Biology Programs | Biology Major at UW-Platteville

Explore life as a biology major at UW-Platteville

In today’s rapidly evolving society, biology serves as the foundation for understanding living organisms and their ecosystems. This vital field enables groundbreaking advancements in medicine, agriculture, environmental conservation, and biotechnology. With a solid grasp of biology, we can combat diseases, develop sustainable food sources, protect fragile ecosystems, and address some of the most pressing global challenges related to human health and environmental preservation.

At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, you can experience all the intricate aspects of biology and gear up for a career in research and development, ecology, biotechnology, business, zoology, and healthcare. Study life in all its forms under the guidance of our esteemed faculty in the UW-Platteville Department of Biology. Our biology programs cover a wide variety of subjects from the micro to the macro-scale.

In addition to on-campus coursework, members of the UW-Platteville Department of Biology frequently lead students to biologically unique regions both within the United States and abroad. These courses set UW-Platteville apart from other biology degree colleges and present an opportunity to explore new environments and engage in in-depth, hands-on, experiential learning. The experiences students have while pursing a bachelor's in biology often provide a lifetime of memories.

Outside the traditional biology programs, you can build on your experience through student clubs and organizations, or undergraduate research in exciting areas such as bat populations, freshwater streams, or stem cells. Plus, we offer a wide variety of campus programs like STEM Living Learning Communities, mentoring, tutoring, and support programs that allow you to create a student experience that helps you reach your goals.

Discover Your Field of Interest

Our emphasis areas allow you to pursue a more specific field of interest within biology:

If you’re only interested in biology, you can receive a general emphasis with a flexible set of biology electives or a comprehensive emphasis, which provides a range of biology experiences.

Careers in biology

Our biology programs provide the foundation needed to pursue advanced degrees and medical licensure, or to work in office, clinical, laboratory, or even outdoor settings. Emphasis areas and pre-professional programs allow you to choose the path that best fits your interests and prepare you for your future career.

Internships play a vital role in preparing biology majors for their careers, and they are an essential component of completing your degree. UW-Platteville strongly encourages students pursuing biology degrees to take part in internships, research opportunities, and other career-related activities to gain the experience and confidence needed to succeed after graduation.

Biology programs such as UW-Platteville prepare students for a range of exciting career opportunities, including the following:

Anesthesiologist
Agriculture and food science technician
Biochemist
Biological scientist
Biological technicians
Biomedical engineer
Biophysicist
Clinical laboratory technician
Dietician
Environmental science and protection technician
Epidemiologist
Forensic science technician
Medical technologist
Microbiologist
Nuclear medicine technologist
Pathology assistant
Pharmaceutical sales representative
Pharmacist
Research scientist
Zoologist and wildlife biologist

These careers represent just a sampling of the most popular occupations for people who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While some of these roles require advanced degrees, many of them are available to four-year bachelor biology degree holders who have completed biology university coursework. Another option is to pursue a career as a doctor or other licensed medical professional by attending medical school.

Diverse Healthcare Program Offerings

Many prospective students know they ultimately want to work in healthcare but are less sure of which specific college major or focus area they should choose. The good news is that there is not a single "best" healthcare major.

Discover by Doing

There are a variety of research projects and other experiential opportunities in which you can engage to enhance your learning. These opportunities are available to everyone, including undergraduate students pursuing a biology major or minor, as well as those in the master’s and pre-professional programs.

Learn more

Biology Clubs

Engage with other biology students and expand your horizons in the world of biology. Explore first hand, participate in field trips, research seminars, and presentations.

UWP students doing fish sampling in stream

Biology Student Research

Students and faculty at UW-Platteville stepped into chest waders and took to the water to conduct fish sampling.

Collaboration makes goal of health care career a reality

Students, like Felicia Holmes, are finding a way to reach their health care career goals, while keeping their education affordable and close to home.

Rural and Urban Scholars in Community Health

RUSCH is a pre-med pipeline program designed to select and nurture students who show an interest in practicing medicine in rural and urban underserved areas of Wisconsin.

Peer Mentor Program

The Biology Peer Mentor Program matches first-year biology majors with upperclassmen in small groups to help you schedule classes, build friendships, gain professional skills, and be part of a collaborative learning environment.