Thank you for visiting the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo (UB) through our web site. We extend a special welcome to those who are considering continuing your academic career in our Department.

"Biology"-the study of living organisms in search for an answer to the most profound question:  What is life?" At no time in the history of science has there been such a rapid and unrelenting pursuit and progress towards approaching an understanding of this most basic question; at no time in the history of science has the study of biology produced such significant discoveries.

As a comprehensive center of cutting edge research and teaching, the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo is a vital hub of biological research and learning activity, with nearly 600 undergraduate students, and over 60 graduate students. The department's 24 full-time professors (soon to grow to 27 and beyond) brought in an impressive $4.4 million in external research support in 2006. Their award-winning research and strong commitment to excellence in teaching provide a broad, rigorous and innovative curriculum to students in the Department. 

The strength of the Department of Biological Sciences is built on the diverse, interdisciplinary research interests of the faculty. Areas of research in the Department include: Molecular Biology of Gene Expression; Sensory Transduction; and Evolutionary Biology.  The Department's commmitment to excellence in instruction is evidenced by the fact that nine faculty members have received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. The research expertise of our faculty is well recognized, with four faculty currently serving as journal editors and editorial board members and nine department members participating on review panels.

The Department collaborates with various schools and departments across campus including: the School of Engineering, Department of Physics; Department of Chemistry, Department of Geology, School of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences; the Roswell Park Cancer Institute; the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute; and the New York State Center for Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences.  

As an important component of the Integrated Nanostructured Systems, the Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems, and the Bioinformatics and Life Sciences strengths of UB's 2020 strategic plan, the Department of Biological Sciences contributes to and benefits from a vibrant exchange of research across a broad community of researchers in a multitude of scientific disciplines on campus and beyond.

The Department of Biological Sciences encourages you to explore our website and learn about the exciting research opportunities and rich learning experiences available in our department.

Gerald B. Koudelka
Professor and Chair
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Director, Laboratory for Molecular Visualization and Analysis
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
611 Cooke Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1300