Laboratory class sizes are small; usually held to 14 students, allowing each student to view the material, ask questions, and handle the study organisms directly.

Students planning to major in Botany should complete three years of mathematics and one year each of biology, physics, and chemistry in high school.

Possible Careers

Botany prepares students to work in parks or gardens, governmental or environmental agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, or for graduate work.

Examples include:

• Colleges and universities: Professors and lecturers teach introductory and advanced biology courses. They may also mentor students with projects and direct research programs.
• Primary and secondary schools: Teaching younger students requires a general knowledge of science and skill at working with different kinds of learners. High school teachers often specialize in biology and teach other courses of personal interest.
• Science museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, gardens, and nature centers: Educators in these settings may design exhibits and educational programs, in addition to teaching special classes or leading tours and nature hikes.

Why Choose Biology - Botany at WIU?

Our program offers research and field experiences to undergraduates - a strength of our department is our commitment to undergraduate research.

Commitment to undergraduate education

• Our courses are taught by faculty members, not graduate students.
• Our institution has an active faculty advisor program and an active career advising/career development program.
• The comprehensive university environment of WIU provides a curriculum which includes a variety of courses that provide a strong background in the natural and social sciences, humanities, and writing, while still allowing students to pursue their individual interests.
• We have libraries with Internet access to biology journals, and easily accessible computer labs for student use.