Basic Information:
Abraham Lincoln played a significant role in the creation of the premiere public university in his home state by signing the Morrill Act, the legislation that created the land grant university system. At the time of Lincoln's presidency, the United States was rich in land, and Congressman Justin Morrill's legislation gave states millions of acres that could be used or sold to fund state universities. In 1867, Illinois sold 380,000 of its 480,000 land grant acres at 66 cents an acre, raising a little more that $250,000 to fund Illinois Industrial University, which would become the University of Illinois.
Learning and LaborThe first regent (president) of the University was John Milton Gregory. Until Gregory's arrival, many proponents of the new university wanted it to stick to providing a mechanical and industrial education to the state's citizens, who were mostly farmers. Gregory made clear that the university would provide a "liberal and practical education to the industrial classes." In his inaugural address, Gregory stated that the university must offer "a full table spread with every form of human knowledge, and bid (students) freely to the feast." It was largely because of Gregory that the university's Alma Matercurricula was broadened to offer a range of scholarly pursuits for the first class of 77 students, and for generations of Illini.
Illinois is proud of its land grant heritage and continues to strive toward continued realization of the mission mandated with Lincoln's signature: excellence in education, research, and public engagement.
Undergraduate Programs:
The MCB undergraduate curriculum is focused on the fundamental structures, functions, and mechanisms of living organisms. The curriculum provides you with a solid foundation in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, and physiology and structural biology. You will also develop a strong foundation in math and physical sciences. Incoming Freshmen should apply for admission to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) and choose Biology as your intended major. Freshmen in Biology will take an introductory course in Integrative Biology (IB) and an introductory course in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB). Just prior to sophomore year students will consult with an advisor and decide between Integrative Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biology for their final degree program.
Integrative biology is the study of how the different components of life interact, from molecules through global cycles. An Integrative Biology (IB) major, offered by the School of Integrative Biology, provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the biological sciences by preparing students in genetics, physiology and development, behavior, ecology, and evolution. More specific information about the major can be found under For Prospective Students and links found there. The School also offers an IB Honors concentration for superior students seeking an extraordinary education. If you are interested in IB Honors you should see an IB Advisor as soon as possible in your freshman year.
Biochemistry at Illinois is an advanced, interdisciplinary field that encompasses the biological and chemical sciences. Our department is part of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and has close ties with the School of Chemical Sciences, the Institute for Genomic Biology, the Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, the Neuroscience Program, the Medical Scholars Program, and other interdisciplinary groups. A bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prepares students for entry into graduate programs in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or other areas of advanced biology. It will also prepare them for entry into medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy school. By majoring in biochemistry at Illinois students are well-prepared to enter positions in the biotechnology, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Recommended high school coursework includes 4 years each of English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Lab Sciences, and a single Foreign Language.
Undergraduate tuition: $11,847/ year in-state; $27,219/year out-of-state. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
Graduate Programs:
Graduate education in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) is focused at the departmental level: after spending the first semester doing three research rotations, students will formally join both a thesis lab and one of our four degree granting departments. Specific departmental requirements are provided under each department's heading on this Web site. Formal application is made to the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Graduate studies in MCB are offered through the Departments of Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, along with interdisciplinary programs in the Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, the Neuroscience Program, and Medical Scholars Program. These provide an exceptionally broad range of training and research opportunities. The Department of Biochemistry at Illinois offers unique opportunities for graduate students to become skilled and creative biochemists and molecular biologists. Outstanding resources in the Department of Biochemistry include internationally recognized faculty, graduate students, and research facilities. The graduate program not only allows research students to learn the latest techniques, but also fosters their development as independent scientists.
The Department of Microbiology is a part of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), which includes the Departments of Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Molecular and Integrative Physiology. The department is part of an umbrella program in MCB that encompasses 80 different research laboratories. Students admitted into any of these departmental graduate programs can select faculty thesis advisors from over 60 active research laboratories in the school. Close ties are also maintained with the School of Integrative Biology, the School of Chemical Sciences, the College of Medicine, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The School of Integrative Biology comprises three departments that offer graduate degrees. The departments are animal biology, entomology, and plant biology.
Graduate tuition: $12,993/year in-state; $25,221/year out-of-state. Students accepted into the MCB Ph.D. program receive financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which provide a generous stipend as well as a full tuition and partial fee waiver. Departments guarantee financial support to students as long as they are making satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree. Several fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding applicants. Upper-level graduate students are generally supported by research assistantships or interdisciplinary training grants. Students are recommended for training grant funding by their graduate program.
Statistics:
Applied - 28,751
Admitted - 19,434 - 68%
Enrolled total - 7,252
Full Time: - 7,249
Part Time - 3
Standards:
Test - 25th % - 75th %
SAT Reading - 540 - 660
SAT Math - 690 - 780
SAT Writing - 590 - 680
ACT Composite - 26 - 31
ACT English - 26 - 32
ACT Math - 26 - 33
ACT Writing - 8 - 9
Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate - 93%
4-year graduation rate - 65%
6-year graduation rate - 83%
Other Information:
17 Colleges and Instructional units
$583,754,000 Spending on research and development in science and engineering in 2012.
100% of all classrooms have wireless access.
360 buildings on- and off-campus have wireless access.
$29.4 million initiative implementing increased community access to high-speed fiber-optic Internet and developing community-wide Intranet with special federal and state funding.
320 Main campus buildings, 2.8 square miles (1,783 acres).
647 Total buildings, 7.1 square miles (4,552 acres).
32,281 Students from 50 states.
6,914 New freshmen enrolled in fall 2012; roughly 32,000 apply annually.
4,447 International undergraduate students.
5,000+ courses offered; more than 150 programs of study.
Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Integrative Biology (BS)
Molecular and Cellular Biology (BS)
Biochemistry (BS)
Graduate Programs:
Biochemistry (PhD)
Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD)
Microbiology (PhD)
Molecular and Integrative Physiology (PhD)
Integrative Biology (PhD)
Dual Degree Programs:
MD/PhD
DVM/PhD
Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate: January 2nd
Graduate: Varies based on program
Applications are available online: http://admissions.illinois.edu/apply/app.html
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