The department has twenty-four faculty members holding doctorates in a variety of backgrounds. Typical methods of teaching in biology classes are lectures, discussions, and laboratory sessions. Some laboratory sessions involve fieldwork. Summer courses are available on campus, or may be available to students who study abroad. Unlike many universities, undergraduate students at Ball State who major in biology are encouraged to interact closely with faculty and become involved with faculty directed research projects and participate in departmental seminars.
Students can earn credit for undergraduate research and internships.
In addition, you may have the opportunity to compete for undergraduate grants, to make research presentations, and to meet with professionals in your area. Faculty members will help you plan a program of study and will explain how to apply to graduate and professional schools. The Department of Biology occupies the first three floors of the Life Science Building of the Cooper Science Complex. There are eighteen teaching laboratories with nearby preparation and service rooms, as well as a photographic darkroom, twenty faculty-student research laboratories, and offices for faculty and staff. A large number of courses have a laboratory component which provides students with opportunities to practice science skills with modern technical equipment.