About
The Department of Biology is focused on innovative teaching and research that spans the range of biological sciences.
With 11 academic programs to choose from, undergraduate and graduate students alike have several pathways to expand their knowledge of cell and molecular biology, plants, animals, fungi, and the interconnected processes that drive all of life.
The Department also houses the Wisconsin State Herbarium, Botany Garden and Greenhouse, the UW Zoological Museum and the newly formed Center for Botany. Faculty members in the department are engaged with various research centers, including the Center for Limnology and the Center for Botany.
On this page
Mission
The Department of Biology is committed to sustaining rich and engaging academic programs that support broad training in the biological sciences at the undergraduate and graduate levels, impactful discovery in diverse areas of research, and intellectual innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration.
History
Officially launched in Summer 2026, the Department of Biology brings together the former botany and integrative biology departments. These two former departments both have strong histories of rigorous teaching, research discovery, and commitments to mentorship and service.
Inclusive Excellence
As a department that studies living systems, we know that healthy ecosystems are also diverse. In that spirit, the Department of Biology aims to be an environment where all can flourish in our shared mission of education, research, mentorship and service. We will achieve this goal by nurturing inclusive collaborations among all faculty, staff, and students.
Department Leadership
Contact Us
Administrative Office
145 Noland Hall
250 N. Mills St.
Madison, WI 53706
Telephone: 608-262-1051
info@biology.wisc.edu
The Department of Biology is primarily housed in three buildings on campus: Birge Hall, the Integrative Biology Research Building, and Noland Hall.