Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology and Physiology

The Department of Biology is well equipped to support research in all aspects of molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cell biology, microbiology and the physiology of animals, plants and microbes. Major research interests among the faculty include molecular approaches to genetics, cell and microbiology, immunology, neurobiology, and the physiology and development of symbiotic relationships. The Life Sciences Building is home to core facilities for molecular biology and bioinformatics, and to the interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, which provides access to equipment and computing facilities for genomics, proteomics and biological imaging. Abundant opportunities exist for collaborations with other life science units at the University, including basic and applied health science departments at the VCU Medical Center, as well as researchers located in the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. In addition, cross-disciplinary research is possible with the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Criminal Justice and with the School of Engineering.