Department of Biological Sciences

Excellent teaching, mentoring, and research opportunities are hallmarks of the rich learning environment in the Department of Biological Sciences.

biology students outdoors conducting research

Academic programs in biology prepare students for a range of careers in industry, government, education and research. The biology major is recommended for students interested in botany, zoology, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology or teaching. It’s also an excellent preparation for graduate studies in biology, medicine and dentistry. Find out more about the advantages of studying biology.

In addition to offering a major, minor and master’s in biology, the Department of Biological Sciences participates in the molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics (MB3) and environmental science and studies programs.

What We Offer

The department offers students:

small classes taught by accomplished faculty who are dedicated teachers, mentors and researchers
state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including laboratories, greenhouses, an herbarium, transmission electron microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophometers, microscopes, physiographs, an infrared gas analyzer and specialized field equipment
outdoor spaces for scientific exploration, including the Glen Arboretum—12 acres of woods on campus—and the Field Station—223 wooded acres in northern Baltimore County
research and internship opportunities in campus laboratories and at off-campus field and lab sites
innovative Towson UTeach program allowing teachers-in-training to complete a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification coursework in four years

Spring 2021 Biology seminar schedule

March 2nd: Katherine Joyner, Ph.D.,
Presidential Postdoctoral, Fellow, Department of
Bioengineering UMCP
"Nanoscale engineering of mucus mimicking hydrogels
and peptide based biomaterials"

March 23rd: Jessica Hua, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Binghamton University (SUNY) and
Director, Center for Integrated Watershed Studies
"Disease ecology in the face of environmental change"
Watch Dr. Hua's seminar from 3/23/21.

March 30th: Davi Mazala, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology
Towson University
"Using muscle diseases as a model to study underlying
mechanisms detrimental to muscle function"

April 13th: Philip Farabaugh, Ph.D.,
Professor, Department of Biological Studies
UMBC
" The molecular basis of errors during protein synthesis: Base pair molecular mimicry underlies the most frequent errors"
Attend the seminar.
Meeting ID: 990 3982 2801
Passcode: 97657139

April 27th: Jack Shepard, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor, Department of Biological Studies
Towson University
" Lab Reset: A shift to cross-eyed worms for unraveling mysteries of the brain"

May 11th: Matt Hemm, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor, Department of Biological Studies
Towson University
"A Molecular Biologist's Introduction to the Benefits and Challenges of Pedagogical Evaluation and Assessment"

Seminars will be conducted via Zoom and begin at 3:30pm ET (times may be subject to change). Please email Biolsci AT_TOWSON for access to links.

What’s New in Biological Sciences

Videos of Interest

Summer 2021: Study Abroad in the Amazon (YouTube)

Recent Publications

Learn More about Academic Advising

Need help navigating degree requirements? Want to learn more about internships and research opportunities? We’re here to help.

Biology M.S.

About Our People

Katharina Soto

Student

Aaron Robinson

Student

Elana Ehrlich

Faculty

Contact Information