Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences provides basic training in a broad range of subjects including Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Organismal Biology.
Interdisciplinary programs in Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies and Microbiology are available for specialized concentrations. These all have quite similar prerequisite programs and, with a carefully chosen program, it is relatively easy to transfer from one to another. Students who may be interested in one of these programs are strongly urged to see the appropriate program adviser as soon as possible.
Biological Sciences Discipline Chair: Dr. Matthew Heinicke
Biological Sciences Advisor: Judy Nesmith
More about Biological Sciences
Biology is an extensive field that covers biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, embryology, ecology, evolution, field biology, and animal behavior. The program is recommended for students who wish to study biology as part of an undergraduate liberal arts degree, to prepare for graduate study in biology or any of the health professions, or to study for a secondary teaching certificate in biology.
- 10 teaching laboratories
- 15 research laboratories
- Science Computer Center
- Controlled Environment Laboratory
- Science Learning Center
- Greenhouse
- Environmental Study area covering more than 300 acres of fields, wetlands, and a beech-maple forest
- Environmental Interpretive Center
Degree Requirements
Learn more about CASL Degree Requirements.
Check out the Biological Sciences 3-year plan.
One aspect of Biology that intrigues me is the unknown factor.— AMAN PATEL, BIOLOGY MAJOR
Student Learning Goals
By the time they graduate, Biological Sciences majors should be proficient in specific knowledge, communication, critical and independent thinking, and professional ethics, as described below:
Familiarity with vocabulary, concepts, historical context, and laboratory/research procedures in
- Cell and molecular biology
- Organismal biology
- Environmental biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
Ability to acquire, present, and develop scientific ideas
- Ability to search scientific literature for pertinent information
- Ability to read and understand scientific research literature
- Ability to communicate scientific information orally
- Ability to communicate scientific information in writing (including scientific format, use of appropriate citations, etc.)
- Ability to perform statistical and quantitative analyses
- Ability to form hypotheses, design (controlled) experiments to test hypotheses, and interpret experimental results
- Ability to apply the scientific method to questions and problems
- Ability to distinguish between speculation and fact
- Understanding professional and ethical responsibilities
Student Clubs & Organizations
Biology students may also be interested in other clubs and organizations in Natural Sciences, throughout CASL, and across campus, such as the Biology Club.
Our Mission is to create an awareness on the latest health issues and to educate pre-professional health students about internships, volunteer opportunities, and admission to professional schools.
The UM-Dearborn Microbiology Club is a student chapter of the Michigan ASM (American Society for Microbiology). Our mission is to promote student interest in microbiology; to further improve the quality of the microbiology program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn; and to provide valuable assistance to all UM-Dearborn natural science students with respect to research, continued education, and employment.
Biology Faculty
Marilee Benore
Patricia Hartshorn
Matthew Heinicke
Katherine LaCommare
Judy M. Nesmith
Peter Oelkers
