Field class walking through Kansas Praire at the KU Field Station

Biology

KU Biology guides students in the study of life itself, where they learn how about how life works at all levels, ranging from the microscopic to entire ecosystems. Working closely with our sister departments – Molecular Biosciences and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology – Undergraduate Biology teach classes in topics ranging from Virology and Biochemistry to Genetics and Ecology.

Undergrad Bio

View of Frazier hall through a field of tall grass

About

Learn more about KU Biology.
Students working with plants at outdoor greenhouse

Undergraduate Degrees

There are many paths to becoming a Biology Jayhawk. Discover which is right for you, and explore our majors and minor.
Students gather around the Campanile"

Advising

Connect with an Advisor today for information about degree paths, course schedules, and life as a KU Biology student.
students on boat do research on the water

Faculty & Staff

A directory of KU Undergraduate Biology Staff and Faculty.

Undergrad Bio Cont

Student pulling honeycomb sleeve from beehive

Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs can help you advance your career or delve deeper into a specific facet of biology. KU has two a globally-recognized graduate programs that offer PhDs, masters degrees and certificates.
Student takes notes surrounded by scientific flasks

Research

Undergraduate Biology offers diverse research opportunities led by faculty within the departments of Molecular Biosciences & Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. These faculty researchers drive the leading edge of scientific research across a broad range of areas.
Big Jay walks in front of Campanile

Admissions

Everything you need to know about our Biology program and how to apply.
hand reaches for a tray of test tubes

Resources

Check out our sorted lists of important resources for faculty and staff and students.

Biology Jayhawk stories

Eileen Hotze and Dyan Morgan

KU professors implement alternative teaching method in biology classrooms

Dr. Dyan Morgan and Dr. Eileen hotze have developed a new teaching method that features TED talks and discussion prompts alongside their standard curricula, which has led to students being more engaged and demonstrating a deeper understanding of the material.
Kit Savoy in the feild collecting samples

Electrocuting spores, for science

Biological sciences major Kit Savoy knows that if humans are going to thrive in space, they’ll need microbes. And since wind and animals are hard to come by in outer space, Savoy built a parallel plate capacitor to see whether electric fields can disperse fungal spores instead. It’s mycology plus astrobiology, with a dash of physics thrown in for good measure. Rock Chalk, Kit!

A Jayhawk mascot high-fiving a graduating student.

KU recognizes 11 students with 2026 University Awards

The University of Kansas has awarded 11 students with honors that recognize community engagement, leadership and academics. The University Awards, among the most prestigious awards presented at KU, were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar.
AAAS fellows Michael Wolfe, Chris Beard and Jianming Qiu in a photo with Chancellor Douglas A. Girod during a spring AAAS meeting.

KU scientists’ group gathers to welcome new fellows

On May 4, KU American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows met to network and welcome three newly elected members. Chancellor Douglas A. Girod recognized the KU inductees: Chris Beard, Jianming Qiu and Michael Wolfe.
Group of attendees stand before a event sign

KU faculty receives Special Event Award through the American Genetics Association

Dr. Allie Graham received an award to help support the annual KU Center for Genomics symposia through the American Genetics Association
A Jayhawk statue sits in the foreground with a building and blue sky behind it.

KU announces promotion and tenure for 146 faculty and researchers

Chancellor Douglas A. Girod has approved the promotion and award of tenure, where indicated, for 50 individuals at the University of Kansas Lawrence and Edwards campuses and 96 individuals at the KU Medical Center campuses. Promotion and tenure are effective at the start of the fall 2026 semester.
The Campanile at sunset

Biology Student Feedback Form

We would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions or concerns so we can improve KU Biology!

Submit your Feedback