The Department of Biology strongly supports undergraduate and graduate programs in biological sciences. Undergraduate students pursuing a major in biology complete foundation course work including introductory biology, organismal biology, cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Because chemistry is foundational to life, biology majors complete at least three semesters of chemistry, including organic chemistry. Each student may plan his/her own electives and specialize in one of several sub-disciplines within biology, field studies and/or laboratory studies. Some elective courses require off-campus trips to field stations in northern Wisconsin. Other courses make use of several unique ecological habitats close to campus, such as the Mississippi River and the La Crosse River Marsh. In addition, modern laboratory facilities in the new Prairie Springs Science Center and use of high tech research equipment prepare students for careers in biotechnology. Biology faculty have been award winning, with the department receiving the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Award for the best UW System department in 2013 and individual faculty winning national and university awards for teaching and research.