BIOLOGY (Cell Biology and Physiology)
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Cells are the building blocks of all living things. Studying this area of the life sciences will give you an understanding of organisms — from bacteria and plants to animals and humans — at the cellular level.
UW-Whitewater offers several biology degree options, including an emphasis in cell biology and physiology. This degree program prepares you for careers in the biological sciences or education, as well as for graduate school.
A major in physiology also gives you the flexibility to add a minor to your course of study, which allows you to tailor your education to your career and research interests.
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
Harley Pyles graduated in 2013 with a B.S. in biology. He now works as a research scientist with Nobel Prize-winning biochemist David Baker.
“The emphasis that UW-Whitewater places on undergraduate-led research was very helpful in teaching me to think critically about how to investigate unanswered scientific questions and how to work collaboratively with other researchers.”
All graduating biology respondents were employed or pursuing an advanced degree after graduation. (2020-21 research survey)
Several biology majors have won prestigious recognition (and thousands of dollars in scholarships) from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
What our Cell Biology and Physiology students do
Co-author research papers in prestigious journals
Gain hands-on experience through research and internships
Learn and experiment in modern labs
Research and hands-on learning experiences
A major in biology with a physiology and cell biology focus at UW-Whitewater will provide you valuable hands-on experience, including:
Undergraduate Research
Biology students are some of the most active researchers at UW-Whitewater as part of our nationally renowned Undergraduate Research Program. Whether pursuing their own projects or working alongside a faculty member, our students often co-author papers and present at industry conferences. Explore research opportunities »
Internships
We encourage our cell biology degree students to pursue an internship based on their career interests. Our students often intern at local labs, universities, parks, and government agencies and programs. Learn more about biology internships »
Campus and community involvement
As a cell biology major, you might be interested in participating in UW-Whitewater’s Science Outreach programming, or joining your classmates in the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Club or Beta Beta Beta, the biology honors society.
First-year students interested in biology (as well as chemistry, physics, or environmental science) have the option to live in the Double Helix Learning Community.
Space and places: Our facilities
UW-Whitewater is home to modern classrooms and research and instrumental labs filled with state-of-the-art equipment.
Our Natural History Specimen Collection in Upham Hall contains thousands of cataloged plant and animal specimens.
Biology students also participate in field work in our surrounding wetlands, forests, and other natural areas.
What our graduates do
Lead research studies
Manage laboratories
Teach high school science
Physiology careers: What can you do with a Biology degree?
The biological sciences offer a range of career opportunities. Students interested in the cell biology/physiology emphasis often go into secondary education or work in research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other related fields.
Graduate schools
After earning their Bachelor of Science in biology, many of our students pursue master's degrees and Ph.D.s in fields such as bioengineering, biotechnology, cytotechnology, ecology, education, entomology, microbiology and pathology. They attend schools such as:
- Iowa State University
- Marquette University
- Tufts University
- University of Arkansas Monticello
- University of California Berkeley
- University of California Santa Barbara
- University of Kentucky
- University of Michigan
- University of Nevada Reno
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of North Dakota
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Lauren Staunton, from Des Plaines, Illinois, earned a B.S. in biology and was hired as a student success coach with City Year in Chicago, Illinois.
"I have been a tutor, intern, mentor and resident assistant throughout my time here. It has been amazing to experience such a great community. Thank you to both RJ Mitchell and Greg Iaccarino for providing such consistent support throughout my time — you both have been incredible to work with."
Carley Albrecht, from Milton, Wisconsin, earned a B.S. in biology and was hired as a quality manager with Epic Systems in Verona, Wisconsin.
"I would like to recognize Dr. Curran for supporting me as my advisor and professor. She always made learning a fun experience and she was always available when I needed her. She made being a student at UW-Whitewater a fun and exciting experience."
Kyla Smith, from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, earned a B.S. in biology from UW-Whitewater and was accepted to graduate school at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
"I am most proud of creating the student organization Diversity in STEM Education, receiving the Women in Leadership award, and being a McNair Scholar.”
Our faculty
Biology faculty members are dedicated to student success, and many are leading researchers in their field of study.
Want to learn more about earning a Biology degree?
262-472-1092 | biology@uww.edu
UW-Whitewater offers the following Cell Biology and Physiology undergraduate options:
- Bachelor of Arts — Biology, Cell/Physiology emphasis | 4-year-plan
- Bachelor of Science — Biology, Cell/Physiology emphasis | 4-year-plan
- Honors Biology Bachelor’s Degree emphasis | 4-year-plan
Teaching Licensure:
Minors:
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, the cell biology and physiology emphasis requires a range of required core and elective classes, as well as the completion of a minor.
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in earning a degree in biology.
