Biology is a dynamic, growing, exciting science - both explicitly relevant to the human condition and also extending well beyond the scope of our single species. The scientific study of living organisms includes human biology from DNA to health care, but also examines the genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolution of all organisms on our planet. The breadth of the discipline, and the interest in it, is reflected by our department: one of the university's largest and busiest units. Our fourteen faculty members are engaged in research from molecular to ecosystem scales. With our excellent facilities, housed in the newly renovated and expanded Townes Science Center, the department provides students with an extraordinary range of opportunities for truly engaged learning experiences in courses and research. Whether you are a first-year non-major or a senior Biology major, you should find you biology courses engaging and biology faculty and staff helpful and enthusiastic.

The Department offers programs leading to the B.S. and B.A. degrees, and has collaborative programs with the Duke University Marine Lab and Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment. The department also offers several exciting study-away programs. About half of our students have career plans in some area of human health, and half pursue careers in biological research, teaching, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, veterinary medicine, and other areas. Typically, there are about 40 seniors graduating each year. Our alumnae hold a range of occupations, representing the breadth of career opportunities that can begin with a degree in biology.