The mission of the Department of Biology is to prepare its graduates to participate in scientific endeavors in a productive and ethical manner. Faculty are committed to providing a strong education in the fundamental principles of biology and training in basic field and laboratory research methods and analytical techniques. The Department of Biology presents its students with a coherent perspective of the living world they inhabit in a learning environment founded on a broad-based curriculum fostered by a supportive and collaborative faculty and staff. Collectively we engender and nourish life-long learning and encourage service to the university and the broader community.