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If you’re dreaming of a career in marine biology, microbiology, zoology, or any of the many other fields in the life sciences, the Biology Department is the place to start. Here you’ll find a supportive community where you can expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and take part in cutting-edge research. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized scientists who are deeply involved in lab-based research—and you’ll have the chance to work alongside them in our on-campus labs. Through hands-on experience and close mentoring, you’ll gain the insight and expertise you need to thrive in the biological sciences.
Start here with Information for Biology Majors (PDF).
Find an email address in the Biology Department Contact List (PDF).
Meet with an adviser: Advisement Schedule (PDF).
Contact a Biology Department representative.
Undergraduate Information Graduate Information Seminar Series Facilities
The mission of the Biology Department is to provide foundational studies that enhance critical thinking skills and help prepare students for careers in biomedical science, biotechnology, environmental science, and other science fields. To achieve this mission, the department offers a comprehensive major that includes both laboratory and lecture studies of the animal, plant, microbial, and viral world supplemented by laboratory research training in more than eight different sub-disciplines within biology. The biology major aims to equip students with essential core knowledge of biology that is the foundation for advanced studies in the biological sciences and postgraduate training leading to careers in the health professions. The biology major also aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in many science and health-related fields. By example, the faculty pledge to impart professional and ethical values and attitudes required of all members of the scientific community.
To fulfill its mission, the Department of Biology sets the following general goals for biology graduates:
In order to achieve the goals of the department, a specified set of student-based learning objectives are provided within the degree information:
Whether you want to be a marine biologist, microbiologist, or zoologist, or work on making green biofuels—or any of more than a dozen other careers—you will find our Biology Department an exciting, supportive environment in which to broaden your knowledge, hone your skills, and perform cutting-edge research. Our faculty possess a wide variety of interests and have active careers in laboratory-based research at the national and international level.
Whether you want to be a marine biologist, microbiologist or zoologist, or work on making green biofuels—or any of more than a dozen other careers—you will find our Biology Department an exciting, supportive environment in which to broaden your knowledge, hone your skills and perform cutting-edge research. Our faculty possess a wide variety of interests and have active careers in laboratory-based research at the national and international level.
Molecular and cellular biologist Chafen Lu credits her former mentor, Professor Peter Lipke, with jumpstarting her career. She hopes her gift of a professorship in his honor will do the same for today’s students.
A look at how Dr. Michael Weitzman ’68 became a champion of health equity and innovation.
2025 Goldwater Scholar says the award is an invaluable confirmation she’s on the right path.
221 Ingersoll Hall Extension Brooklyn College 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11210 P: 718.951.5396 F: 718.951.4659
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Office Administrative Assistant Jasodra Sunita Badri
E: Professor Anjana Saxena P: 718.951.5000 ext. 5396
Biology Advisement
Associate Professor Shaneen Singh
Associate Professor Qi He
Email is the most efficient way to contact the department.
