The Department of Biology is one of the largest and most productive units at the University of Akron. Annual student credit hour production is close to 20,000 and there are over 800 biology majors. The biology faculty members have traditionally placed a high value upon excellence in undergraduate education and strongly promotes undergraduate involvement in research. Many of our students are admitted to graduate schools elsewhere where they earn advanced degrees (e.g., M.D., Ph.D., and DDS). During the past five years, student credit hour production has increased by a remarkable 3,600, which undoubtedly reflects not only the quality of our program, but also the growing importance of biology in today's society, particularly with respect to environmental concerns and to health care.
        Currently, the faculty consist of 19 full-time professors, ranging in interests from molecular biology to evolutionary ecology (see Research interests). The department offers four Areas of Specialization, which include Ecology and Evolution, Microbiology, Animal physiology, and Zoology. Also, the department offers courses designed to prepare students for specific careers, namely Pre-professional and High School Biology areas of interest.
        The Department of Biology also offers the degree of Master of Science in Biology. There are currently 35 graduate students pursuing various research interests, including hypertension in rats, immunology, cell physiology in fish, pollination biology, ecological physiology, biological systematics, and the evolution of mating systems in crustaceans.  Students interested in pursuing graduate work in the Department of Biology are encouraged to contact faculty with whom they share interests and to request additional information about the application process by sending e-mail to the meturner@uakron.edu.