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
Undergraduate Degrees
There are many paths to becoming a Biology Jayhawk. Discover which is right for you, and explore our majors and minor.
Advising
Connect with an Advisor today for information about degree paths, course schedules, and life as a KU Biology student.
Undergrad Bio Cont
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.
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.
Admissions
Everything you need to know about our Biology program and how to apply.
Resources
Check out our sorted lists of important resources for faculty and staff and students.
Biology Jayhawk stories
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.
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!
Study finds Amazon rainforest now releases more carbon than it absorbs
A new study in Nature by an international team of researchers, including from the University of Kansas, shows the hotter, drier Amazon is a net source of global carbon emissions.
KU Alumni announces student honorees of 2026 Homecoming awards
The 114th University of Kansas Homecoming, sponsored by Central Bank, concluded with a win against Baylor University on Oct. 24. Thirteen Jayhawks were honored with 2026 Homecoming Awards, shining a spotlight on the alumni, students and faculty who embody the very best of Jayhawk pride and tradition.
KU evolutionary genetics researcher wins Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award
John Kelly, professor of ecology & evolutionary biology, has been recognized as KU’s Big 12 Faculty of the Year recipient. His research helps explain why genetic diversity persists and demonstrates evolution in real time.
Student-led symposium helps build research connections across KU and the region
The annual KU Chemical Biology Symposium, which celebrates its fifth year this month, brings together faculty, students and research core leaders from KU and institutions across the region. Registration is free for students and remains open through Oct. 4
Biology Student Feedback Form
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