Skip to main content

About

Research, education and outreach in the Department of Biological Sciences at NC State help students and the campus community understand the importance of evolution, genetics and environment on biological processes.

From Microbes to Dinos — and Everything in Between

The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest academic departments at NC State. It was formed in July 2013 to provide enhanced interdisciplinary educational opportunities and improved research collaborations, both within the biological sciences and where our work intersects with that of our colleagues in the mathematical, physical and earth-system sciences. By working together across disciplines, we can address some of the most pressing scientific issues facing our society.

Because of these collaborative opportunities, students — both graduate and undergraduate students — can enjoy a range of valuable research experiences. Our research focus areas include toxicology, genetics, ecology, physiology, molecular biology, paleontology and forensic anthropology. Specialized research centers such as the W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, the Center for Human Health and the Environment, and the Genomic Sciences Program allow for more specialized, interdisciplinary research.

A Diverse, Solutions-Focused Education

Academics and teaching are at the center of all that we do in the Department of Biological Sciences. The size and diversity of our department afford students many different degree opportunities. Undergraduate students begin in the Life Science First Year Program, through which they explore the degree programs available to them, including biological sciences, genetics, microbiology, and zoology. Graduate students can choose from nine master’s and four doctoral degree programs.

The research and teaching faculty of our department are committed to providing real-world solutions to current challenges in science. In addition to our focus on research including a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, we have a strong cadre of teaching faculty who are committed to training future scientists and helping all students better understand science.