 hours)

This option for a major in biology requires a minimum of 36 semester hours in biology with 18 hours at the 300 or higher level plus the required supporting courses in addition to a TCHR major. The major/second major combination must be at least 54 total hours with 48 unduplicated hours.

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Course List
Required Courses9
BIOL 120
& BIOL 121
Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics
and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab 1
BIOL 122
& BIOL 123
Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology
and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab 1
BIOL 489
Professional Aspects of Biology
Biology Core *27
BIOL 222
& BIOL 223
Plant Biology and Diversity
and Plant Biology and Diversity Lab
or BIOL 224
& BIOL 225
 Animal Biology and Diversity
and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab
or BIOL 226
& BIOL 227
 Microbial Biology and Diversity
and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 319
& BIOL 322
Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
and Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory
or BIOL 327
& BIOL 337
 Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 315
Ecology
or BIOL 316
 Evolution: Theory and Process
Laboratory Experience Courses *
Select three of the following
BIOL 212
Genome Discovery Exploration
BIOL 312
Bioinformatics
BIOL 321
Comparative Anatomy
BIOL 322
Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 325
Insect Biodiversity
BIOL 331
Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 337
Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 338
Immunology Lab (Immunology Laboratory)
BIOL 348
Plant Taxonomy
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 355
Ecology Lab
BIOL 356
Ornithology Lab
BIOL 404
Techniques and Theory of Electron Microscopy
BIOL 412
Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 447
Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 450
Recombinant Gene Technology
BIOL 456
Ichthyology
BIOL 457
Herpetology
BIOL 458
Fisheries Management
BIOL 470
Pathogenic Microbiology
BIOL 472
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
BIOL 485
Field Biology
BIOL 496
Plant Biotechnology
BIOL 497
Aquatic Field Ecology
Science Process Courses *
Select one of the following:
BIOL 212
Genome Discovery Exploration
BIOL 312
Bioinformatics
BIOL 331
Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 355
Ecology Lab
BIOL 397
Scientific Process
BIOL 404
Techniques and Theory of Electron Microscopy
BIOL 407
Virology
BIOL 412
Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 456
Ichthyology
BIOL 457
Herpetology
BIOL 470
Pathogenic Microbiology
BIOL 495
Molecular Genetics
BIOL 496
Plant Biotechnology
BIOL 497
Aquatic Field Ecology
HON 404
Honors Thesis / Project II
Required Supporting Courses12-13
BIOL 382
Introductory Biostatistics
or MATH 136
 Calculus I
or MATH 183
 Introductory Statistics
CHEM 120
& CHEM 121
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
PHYS 231
& PHYS 232
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
Total Hours48-49
1

Must complete with a grade of “C” or better.

*

The following BIOL courses will not count towards the BIOL Core nor the Biology major requirements: BIOL 113, BIOL 114, BIOL 131, BIOL 231, BIOL 207, BIOL 208, BIOL 295, BIOL 303.

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 120
& BIOL 121		4BIOL 122
& BIOL 123		4
SMED 1013SMED 1023
ENG 1003MATH 1833
MATH 1173COMM 1453
Explorations A&H3Foreign Language or Elective3
 16 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 222
& BIOL 223
or BIOL 224 and BIOL 225
(Or BIOL 226 & BIOL 227))		4BIOL 319
& BIOL 322		4
CHEM 120
& CHEM 121		5PHYS 231
& PHYS 232		4
SMED 3103SMED 3203
ENG 2003HIST 1013
 15 14
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 3153BIOL 3163
BIOL 327
& BIOL 337		4BIOL Science Process Elective with Lab4
SMED 3403BIOL Upper-level Elective3
ENG 3003SMED 3603
Connections3Connections3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 4891SEC 49010
SMED 4703SMED 4893
Biology Connections Course3 
Explorations S&B3 
Elective4 
 14 13
Total Hours 120

 

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Western Kentucky University Biology student Nathan Meredith

The Biology program at WKU is really unique in the sense that students have access to research opportunities and experiences often associated with larger schools but are still able to have those one-on-one interactions with the faculty and staff. The quality of advising I've received in the department is incomparable, thanks to being matched with an incredible faculty mentor who has the knowledge and expertise necessary in helping me achieve my personal and academic goals. At the end of the day, students just want to feel seen and heard, and that's exactly the environment the Biology Department fosters.

Nathan Meredith, Biology Major

 

Why Study Biology at WKU?

The Biology programs at Western Kentucky University offer students a unique and immersive academic experience—you’ll have the opportunity to do science, not just study it. As a biology major at WKU, you’ll have the chance to work side-by-side with faculty in research, coauthor scientific papers for publication, and present your work at regional, national, or international conferences. Our faculty generate new knowledge and solve real-world problems, and we want you to be an active part of the process!

WKU Biological Sciences leads study abroad classes, field courses, and research programs throughout the region and around the world. We manage over 1,600 acres of varied habitats through our Green River Preserve and have a close relationship with Mammoth Cave National Park. WKU Biology students have worked and studied alongside our faculty in places such as Australia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, the Galapagos, Ghana, Grenada, Kenya, Namibia, Peru, Portugal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Closer to home, our faculty and students carry out research in Alaska, the Appalachians, California, and the Atlantic coast of Florida.

Meaningful professional experiences exist right here at WKU. We offer employment opportunities to work in preparing and serving as a teaching assistant in introductory labs. Many of our students participate in internships with regional hospitals, veterinarians, other health service providers, zoological institutions, museums and herbariums, businesses, and state or federal agencies. These opportunities allow you to earn credit while you learn, and maybe even get paid in the process!

Preparing for a successful career in the biological sciences relies on having access to cutting-edge equipment, technology, resources, and instructional approaches. Our Biotechnology Center houses equipment for molecular biology and biomedical research. The Southern Kentucky Center For Advanced Microscopy offers state-of-the-art imaging facilities including transmission and scanning electron microspores, epifluorescence, and confocal microscopy. The Center for Biodiversity Studies coordinates, studies, and promotes biodiversity issues throughout Kentucky. And our classes, laboratories, and curriculum are designed to give you access to all of these resources and more!

Being a WKU Biology student means more than taking classes – you’re part of a community of people with shared interests. We sponsor numerous student clubs and organizations – many specific to different career interests – that can help you make connections and friends, and eventually take a leadership role. You can work for the department as a technician helping to prepare labs, as part of our office staff who keep the department running, or as one of our Bio Ambassadors who help recruit the next generation of WKU Biology majors. You might also decide to serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant and teach others what you’ve already learned! Learn more about opportunities to get involved.

WKU Biological Sciences graduates go onto great things. Our alumni are employed as laboratory scientists at universities, federal research facilities, state crime labs, and in industry. WKU Biology also prepares more graduates for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, physical therapy, and other professional schools than any other comprehensive university in Kentucky. Through our partnership with the University of Kentucky and Med Center Health, you even have the opportunity to attend medical school right here in Bowling Green!


Apply Now

 

 

 

  • 270-745-3696

  • biology@wku.edu

  • Department of Biological Sciences
    Kelly Thompson Hall
    1906 College Heights Blvd. #11080,
    Bowling Green, KY 42101-1080

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 Last Modified 9/29/25