Academics

The Program in Biology encompasses a wide variety of disciplines.  With about 78 full-time faculty in the departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department (EEB) and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB), the Program offers seven concentrations (i.e., majors) and three academic minors. The study of biology opens a wide spectrum of career opportunities. Many life science concentrators go on to attend professional schools in the health sciences (medical, nursing, and dental school) or graduate study that leads to careers in academia, industry, or government. Others pursue careers in conservation biology, law, journalism, teaching, and public health, among other options.


Supporting Facilities

Modern teaching and research laboratories house electron microscopes, controlled environment rooms, analytical and preparative centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and other tools essential for modern research in all areas of the biological sciences. In addition, the Herbarium, the Museum of Paleontology, the Museum of Anthropology Ethnobotanical Laboratory, the Museum of Zoology, and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens supplement the instructional and research programs. University-owned research facilities in the vicinity of Ann Arbor include Saginaw Forest, Edwin S. George Reserve, Stinchfield Woods, and Mud Lake Bog. The Biological Station provides additional facilities for instruction and research. The University of Michigan is also a member of the Organization for Tropical Studies.

 

Awards/Fellowships

Christine Psujek Memorial Award. The Program in Biology has established a gift fund, in honor of Chris Psujek, who was highly valued part of the Biology Department and EEB and MCDB from 1982 to 2010. The Christine Psujek Memorial Undergraduate Award is presented annually to the graduating senior who submits the best Honors thesis in any of the biology concentrations. Donations may be made by contacting the MCDB administrative office (1127 Kraus Building) or making a gift online at www.lsa.umich.edu/alumni/giveonline.

K.L. Jones Award. Since 1977, this award has been given to outstanding plant sciences undergraduates. The Kenneth L. Jones Undergraduate Award for excellence in botany was endowed by colleagues, friends, and alumni upon the retirement of Professor Jones and consists principally of a sum to enable the recipient to purchase books or equipment of his or her own choice.


J.T. Slater Award. Since 1983, this award has been given to systematic and/or field botanists from among upper-division students. Awards are made on the basis of excellence in classes as well as fieldwork. The award was financed by Professor Slater of the University of Puget Sound, expert in field studies of northwestern ferns. Awardees may be in any school at the University of Michigan, so long as individuals selected excel in the targeted fields.


Underwood-Alger Scholarship. This scholarship program is based on merit and intended to provide support for students concentrating in the biological sciences. For this program, special consideration is given to applicants who are female and have financial need. A gift from Dr. Nelda E. Alger provides funding for this scholarship.


Anne Rudo Memorial Award. The award is designated for a student with dual interests in the disciplines of biology and psychology, and superior academic achievement. Information is available in the Psychology Undergraduate Office, 1343 East Hall.