The recent delineation of the complete genomic information of humans and several other organisms has provided the foundation for unprecedented advances in understanding life at the molecular level. It has also provided new tools and approaches to medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and other disciplines. In addition, the challenge of halting current threats to biodiversity has led to many breakt
hroughs in the way we understand the interactions of organisms with their environment and the important role of biodiversity for humanity. The way Biology is taught, practiced, and understood has been revolutionized through advances in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology and structural biology, genetic manipulations based on molecular biology, as well as through advances in ecology, systematics, evolutionary biology, conservation and management of natural resources. Biology has expanded to create novel fields, beyond its traditional scope, via synergies and interactions with information science, chemistry, physics and engineering. In this framework, Biology has become a driving force of discovery and application in the modern economy and industry (biotechnology, agriculture, aquaculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals, to name a few), and a source of improvements in health and quality of life. The Department accepted its first graduate students in September 2003 and its first undergraduate students in September 2007. The Biology curriculum has been designed to prepare students for employment as well as to enable them to continue their education and research training. The undergraduate Biology program offers students a broad background in basic science and biological principles, which allows for a high degree of flexibility during the junior and senior years of study. The graduate and doctoral programs provide the students with the opportunity to specialize in one of the many fields of Biological Sciences. Our graduates may choose to pursue academic research in biology or work, among others, in clinical laboratories, environmental assessments, science education and government agencies
