Cadaver Table

Biology

Why study biology?

Biology at Augustana University isn't just about memorizing facts. It's also about exploration of natural life, experiential learning and fascination with the natural world.

  • Biology students have access to some of the best clinical facilities around as Sioux Falls is a regional medical hub.
  • Present-day biology regularly uses chemistry, mathematics and physics as tools, so Augustana provides students with a sound background in these basic fields as well.
  • Augustana University has one of only a few known Anatomage Virtual Cadaver tables in the region. The Anatomage table is state-of-the-art technology that allows students to explore, discover and study the human body. The table offers the most realistic virtual cadaver with stunning visualization of full-body anatomy in life-size.
Biology Research & Grants Biology Department COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Biology at AU

Biology at AU

Areas of Concentration

  • Cell & Molecular Biology
  • Ecology, Evolution & Behavior
  • Human Health
BIOLOGY MAJOR
BIOLOGY MINOR
FACULTY

Related Programs of Study

Related Pre-Professional Programs

  • Pre-Chiropractic
  • Pre-Dentistry
  • Pre-Genetic Counseling
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Mortuary Science
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Optometry
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Physician Assistant
  • Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Contact Us

Dr. Lisa Baye, department chair

Biology Department

Email

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Latest News

Undergraduate Commencement 2025
Liberal Arts and Support at the Center of Augustana's Graduate Outcomes

A newly published report by Augustana University shows that 98% of 2025 graduates — who completed degrees in August, December and May of Academic Year 2024-25 — achieved a positive career outcome. Many of these graduates chose to continue their education, with 22% enrolled in graduate school or professional programs.

More employment data, as well as other post-graduation activities and destinations for members of the Augustana Class of 2025, is detailed in the Career Outcomes Report published at augie.edu/outcomes.

#36 Softball
Vikings Rank Top 10 Nationwide for NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Honorees

Augustana University student-athletes are not only excelling on the playing field, they’re getting it done in the classroom. In Academic Year 2024-25, three Augustana University student-athletes — Ella Bakken ‘25, Liz Dierks ‘25 and Ryan Hartman ‘24 — earned NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, which recognize the association's most accomplished student-athletes.

Since 2018-19, Augustana is tied for the most scholarships won (11 in total) compared to all schools in NCAA Division II and ranks in the top 10 among all NCAA schools nationwide.

Dr. Chalmers
‘Can ChatGPT Think?’: Renowned Philosopher and Cognitive Scientist Making Stop at AU as Part of Nationwide Lecture

Augustana University is hosting Dr. David Chalmers, renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist, for a lecture entitled “Can ChatGPT Think?” on Tuesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Froiland Science Complex, Room 113. This free public event will complete Chlamers’ tour of all 50 states. The lecture is the finale in a series of events intended to raise awareness about the brain throughout the month of April.

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Highlights

2025 Biology Class

Biology Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in biology degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in health care, laboratory science, environmental research and biotechnology.

Common career paths for biology graduates include a(n):

  • biomedical researcher
  • environmental scientist
  • genetic counselor
  • health care administrator
  • physician
  • physician assistant
  • physical therapist
  • laboratory technician
  • microbiologist
  • research scientist

Hands-On Research & Internship Opportunities

Biology students at Augustana University benefit from hands-on laboratory experiences, undergraduate research opportunities, faculty mentorship and internship experiences designed to prepare students for graduate study and scientific careers.

Internship opportunities include:

  • Avera or Sanford Health
  • Great Plains Zoo
  • Butterfly House & Aquarium
  • South Dakota Bureau of Personnel, including Department of Environment & Natural Resources and Game, Fish, & Parks
  • Vance Thompson Vision

Biology students study away in:

  • Kenya — focusing on global food insecurity with AU faculty
  • Galapagos Islands — studying biodiversity with AU faculty
  • Germany and Rome — exploring medieval healing and medicine with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Students can choose to concentrate in these areas:

  • Cell & Molecular Biology: This concentration is an avenue for students interested in learning about the molecular and biochemical underpinnings of health and disease to achieve careers in health professions or go on to graduate level research in genetics, developmental biology, immunology or microbiology.
  • Ecology, Evolution & Behavior: This concentration supports the career goals of students interested in doing research in evolutionary, ecological or organismal biology, or working in environmental, conservation of resource management sciences.
  • Human Health: This concentration may be of particular interest for students interested in a health care career such as medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, chiropractic or occupational therapy. Note that the concentration does not fulfill all the prerequisites for these graduate programs. Please refer to the pre-professional program guidelines in the Academic Catalog for admission into specific graduate programs.

Biology students often participate in:

  • Biology Club
  • Augie Green
  • Pre-Medicine Club
  • Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program
  • ExploSTEM