The Department of Biology is composed of award-winning faculty, stimulating coursework, and inspired students who are training to answer some of our world's biggest questions. We know that hands-on experience is the key to learning, so our department is devoted to providing interactive opportunities to apply coursework in real-life, real-time settings. Our faculty enjoy international reputations, bringing their scholarship and productive research efforts into the undergraduate experience, providing opportunities for research from the introductory to advanced level that engage and challenge students and promote critical thinking skills. 

ACADEMICS What Sets UVM Biology Apart?

Student working on biology lab

On the Cutting Edge

As a biology student, you'll work with renowned scholars on real-world research. Our faculty conducts cutting-edge research, funded by prestigious organizations. Every faculty member engages multiple undergraduates in hands-on learning, promoting critical thinking skills.
A man in a lab coat conducting experiments in a laboratory setting

Undergraduate Experience: Diverse and Rigorous

You'll experience small class sizes that promote close collaborations with faculty, a rare combination in a university setting. We offer a variety of programs including biology, zoology, and environmental science, along with a myriad of electives that allow you to customize your major.
student working in a lab

Graduate Experience: Linking Research and Education

Our graduate students are mentored by world-class scientists with dynamic research groups. Faculty and students regularly present research at national and international conferences and publish original research in the best international journals.
Person writing on a notebook in a research lab

After UVM: As a Biology Graduate

"What can I do with a major from the biology department?" The quick answer is: "What can't you do?" Our majors prepare students for a wide range of careers, including medical, dental, veterinary schools, graduate programs, law schools, business, university research, and more.

Explore Careers and Outcomes

Recent Headlines

Three new Biology faculty, Dr. Leo Tang, Dr. Joaquin Nunez, and Dr. Elise Lauterbur, standing by the sign outside of Marsh Life Science.

Bats, Worms, and Flies: The New Faculty Studying These Complex Creatures

3 male and 2 female professors standing together under a tree on the UVM Green in fall

First in the Family, Head of the Class
man with brown hair and beard, wearing glasses and a brown plaid coat, standing by a tree on UVM Green

How Invasive Species Are Adapting to Climate Change
Researchers taking zooplankton samples at the LakeLab

UVM PhD Students Lead International Team in Carbon Flux Research
2 people standing in front of their poster at a science conference

Beyond the Books