Boston University Department of Biology

Welcome to the Department of Biology

Biology at Boston University is a highly integrative department, with faculty teaching and conducting research in the broad range of fields that comprise the contemporary life sciences. The department spans the full spectrum of biological sciences, ranging from cell and molecular biology to ecology and conservation biology, giving us unusual strength in integrative research that addresses questions across multiple levels of biological complexity.

The department has four major research and graduate program areas: 1) Cell & Molecular Biology; 2) Neuroscience; 2) Ecology, Behavior & Evolution and 4) Marine Biology. Biology faculty also participate in interdepartmental programs that offer graduate degrees in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Bioinformatics. We have recently undergone a major expansion, adding new faculty members in all four of these areas as well as bioinformatics and systems biology. Many of our research laboratories are located in the new Life Science & Engineering Building, which also houses faculty in Chemistry, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Engineering, facilitating the development of collaborative and interdisciplinary research programs.

The undergraduate program includes courses spanning the breadth of interests in the department. Students may also choose to complete an undergraduate specialization in 1) Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics; 2) Quantitative Biology; 3) Neurobiology; or 4) Ecology & Conservation Biology. We emphasize the integration of teaching and research not only in classes but also by encouraging undergraduates to participate in research. A variety of research opportunities are offered during both the academic year and summer.