Focused on the life sciences

In the Department of Biological Sciences, you will find game-changing discoveries and life-changing education, from the molecular to ecosystem levels. We are focused on some of the toughest challenges of our time - fighting cancer, combating infectious diseases, unraveling climate change, and dissecting how we see, hear and interact with our surroundings. Our research and scholarship changes people's lives and the planet.

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Studying and working within our welcoming community of life scientists can be the first step to changing your life. You'll find that research and academic pursuits are interwoven as faculty create and share new knowledge.

Research in the Department of Biological Science contributes to developing personalized medicine, unraveling how the human brain functions, combating infectious diseases, understanding genomes at levels never before imagined, and understanding the complex ecosystems that keep our planet healthy. We are responsive to challenges that appear suddenly and need immediate attention – because we prepare persistently for the moments when our knowledge can lead the way.

We are the largest department in the life sciences at Purdue University with degree-granting programs that include:

We believe that STEM education and careers should be inclusive and accessible. We are deeply committed to mentoring our students and helping them apply their knowledge and develop the skills needed to become leaders in the scientific workforce.

As part of the College of Science, we have capacity for cross-disciplinary partnerships that encourage undergraduate research experiences and empower graduate students who work and publish with renowned faculty. The diverse nature of biological sciences lends itself to collaborations in the physical sciences, agriculture, engineering, education and computational sciences. Partnerships abound as researchers from across campus work together to solve today's toughest challenges.

News

Purdue Researcher Receives Grant from Sleep Research Society Foundation
2024-06-20

James Dooley, Assistant Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Purdue University, has been awarded a grant from the Sleep Research Society Foundation. The funding, aimed at advancing our understanding of sleep, circadian rhythms, and related disorders, will support Dooley's research uncovering how brain activity during sleep is critical to sensorimotor development.

Stephanie Gardner: 2024 Charles B. Murphy Award winner
2024-05-06

This year’s recipients of Purdue’s highest undergraduate teaching honor have not only bettered Boilermakers’ educations but have influenced today’s teaching environment and tomorrow’s workforce. They’re shaping the future from their classrooms.

Decoding Climate Change: Tracking Cottonwood Trees' Seasonal Shifts
2024-04-24

In the delicate balance of nature, where timing is everything, could the changing climate disrupt the fundamental rhythm of plant life?

Stephanie Gardner Named PULSE Fellow
2024-04-09

The Department of Biological Sciences proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Gardner, Associate Professor and Associate Head for Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, as a new Fellow of the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Science Education (PULSE).

Biochemical Society announces 2025 award recipients
2024-04-04

Dr. Zhao-Qing Luo is awarded the Biochemical Society Award for a Significant Breakthrough or Achievement.

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