The Department of Biology has extensive resources to support superior teaching and research in all the major areas of contemporary biological sciences to prepare students for medical school, other graduate or professional studies, teaching, or careers in industry or government.

The department is housed in the state-of-the-art Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center. This innovative facility features modern teaching and research labs, where students learn to operate the latest equipment used in scientific experiments, and engage in faculty-guided research; an artificial stream, the only one of its kind in the Chicago area; and a "green roof," which resembles a native Illinois prairie.

In addition, other greenhouses provide students with a convenient location for field research, and the indoor environments make experimentation possible no matter what the weather conditions. The building itself is energy efficient with sunshades, and the green roof holds water to help prevent street flooding. With Lake Michigan just steps away, students have another natural resource at their fingertips