An innovative, technologically advanced facility, including classrooms, laboratories, a greenhouse, a mental health clinic, faculty offices, and common areas, the Life Sciences Building provides the students, professors, and staff members in two core departments of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences with facilities that will meet their instructional, research, and public service missions of the 21st century. These two departments serve the largest numbers of majors within the college and provide numerous courses for undergraduates throughout the University.

The departments of biology and psychology are among the most prestigious units in the University, providing instruction and pursuing research in molecular and cellular biology, environmental biology, human development, behavioral analysis, and clinical psychology. These units have outstanding records of conducting research for the benefit of local, state, national, and international agencies, and in preparing undergraduate students for careers directly after graduation, for acceptance into graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, clinical psychology, and law, and for advanced disciplinary study in preparation for academic and other research-oriented careers. Both units also have highly competitive graduate programs.

Redefining the former site of Old Mountaineer Field, the Life Sciences Building will provide a striking new entrance from the North to West Virginia University's downtown campus. This new 190,000-sf building will significantly enhance the student experience and aid in recruiting outstanding faculty.

Intended to exploit the latest achievements in digital interactive technology, all classrooms and laboratories will be wired for Internet access and audiovisual presentations. The major lecture halls will have digital conferencing hardware and software for distance-learning capabilities. The 250-seat auditorium, 125-seat lecture hall, two 60-seat classrooms, and two 35-seat classrooms will be equipped with power and telecommunications ports at every seat.

The exterior of the Life Sciences Building will incorporate traditional and innovative materials, brick, glass, and pre-oxidized copper. This combination of materials will respect the site's rich traditions and proximity to historic Woodburn Circle, while proudly projecting the image of a bold new facility for cutting-edge science.