River Falls University Bio Major Student Population

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF) is a public university in River Falls, Wisconsin, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,721 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers 58 bachelor's degrees and over 70 areas of academic study, including majors, minors, and certificates. While the exact number of students enrolled in the Biology major is not publicly available, the university's Department of Biology offers two 44-credit majors, a minor, and various courses in the field of Biology.

Degree options and career paths

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers a wide range of degree options and career paths for students interested in biology. The Biology Department offers two 44-credit majors and a 22-credit minor for liberal arts and education majors.

Degree Options:

Majors:

• Biomedical and Health Science option: This major is suitable for pre-professional students and those planning to pursue careers in health, medicine, or laboratory research. It includes core courses such as General Biology, Zoology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Genetics.
• General Biology option: This major is designed for students seeking a broad education in biology or those seeking education certification. It covers a range of topics, including Biological Evolution, General Botany, Zoology, and Ecology.
• Ecology and Organismal Biology option: Formerly known as the Field Biology Option, this major is geared towards students interested in ecological research or field biology careers, including Natural Resource Management. Coursework includes Microbiology, Ecology, Ecological Methodology, Botany, and Zoology.

Minor:

The Biology minor requires a total of 22 credits, including courses such as General Biology, General Botany or General Zoology, and Directed Electives.

Career Paths:

With a biology degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, graduates can pursue various career paths. The university's biology program prepares students for careers in:

• Health and medicine
• Laboratory research
• Education
• Ecological research
• Field biology
• Natural resource management

The university also offers a range of supporting courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, which can further enhance a student's career prospects. Additionally, the university's accreditation by specialized organizations, such as the American Chemical Society and the National Association of School Psychologists, adds to the credibility of its biology program.

In terms of employment outcomes, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has a decent graduation rate of 59%, and alumni starting salaries vary depending on the career path chosen. For example, alumni working in business administration and management earn an average of $65,260, while those in elementary education and teaching earn $44,667 on average.

Course structure and credit requirements

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF) is a public university located in River Falls, Wisconsin. It offers a Biology major as part of its over 70 areas of academic study. The Biology major has three options: the Biomedical and Health Science option, the General Biology option, and the Ecology and Organismal Biology option. The course structure and credit requirements for each option are as follows:

Biomedical and Health Science option

This option is designed for pre-professional majors and students planning to go into health, medicine, or laboratory research. The BIOL Core and Elective Courses for this option total 44 credits. The required core courses, which include Freshman Colloquium, Biological Evolution, General Biology, General Zoology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Genetics, make up 28-29 credits. The remaining 15-16 credits can be chosen from a list of recommended electives, including Freshman Research Experience, Botany, Lab Research Experience, and Molecular Biology. Additionally, students must complete 10 credits of chemistry supporting courses and 11-12 credits of additional supporting courses in physics, mathematics, or statistics.

General Biology option

The General Biology option is intended for students seeking a broad education in biology or education certification. The total credits required for this option are 44, including the BIOL Core and Elective Courses. The required core courses for this option are similar to the Biomedical and Health Science option but with some variations in the number of credits required for each course. Students can choose their elective courses from a list of recommendations, including Freshman Research Experience, Botany, Lab Research Experience, and Molecular Biology. Chemistry supporting courses and additional supporting courses in physics, mathematics, or statistics are also required.

Ecology and Organismal Biology option

The Ecology and Organismal Biology option is suitable for students interested in ecological research or careers in field biology, including Natural Resource Management. This option has a total of 27-28 credits in BIOL Core and Elective Courses. The required core courses include Freshman Colloquium, Biological Evolution, General Biology, Botany, General Zoology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, Ecology, and Ecological Methodology. Students must also complete 18-19 credits of directed electives, with a minimum of four courses from the Technical EOB Courses list, such as Identification of Plants, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Wildlife Biology. Other biology electives, such as Freshman Research Experience, Lab Research Experience, and Molecular Biology, are also available. Similar to the other options, this choice also requires chemistry supporting courses and additional supporting courses.

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls offers a comprehensive Biology major with various specialisation options to cater to different student interests and career goals. Each option has specific course structures and credit requirements, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in their chosen field.

Hands-on learning and research opportunities

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF) offers a hands-on learning approach and diverse research opportunities for its biology majors. The biology department provides two 44-credit majors and a 22-credit minor for liberal arts and education majors.

The first major, the General Biology option, is designed for students seeking broad knowledge in biology or education certification. This option includes core courses such as Biological Evolution, General Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Cell & Molecular Biology. Elective courses allow students to explore topics like Freshman Research Experience, Lab Research Experience, and Neurobiology.

The second major, the Ecology and Organismal Biology option (formerly Field Biology), caters to students interested in ecological research or field biology careers. In addition to core courses, students can choose from technical electives such as Identification of Plants, Wildlife Biology, Freshwater Biology, and Ornithology.

Additionally, UWRF's biology program offers a Biochemistry major with an emphasis on biochemistry and elective options in chemistry or biology.

The university's two laboratory farms and its location in the St. Croix River Valley provide unique settings for hands-on learning and research. Students can also take advantage of global studies and study abroad programs, as well as internships and independent study opportunities, to enhance their practical knowledge and research skills.

With a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, UWRF ensures that students receive personalized guidance and support in their academic pursuits.

Internships and international experiences

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers a variety of internship opportunities for its biology majors. The university's award-winning biology department provides access to hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, cutting-edge technology, and research work as early as the first semester.

The biology department at UW-River Falls offers several degree options that prepare students for various careers. All programs place a heavy emphasis on undergraduate research and provide numerous opportunities for internships and international experiences.

Internships

The university encourages students to gain practical experience through internships. Internship opportunities are posted on Handshake, career sites like Indeed.com, upper-level major courses, or through professional networking. Students are responsible for finding their own internships, and all internships for academic credit must be approved by the appropriate department chair. Internships can be completed during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

The biology major includes a 3-6 credit internship course, BIOL 379, which provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. This course allows students to explore career options, develop professional skills, and apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

International Experiences

In addition to internships, the biology department offers international experiences for its students. One example is the Study Abroad Course in Taiwan, where students participate in research on heart failure drugs in several laboratories. They also attend lectures and learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine while exploring different areas of the island. This international experience provides students with a new perspective on Western Medicine and an appreciation for the research involved in developing remedies.

The combination of internships and international experiences offered by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls enhances the practical and cultural competencies of its biology majors, preparing them for a wide range of career options and advanced degrees.

Student testimonials and outcomes

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF) is a great choice for students interested in pursuing a degree in biology. With a variety of biology-related programs, students can choose from different specialisations such as the General Biology option, the Biomedical and Health Science option, and the Ecology and Organismal Biology option.

"I chose UWRF because of its strong biology program and the variety of courses offered. I was particularly interested in the Ecology and Organismal Biology option, and the opportunity to take part in field research. The faculty were extremely knowledgeable and supportive, and I feel well-prepared for my future career in ecological research." – Anonymous, Class of 2023

"As a pre-med student, the Biomedical and Health Science option provided me with a solid foundation in biology and health sciences. The curriculum was challenging but rewarding, and I feel confident in my ability to pursue a career in medicine. I also appreciated the small class sizes and the opportunity to develop close relationships with my professors." – Anonymous, Class of 2022

"I transferred to UWRF as I wanted a more affordable option for my biology degree. The financial aid and scholarship opportunities were a huge help, and I was able to graduate with minimal student debt. The campus is beautiful and the class sizes are small, which made for a great learning environment." – Anonymous, Class of 2021

Outcomes for biology majors at UWRF are positive, with graduates going on to successful careers in a variety of fields. The university's career services provide support and resources for students seeking internships, research opportunities, and full-time positions. Many alumni have gone on to pursue graduate and professional studies, with others finding employment in industries such as healthcare, environmental science, and education.

The university's alumni network also provides mentorship and networking opportunities for graduates, helping them to stay connected and advance in their careers. Overall, the biology program at UWRF offers a well-rounded education and prepares students for a diverse range of careers and further studies.

Frequently asked questions