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College of Sciences 
Department of Biological Sciences

Beyond Basic Biology

Our department focuses on interdisciplinary education and diverse research opportunities to explore some of the most pressing scientific issues facing our world.

COVID-19

See how NC State is working to protect the Pack.

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Jane Lubischer with Life Sciences First Year students

Undergraduate

Our undergraduate programs offer students a world-class education in the biological sciences that prepares them for bright futures.

See what we offer 

Graduate

We offer more than 15 degrees in seven focus areas at the master’s and doctoral levels, as well as a thriving research environment.

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Lindsay Zanno in paleontology lab

Research

Research is an integral part of the educational experience in our department, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Explore our research 

Nearly 500 Graduates

With over 500 graduates in 2020-2021, the Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest academic departments at NC State.

BioSci 2021 Graduate and his best friend and fellow graduate Grabriel Play Video
Spring 2021 graduate Jean Ferman and his best friend and fellow graduate Gabriel Montague take a look back over their friendship and time as campus leaders at NC State.

BioSci Students Think and Do

With the diverse range of concentrations under the BioSci scope, our students are impacting the world with contributions beyond the classroom. Check out a few of our students making their ideas reality.

A Leader in the Lab and the Legislature

Natalie Truby, a ’20 graduate in microbiology at NC State, stepped outside her science comfort zone to advocate for key rideshare safety legislation in North Carolina.

Watch the video

Legacy of Learning

For BioSci student Cassidy Davis and her father, NC State alumnus Hal Davis, the class ring tradition is bigger than their Wolfpack connection — it’s a family legacy.

Watch the video 
Alumni Rings
Gino Fernandes stands next to a tree with Talley Student Union in the background

Finding your Wolfpack

“Getting involved in organizations on campus, and helping other students do so as an orientation leader, really helped me find people on my wavelength. Now I love giving back to that student who’s feeling the same way I did my freshman year and helping them feel like they can thrive here.”

Read about how Spring ’21 BioSci grad Pauline Bulala found her Wolfpack through student ogranizations 

Adventures Abroad

When she was accepted to start her college career with NC State in the Spring, instead of the traditional Fall start, BioSci student Allie Denton discovered the Prague study abroad program tailored to students like her.

Read more about Allie’s unique experience with the NC State Study Abroad Program 
Spring 2021 BioSci graduate Dhuru Patel

A Healthy Pursuit

“A pre-medical school track requires not just intensive studies, but also professional and academic activities outside the classroom, such as shadowing and volunteering with medical professionals, [Patel] said.” “It’s a very big school, but you don’t feel like just a number. The faculty treat you as individuals.”

Learn more about Spring ’21 BioSci grad, Dhuru Patel and his path with Biological Sciences 

BioSci Faculty Set the Standard for Teaching and Research

With experts in paleontology, genetics, toxicology, neuroscience, forensic morphology and many others, our faculty make major impacts on our students and the world.

Bare Bones

As her lab is the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, it’s no wonder BioSci Professor Ann Ross’ research stays buzzing. From interviews about her work on high-profile murder cases to the Big Picture Science podcast below, a simple Google-search will keep you reading for hours.

Check out Dr. Ross’ Big Picture Science podcast 

Wicked Problems, Wolfpack Solutions

BioSci Associate Department Head Dr. Jane Lubischer and Associate Professor of Teaching Dr. Melissa Ramirez were part of a team who created the Wicked Problems, Wolfpack Solutions online course, which introduces incoming students to the history, biology and societal impacts of pandemics like COVID-19 and how NC State faculty in many different areas are contributing to solutions.

Learn more 

Big Molecular Moves

After landing a whopping $1.8 million NIH grant, BioSci Professor Jun Ninimiya-Tsuji and her team will investigate causes and prevention of inflammatory diseases at the molecular level.

Read more about her incredible research 

Current and prospective students:

Due to campus restrictions in place due to COVID-19, our advising staff are currently working remotely, but we are here to help! Please reach out to us via email:

Stay safe and healthy!

news

Study: Let’s Replace ‘Ancestry’ in Forensics With Something More Accurate

The study highlights flaws in existing approaches to assessing and discussing ancestral origin. 

Human-Driven Habitat Change Leads to Physical, Behavioral Change in Mosquitofish

Human-caused habitat change drives changes in behavior and brain size in Bahamian mosquitofish. 

NC State’s 4th Churchill Scholar Prepares for Deep Dive Into Genetics

Nikhil Milind, who graduated this year, is going to Cambridge University to continue his studies into links between human genetics and diseases.