The Division of Biological Sciences encompasses a breadth of disciplines spanning all levels of organization and encompassing diverse organisms. With about 112 full-time faculty in two departments, the division offers a variety of programs that allow students to prepare for future careers in professional fields such as health sciences, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, environmental science, and academia. Undergraduate majors are encouraged to gain experience through independent research studies by working closely with faculty in cutting-edge research using advanced technology. 

Dean Martin and Staff

• Dean: G. Steven Martin
• Associate Dean: Terry Machen
• Director of Academic Administration:  Penny Hines
• Budget Analyst:  Judy Okawa
• Senior Director, Development and College Relations:  Mary Almestad
• Graduate Diversity Outreach Coordinator:  Audrey Knowlton
• Administrative Associate: Josh Mandel

Prospective and Continuing Graduate Students

Meet Audrey Knowlton, the Biological Sciences graduate diversity coordinator. She welcomes the opportunity to hear from you regarding your academic and career endeavors.

Programs in Biological Sciences

To learn more about various biological programs and research projects in the College, visit the links below or click on each image to visit the Biological Image Galleries and learn more about projects in each department.

The Department of Integrative Biology (I. B.) emphasizes organismal, ecological and evolutionary biology with a broad comparative approach, including plants and animals. Faculty members are also associated with three major research museums (Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Museum of Paleontology and Herbaria), and several field research stations facilitate studies of behavior and marine, fresh water and terrestrial ecology. Students have access to all of these outstanding research facilities and collections.

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) focuses on lower levels of organization with the divisions of genetics, neurobiology, cell and developmental biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, and immunology. Faculty members are also affiliated with independent research centers in neuroscience, cancer research, genomics and the electron microscope laboratories. 

A separate Physical Education Program (PEP) provides a wide range of physical activity classes as well as various lecture/laboratory courses. The activity offerings are designed to provide sequential instruction in classes such as aquatics, martial arts, dance, fitness and sports. The Scientific Diving Program, which is included in PEP, may be used in undergraduate and graduate studies in biology and other disciplines.

Academic Departments

In addition, the College of Letters & Science offers an interdisciplinary Public Health major in cooperation with the School of Public Health. The College also offers a wide variety of interdisciplinary undergraduate major and minor programs through Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Service Units

• MCB: Barker/Koshland DNA Sequencing Facility
• MCB: Barker/Koshland Shop Facility
• MCB: Barker/Koshland Storeroom
• MCB: LSA Storeroom
• MCB: Stanley Storeroom
• Scientific Visualization Center

Related Research Units & Museums

• Cancer Research Laboratory*
• Center for Integrative Genomics
• Electron Microscope Laboratory
• Functional Genomics Laboratory
• Neuroscience Institute†
• CIBER (Center for Integrative Biomechanics in Education and Research)
• Museum of Paleontology*
• Museum of Vertebrate Zoology*
• UC Botanical Garden*
• University and Jepson Herbaria*

*Reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research

†Reports to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Faculty Welfare