The department's basic mission is the mission of the public university that is striving for excellence in research and teaching programs. Future growth and development of the department must recognize and address the balance in the missions of the department.

To enhance the impact and relevance of the department we are refocusing our research, teaching, and extension emphases. Our primary goal is to enable our students to become literate about life processes in order to explore the science of life, in all its complexity and diversity.

Secondarily, our students should be competent in data analysis and current laboratory techniques. The faculty’s collective efforts of quality instruction, mentoring and scholarship are committed primarily to maximize student success