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

Mixing It Up with Microbiology

“All people can be great. You just have to give them the resources.” From graduating from Biological Sciences with a Microbiology major (the first college graduate in his family), to starting his own record label, Gino Fernandes is setting the stage for a bright future.

Check out Gino’s diverse interests and accomplishments 

Stepping Up to Pandemic Pressures

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 

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

NC State Students Receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Awards

The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. 

Three Common Antiviral Drugs Potentially Effective Against COVID-19

Three commonly used antiviral and antimalarial drugs are effective in vitro at preventing replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Applying Written Communication Skills in Biological Sciences

Alice Lee, a professor in the College of Sciences, explains the importance of writing skills for students in biological sciences.