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Department of Biology

We are focused on developing your skillset as a practicing scientist, from asking a biological question to drawing conclusions from the experiments you've performed and the data you've collected.

 Whether you’re interested in wildlife conservation or medical school, our programs will prepare you for your future endeavors.

student in bio lab with professor

Our Mission

We provide students opportunities to engage in scientific and scholarly activities such as internships and study abroad programs. By collaborating with faculty, students collect and analyze scientific data in classroom, laboratory and field settings. Students develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific data by reading and discussing peer-reviewed scientific literature. These activities are designed to help students understand basic scientific principles, guide future career decisions and to prepare them to be informed citizens capable of understanding diverse issues involving human health, evolution and environment.

    • Highlander Highlights shares the extraordinary accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of students and faculty.

      Radford students present their research at VNHS conference.
    • Days after flooding from remnants of Hurricane Helene, Professor of Biology Sara O’Brien's lab students sampled displaced crawfish for hormones and microplastics.

      crawfish
    • Many Radford students of healthcare-related fields acknowledge that their empathy, caring and compassion for their fellow human beings motivate them to enter healthcare. That was certainly part of what motivated five Radford University students and one faculty member to travel to Cusco, Peru, in March 2024 for a service-learning trip.

      A Radford University student working with a child during a service learning trip in Peru.