Research programs in the department cover many areas of the biological sciences: cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, and neurobiology. Graduate study in the department provides students with a broad understanding of these basic areas.

When new graduate students are admitted, they are assigned a temporary advisor. Each student and the advisor discuss the student's educational background and formulate a first-semester study plan before the student registers for courses. The programs allow each student to tailor course work to the research interest of the student. Students may be advised to take specific course work in order to enhance their background in certain areas.

During the first year, students whose preparation in chemistry, genetics, mathematics, and physics does not meet the department's graduate entry requirements?may need to?remedy deficiencies by taking appropriate course work.