Intestinal villus of a mouse

Department of Life Sciences:
Division of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

The Department of Life Sciences (LSCI) is a large and diverse academic unit. You can find out more about the Department of Life Sciences by visiting our LSCI Welcome Page.

Courses, programs, students and faculty in large units are often grouped into smaller subunits. The Department of Life Sciences is organized into two divisions representing major research focuses. These divisions are descriptive and complementary rather than exclusionary; students and faculty are not limited to one division or program. Programs of study in the life sciences are always interdisciplinary, and students are encouraged to take courses from other programs, departments and colleges. Similarly, faculty members' interests usually span programs and departments as well.

• The Division of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (BAMS) focuses on life processes from the molecular/biochemical level to the organismal level. In addition to discovery and the expansion of the knowledge base in these areas, this division explores the practical application of concepts and theories to health care, industry and government. Faculty members affiliated with the Division of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences have primary research interests within this division's focus. The Biomedical Sciences Program lies within this division, and offers the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Although it offers no graduate degrees, the Biomedical Sciences Program offers several graduate-level courses in support of other programs. A student may earn the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences by following one of three "options" based on his or her interests:

• The Division of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology (EEMB) explores the interactions of organisms with each other and with their physical environment. Over time, such interactions produce changes in both the organisms and the environment, so this division's research interests range from the development of an understanding of processes, to modeling such processes, to practical applications in business, law, and public policy. Two programs lie within this division: the Biology Program and the Mariculture Program which offer the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology. A student may earn the B.S. in Biology by following a Life Science Education (Grades 8-12) Concentration or one of eight "tracks" based on his or her interests:

• Master of Science in Biology
• Master of Science in Mariculture
• Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology