Biology is the study of life, and it is natural that we, as contemplative living creatures, seek a deeper understanding of the living world that envelops us. This search has led to the realization that the Earth is filled with an enormous variety of living organisms. Since humans are a part of the biological world, an understanding of the basic biological processes common to all organisms is essential to attain selfunderstanding and to provide a basis for wise decisions.

In recent decades great strides have been made in understanding important biological processes, particularly those at the cellular, molecular, and ecosystem levels. Biological research has also provided some extremely important benefits to humans, including advances in medicine, agriculture, and food science.

An understanding of biological systems depends, in part, on the principles of physics and chemistry; thus a firm background in the physical sciences is also important in the study of biology.

For many, an undergraduate major in biology serves as a basis for further study. Augsburg graduates have gone on to graduate studies in the life sciences, leading to careers in college or university teaching, basic and applied research, and public health. Many have entered professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. Other graduates have gone directly into secondary education, biomedical industries, laboratory research, natural resources, and environmental education.