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.

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.

Learn more

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 almost 500 graduates in 2019-2020, the Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest academic departments at NC State.

A message to our Class of 2020 Graduates:

While the end of this semester may not have been what anyone envisioned, you persevered and overcame unforeseen obstacles this year to accomplish your goals, and we couldn’t be more proud. With our Summer Session I students joining the ranks, we want to send another round of applause to all of our graduates! Don’t forget to create your page in our class book (instructions in your student NC State account). A heartfelt congratulations to each of you, Biological Sciences Class of 2020. Go pack!

Biological Sciences Students Think and Do

In the face of a global pandemic, Biological Sciences student and Goodnight Scholar Alex Rojas focused his energy and leadership to get COVID-19 tests to those in need.

Read more about Alex's incredible achievements...

From Snakes to Scholarship

Carley-Martin MacFarlane ’21 (far right) defied the odds to pursue her passions and academic goals in the Zoology program.

Learn more about her path to becoming an NC State Park Scholar...

Current and perspective 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! 

 

Strategic Plan

The overarching goal of the Department of Biological Sciences’ Strategic Plan 2017-2022 is to achieve a learning and training environment for our students that is second to none and, in doing so, to provide the resources necessary for our faculty and staff to reach their full potential.
The Department’s Plan aligns with the University’s strategic plan with the following aims:

1) Enhance the success of our students through educational innovation
2) Enhance scholarship and research by investing in faculty and infrastructure
3) Enhance organizational excellence by creating a culture of constant improvement
4) Enhance local and global engagement through focused strategic partnerships.

Highlights of the Plan include the establishment of a Biological Sciences Center for Educational Excellence. The Center would drive research and innovation for evidence-based teaching and learning, provide opportunities for professional development, and support student and faculty interactions. The Plan identifies the need to provide authentic research experiences for all interested undergrads. That need is addressed by strategies to provide at least one semester of an authentic research experience to all undergraduate students.

Read more

News

Jul 29, 2020

New Program Drives Research and Training in Chemistry and Life Sciences

The recently launched Chemistry of Life Program will bring together researchers at the intersection of chemistry and life sciences.

Jul 29, 2020

Biology Undergrad Honored as NC State’s First Gilman-McCain Scholar

Sarah Sebastian was recently selected as NC State's first Gilman-McCain Scholar, a scholarship awarded to children of active-duty military to study abroad.

Jul 28, 2020

Aligning Strengths to Advance Medicine

Sciences faculty and students are playing a big part in the university's Comparative Medicine Institute, which strengthens research and training across disciplines to pioneer advances in biomedical sciences.