Department of Biological Sciences

Marine Environmental Biology, Molecular and Computational Biology, Neurobiology

Department Chair

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The faculty and students in USC College’s biological sciences department study the natural world to better understand living systems—from the biochemical to genes, and from cells to global biodiversity. The department plays a central role in the university’s goal to make USC a leader in life science research.

The department’s strength lies in its three divisions: marine environmental biology, neurobiology and molecular and computational biology.

Professors of the molecular and computational biology division are recognized leaders in computational genomics—applying mathematical, statistical and computer science models to genome sequence data—as well as in molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics.

As members of the USC Neuroscience program, department neurobiologists have excelled in studies of how the brain works to produce complex behaviors. Faculty members are well known for their work to shed light on learning and memory, aging and vision.

USC marine biologists have been active in researching ocean life and environments for more than a century. Today, faculty draw on multiple approaches, from genetics to deep-sea submersibles, to produce new insights and discoveries.

The department offers a number of undergraduate and graduate-level training programs through its divisions. Undergraduates may choose to study general biology or pursue one of the specialized degrees offered in conjunction with other departments.

Undergraduate degrees and programs

Biology, B.A., B.S.
Biochemistry, B.S.
Environmental Studies, B.S.
Kinesiology, B.S.
Gerontology, B.S.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, B.S.
Neuroscience, B.S.
Biotechnology, Minor
Natural Science, Minor
Neuroscience, Minor

Graduate degrees and programs

Related research centers and programs

Marine Environmental Biology, http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/biosci/MARINE
Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, http://wrigley.usc.edu
USC Sea Grant Program, http://www.usc.edu/org/seagrant/seagrant.html
PIBBS, http://www.usc.edu/programs/pibbs/site/index8.html

Molecular and Computational Biology, http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/biosci/mcb
Center for Computational and Experimental Genomics, http://www-hto.usc.edu

Neurobiology, http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/biosci/nbio
Neuroscience Graduate Program, http://www.usc.edu/dept/nbio/ngp/index.shtml
Neural, Informational and Behavioral Sciences
Vision Science, http://visionscience.usc.edu
The USC Brain Project, http://www-hbp.usc.edu
USC Aging Research Nexus, http://www.usc.edu/projects/nexus/index.html