What is the new Department of Biology?
The new Department of Biology represents the combined efforts and talents of the former integrative biology and botany departments, which also include the Botany Garden and Greenhouse, Wisconsin State Herbarium and UW Zoological Museum and the newly formed Center for Botany. Faculty members in the new department are engaged with various research centers, including the Center for Limnology.
What undergraduate majors and certificates will be offered?
All of the undergraduate majors and certificates offered by the former botany and integrative biology departments will continue to be offered, including undergraduate majors in biology, botany, conservation biology, molecular and cell biology, neurobiology, zoology, and the undergraduate certificates in biocore and freshwater and marine sciences. The College of Letters & Science will also continue to partner with the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences to offer a biology major for CALS students.
What graduate programs will be offered?
All of the graduate programs offered by the former botany and integrative biology departments will continue to be offered, including degrees in botany, freshwater and marine sciences, and integrative biology.
Why create a Department of Biology?
Modern science requires new kinds and greater scales of interdisciplinary research. Bringing together top talent from across the botany and integrative biology units of the College of Letters & Science will unlock new discoveries, teaching opportunities and resources to continue the critical work of studying the story of life.
Will the department be getting a new building?
Not yet, but long term the goal is to build a physical hub for the biological sciences on campus, where scientists can come together to enhance teaching, learning, research and more. Forming this new department is a critical step in making a new building happen.
What is the new Center for Botany?
The Center for Botany is a research hub for botanical sciences at UW–Madison. Housed in the Department of Biology, the center will enable collaborative leadership in botany and allied disciplines across campus, nationally, and internationally by developing and sustaining excellence in plant, fungal and algal research, education and outreach. Members will discover, archive and communicate knowledge of basic plant, fungal and algal biology across scales, from genes to ecosystems using both established and new approaches.
I previously gave to one of the current departments, and it’s important to me that my intent is honored. What happened to my donation?
All previous gifts will remain with the intended recipient(s). The new department will pay special attention to use funds as they were originally intended.
How can I give in the future?
You will have the opportunity to donate to the new Department of Biology or directly to specific department degree programs, collections, and the Center for Botany.
