The Department of Biological is housed primarily in Montgomery Hall, a 112,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the campus' east lagoon. In addition to numerous teaching and research laboratories, the department maintains a variety of central facilities including live animal quarters, greenhouses, confocal and electron microscopy, contolled environment, molecular core services (nucleic acid sequenceing and synthesis), X-ray and radioisotope laboratories, graphic design assistance, shop services, central stores, and information systems.
The department offers academic programs leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. There are approximately 550 undergraduate and 70 graduate students in the department engaged in study in a variety of areas of the biological sciences. Teaching laboratories provide extensive student experience with living organisms and experimental equipment. Laboratory sections are kept small (around 20) to ensure student interaction with teaching staff.
The Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies at Northern Illinois University promotes and coordinates biochemical and biophysical research and graduate training within the University.
The Core DNA Analysis Lab is equipped with a Beckman CEQ8000XL capillary system for DNA sequencing and fragment analysis.
The 
Plant Molecular Biology Center provides a locus for the promotion, coordination and facilitation of research and instruction activities relevant to plant molecular biology and plant biotechnology.