About Us
Helping students understand life from molecules to ecosystems and puts that knowledge to work in medicine, research and conservation, with hands-on science and a community built around student goals.
Explore comprehensive programs
The Department of Biology offers programs across the life sciences, from molecular, cellular and developmental biology to ecology and biomedical sciences. Through hands-on research, faculty mentorship and a strong community, we prepare students for careers in medicine, research, conservation, education and beyond.
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History & Mission
The University of Louisville traces its roots to a charter from 1798 in the Kentucky General Assembly, making it one of the nation’s oldest public urban universities. The Department of Biology has grown and evolved with the university from a commuter campus into a residential research institution, drawing students from across the country and around the world.
Through all that change, the department has kept one commitment constant: a broad biological education built on a strong scientific foundation, with room to specialize. Its long partnership with UofL’s medical and dental schools has created a thriving pre-professional culture, while Louisville’s setting along the Ohio River valley and surrounding forests have made the department a leader in ecology and field research.
Today UofL is ranked highly in biology and biochemistry and is one of just two Carnegie R1 research universities in Kentucky. With more than 850 undergraduate majors, biology is one of the largest programs on campus, and one of the most connected.
Who we serve
Students come to biology at UofL for their own unique reasons. Most are headed for the health professions, while many choose our BA or our BS in biomedical sciences to prepare for medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school. Students aiming for research or industry careers can pursue the BS with a focus in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, while those drawn to the environment can focus on ecology or add a minor in conservation biology. The Healthcare Skills Certificate is open to any major and builds real lab and clinical experience. We also teach thousands of students from across campus through Cardinal Core science courses. Wherever you start, you’ll find advisors, faculty mentors and a path that fits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
More than you might think. With a bachelor’s, you can step into technician and clinical-assisting roles in biotech, pharma and healthcare, and the Healthcare Skills Certificate signals you’re ready for clinical and lab work. Many graduates use the degree as a launchpad to medical, dental, veterinary or pharmacy school, or to graduate research; research-scientist careers usually call for an advanced degree.
Intro courses are large by nature, but we break them into smaller sections and teach them in interactive spaces like the Belknap Academic Building, where you work in small groups instead of facing a podium. Labs and upper-level courses are small enough that faculty get to know you.
As early as your first year. Every biology major also begins a course-based research experience in introductory lab.
Yes. Biology gives you a broad foundation and the electives and research experiences to find your direction – and if you decide your path lies elsewhere, you can pivot without losing your footing.
Medical school is competitive everywhere, and a biology major here doesn’t guarantee a seat. But the UofL medical school admissions committee knows the rigor of our program and what a strong transcript in this department means. A small number of students enter through the GEMS guaranteed-admission program.
Many first-year students join the BioBridges living-and-learning community. Students interested in the environment can join the Ecology-Sustainability themed community.
Every student works with a college advisor in Arts & Sciences, and starting in your second year, every biology major is paired with a faculty mentor who helps with course choices and career planning.
Transform Your Curiosity Into Life-Changing Careers
Ready to turn your passion for life science into professional impact? Join the UofL Department of Biology and build the foundation that medicine, research and science demand.