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Research

Overview

The University of Pittsburgh is a leading research university, and the discovery of new scientific knowledge is a major focus of the Department of Biological Sciences. Research within the Department is aimed at understanding a broad range of biological processes, from the molecular and biochemical to the organismal and population levels. The Department fosters a highly stimulating and interactive environment for the more than 25 individual research programs, and provides a foundation for exploring novel biological phenomena that require interdisciplinary approaches.

Are you an undergraduate interested in a research experience?  If so, start here.

Biochemistry
The Biochemistry faculty investigate the function of macromolecular protein and nucleic acid “machines” Learn More >

Computational Biology
Computational Biology faculty model the dynamics, structures, and evolution of macromolecules and biochemical reactions Learn More >

Cell Biology
Our Cell Biology faculty study the processes and diseases associated with intracellular organelles and cellular processes Learn More >

Developmental Biology
The Developmental Biology faculty use model organisms to understand how genes coordinate events during animal development Learn More >

Ecology
Faculty in Ecology investigate how microbes, plants, and animals respond to their environments Learn More >

Evolution
Evolution at all levels of organization are studied by the faculty in evolutionary biology Learn More >

Genetics
The Genetics faculty use model systems to define how gene function orchestrates cellular events and animal physiology Learn More >

Microbiology
Our Microbiology faculty study how pathogenic microbes and viruses infect and replicate in their hosts Learn More >

Molecular Biology
Understanding events involving DNA, RNA, and protein “factories” represent the focus of the Molecular Biology faculty Learn More >

Plant Biology
Plant Biology faculty study plant growth, microbial defense systems, and the interactions between plants and their environments Learn More >

Science Education
Our Science Education faculty facilitate an understanding of modern biology in the classroom and through outreach programs Learn More >

Structural Biology
The Structural Biology faculty visualize how protein and nucleic acid complexes assemble and catalyze biological processes Learn More >