Department of Biology
If you’re interested in life and the natural world, biology is for you. Whether you’re curious about molecules and cells, or organisms and ecosystems, you’ll work with award-winning faculty as you seek to answer significant questions in biological sciences.
The Department of Biology has flexible undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Top-rated biology faculty from around the globe will lead and guide you as you explore and refine your research interests through labs and field work. Faculty members also serve as primary advisors to both undergraduate and graduate students.
When you major in biology, you’ll establish a general background in the discipline through a series of first-year and sophomore-level core courses that preview the major sub-disciplines of biology. This introductory program is followed by courses that allow you to focus on more advanced material.
Biology faculty have research interests that span the breadth of modern biology, from molecules to ecosystems and are committed to research training of students at all levels. If you’re considering graduate work in the biological sciences, many opportunities for undergraduate research are available with our dynamic and award-winning faculty, as well as participation in the annual Undergraduate Research Conference.
Our 230,000 sq. ft. Life Sciences Complex has excellent facilities to help you prepare for a wide range of opportunities. The confocal microscope and five climate-controlled greenhouses provide valuable tools for research and discovery, helping both faculty and students stay on the cusp of leading developments in the field of biology.
Take biology out into the world.
Many of our undergraduate students go on to pursue careers in academia, industry, governmental agencies and a wide variety of professional settings. Students are also well prepared for medical, dental, or veterinary schools, or to enter the many specialized graduate programs in the biological sciences.
Recent graduate students have found employment in universities and colleges as postdoctoral researchers, eventually going on to faculty positions at a variety of institutions. Other graduates have found employment in industry, in medical settings, and in environmental education, among other fields.
Whatever your interests, your biology degree can take you far. To learn more about all your options, talk to your advisor.
There are no events in this category right now, but please check the University calendar for many other options.
Upcoming Events
Ongoing Events
Toothaker J.M., Roosa, K., Voss, A.E., Getman, S.M. and Pepling, M.E. (2022). Oocyte survival and follicle formation in an estrogen deficient environment. Endocrine Research 47, 45-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/07435800.2021.2011907
Burton, J.N., Luke, A.J., and Pepling, M.E. (2022). Regulation of primordial follicle formation by KIT signaling through the PI3 Kinase pathway. Biology of Reproduction 106, 515-525. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioab204
Juárez-Morales, J. L., Weierud, F., England, S. J., Demby, C., Santos, N., Grieb, G., Mazan, S., & Lewis, K. E. (2021). Evolution of lbx spinal cord expression and function. Evolution & Development, 23, 404– 422. https://doi.org/10.1111/ede.12387
Wang, X. and Pepling, M.E. (2021). Regulation of Meiotic Prophase One in Mammalian Oocytes. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 9, 1291.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.667306
(Jan. 31, 2023)
Pair of A&S Professors Receive Prestigious Distinction from the American Association for the Advancement of ScienceJennifer Ross of the Department of Physics and Jason Wiles of the Department of Biology are honored in recognition of their commitment to the advancement of science.
(Jan. 20, 2023)
Chancellor Leads Ceremony Recognizing Crown Honors ProfessorsHeidi Hehnly, associate professor of biology, is the Renée Crown Honors Professor in the Sciences and Mathematics, and Karin Nisenbaum, assistant professor of philosophy, is the Renée Crown Honors Professor in the Humanities.
(Jan. 3, 2023)
Making a Difference at ModernaThanks to the A&S | Maxwell alumni connections program, two A&S grads are fighting evolving diseases.
(Dec. 19, 2022)
Biology Professor Reflects on Six Decades at Syracuse UniversityAfter a 57-year career, biochemist Thomas Fondy looks back with appreciation on his time as a professor in the Department of Biology.