The Department of Biological Sciences was established in April 1995 by the merger of three separate departments which specialized in zoology, botany and anthropology. The new department consists of the following four sections: Zoological Science, Plant Science, Anthropology and Evolutionary Biology. The Department of Biological Sciences has 50 faculty members and a total enrollment of about 300 students (250 graduate students and 50 undergraduates).

Zoological Science

All the living organisms share many principles in common as to the gene expression and cellular metabolism. But why are the animals so diverse in appearance, behavior, and the way of life? Our major goal is to seek answers to this fundamental question. We encourage students to learn the basics in physiology, developmental biology, endocrinology, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc., and then apply these to their research.

Plant Science

Research in the plant science section covers studies on a variety of organisms from microorganisms to flowering plants, with focuses on multiple layers of life – genes, proteins, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organisms and populations. We aim at elucidating the mechanisms of living strategies by exchanging information through these studies and attempt to understand the issues of growth, reproduction, differentiation, morphogenesis, response to environment, and ecology with the common language of modern biology.

Anthropology

Research in physical/biological anthropology is conducted at the molecular, organismal, and population levels. Graduate students are engaged in research in molecular evolution, human genetics, morphological anthropology, population biology, and evolution of human social behaviors. Undergraduates acquire basic knowledge in human anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, molecular evolution, paleoanthropology, primatology, prehistory, evolutionary theory, etc.

Evolutionary Biology

Evolution and biodiversity are a fundamental aspect of biology. Our research and education are focused on evolutionary biology at the molecular, cellular, individual and population levels. Our evolutionary studies are closely associated with a wide range of biology including systematics, genetics, development, immunology, and theoretical biology. To cover broad fields, we cooperate closely with researchers in National Museum of Nature and Science and in several research institutes and universities.