Our mission is to further the understanding of biology through teaching, research, and service.

The Department offers academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  Our curricula aim to advance the understanding of life. We explore biological systems from molecular to ecological levels, considering both basic principles and applications of that knowledge. The department strives to develop literate, knowledgeable, and skilled graduates. Our graduates are expected to become concerned, informed, and contributing members of society. Degree programs include Biology, Botany, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radiologic Sciences, Respiratory Care, and Zoology. Options for specialization within these majors include Biological Sciences Education, Comprehensive Science Education, Environmental Science, General Biology, General Botany, General Zoology, Physiology/Cell Biology/Health Sciences (pre-professional), Plant Molecular Biology [anticipated/new option], and Wildlife/Fisheries/Ecology/Behavior. The department assesses its courses, outcomes, majors, program options, and graduates on an ongoing basis.

The Department is dedicated to the process of scientific discovery through original research. Our research, both basic and applied, contributes to state, national, and international issues. Financial and related resource support for research is sought from private and public sources. Results of research activities are made available through publication in refereed journals, presentation at professional or scholarly societies, and various other outlets. Research projects within the Department also provide for further education and training of undergraduate and graduate students for careers in biological fields.

Research in the department emphasizes integrative approaches to the study of biological phenomena and is concentrated in three thematic areas: ecology, evolutionary, and conservation biology , developmental and regulatory biology and science education.

The Department is committed to serving society by providing expertise on numerous aspects of the biological sciences. Such help occurs at all levels, from local, state, and regional to international. Some of this service is accomplished through a variety of professional organizations. The Department also provides educational and technical support for other programs at NDSU.