UWRF Biology

The Department of Biology prides itself on the diversity of training, research experiences, and interests of its faculty members, as well as a commitment to individualized student attention. At UW-River Falls, students are encouraged to be independent thinkers, challenge traditional wisdom, and to behave ethically and socially. They are encouraged to follow an environmentally sound life-style that will produce responsible global citizens.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Biology Department offers several degree options that prepare students for various careers. All of the programs place heavy emphasis on undergraduate research as well as provide numerous opportunities for internships and international experiences. For more information visit our Degrees page.

Our department is located on the fourth floor of the Agricultural Science building. Please make arrangements to stop in and see us if you are visiting campus!

New! Biomedical and Health Science Degree

The UW-River Falls Biology Department is excited to announce that a new bachelor's degree in Biomedical and Health Sciece will be offered starting in fall 2019. This is a unique pre-professional degree that is currently only offered at UW-Milwaukee.

"The new Biomedical and Health Sicence major will prepare students who are seeking meaningful careers in the growing biomedical and healthcare industries, on both a local and global level" - Dean Yohnk, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Prior to fall of 2019, the biomedical track was offered as part of a Biology degree. Students in the biomedical track may choose to keep their biology degree with biomedical subplan or may change to the Biomedical and Health Science major. If you are interested in switching to the new degree program, contact your advisor or visit the biology office in 414 Ag Sci.

Read the full article.

Research Competitions Open to All Students

WiSys Quick Pitch Competition

The WiSys Quick Pitch Competition aims to encourage innovative and entrepreneurial thinking by inspiring students to consider the impact of the research they are currently undertaking or other innovative ideas they may have, and how such ideas or research findings could ultimately benefit the local economy and society. Participants have three minutes to impress a panel of judges with their research and ability to articulate its larger importance to society in an oral presentation.

The competition is open to UW-River Falls students of all majors and ages, and offers cash prizes as well as opportunities to secure a spot in the Quick Pitch State Final. Both basic and applied research projects are welcome. Students can present research at any stage of development. More information, including how to register, can be found at https://www.wisys.org/events

The registration deadline is Thursday, Nov. 7. A required training event will be held Monday, Nov. 11, and the actual competition is Monday, Dec. 2, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

UWEC IMPACT Competition

UWEC's IMPACT Program is seeking teams of 2-4 students from all years of undergraduate education and all academic majors to develop innovative hypotheses that address the question "What is the mechanistic link between binge alcohol drinking, addition, and the function of the neuroimmune system?"

Teams should collabroate on their research to develop a written submission, poster, submission, and, if selected, an oral presentation. Each team participating in the competition will be invited to Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire to present its ideas on March 7, 2020 at the IMPACT Symposium.

A prize of $1000 per student is awarded to the winning team, as well as an invitation for a paid summer internship with Mayo Clinic. Click on the photo below for more information. To register, complete this form by November 22, 2019.