Message from the Chair

If you are interested in the biological sciences and want hands-on learning and research opportunities, then NIU is the place for you! We have 24 tenure-track faculty members and 18 instructional and research staff that support our strong commitment to teaching and research. We are ready to support you throughout your academic journey!

Montgomery Hall, the home of Biological Sciences, houses a hub of activity and opportunity. Approximately 700 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate students are actively engaged in a variety of areas within biological sciences – botany, environmental biology, cell/microbiology, anatomy, bioinformatics, pre-professional study and teacher certification. Approximately 85% of our courses are taught by tenure-track faculty. There are opportunities to connect with other students through our departmental student organizations and tutoring services.

Our teaching laboratories will provide you with extensive experience with living organisms and experimental equipment. The department maintains a variety of central facilities including live animal quarters, greenhouses, anatomy lab, in addition to the latest technology -- confocal and electron microscopy, flow cytometer, molecular core services (nucleic acid sequencing and synthesis), X-ray and radioisotope laboratories, and information systems.

Laboratory sections are kept small (around 20) to ensure quality student interaction with teaching staff. We also have dozens of research laboratories, where you will encounter approximately 50 undergraduate students conducting research alongside faculty and graduate students.

We are committed to teaching, research and your success. Join us and make a discovery of your own!

Contact Us

Department of Biological Sciences
Montgomery Hall 349
815-753-1753
815-753-0461 (fax)
kmeyer5@niu.edu

Graduate Studies
Graduate Advisor
815-753-7819
vlnaples@niu.edu

Graduate Administrative Assistant
815-753-0437
sfarley@niu.edu

Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate Advisor
815-753-0114

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