Biological Sciences
From the function of cells and organisms at the molecular level to ecosystems and the interaction of species with each other and humans, faculty, researchers, and students in biological sciences at the University of Tennessee study every facet of biological life.
Groundbreaking Research in Biological Sciences
From microbiology to animal behavior, from biochemistry to conservation biology, our faculty and students lead cutting-edge investigations into the complexities of life. Whether probing the inner workings of a single cell or analyzing entire ecosystems, UT scientists are advancing knowledge that addresses critical global challenges in health, ecology, and biodiversity.
What sets the University of Tennessee apart is both the breadth of our research, and the active role students take in shaping it. Undergraduate and graduate students alike have opportunities to join research teams, conduct independent projects, and co-author publications alongside world-class faculty. At UT, students discover advances in our biological understanding, as well as learning about them.
Research Areas
Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology
Interested in studying the function of cells and organisms at the molecular level? Explore research that uncovers the building blocks of life and the processes driving growth, development, and health.
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Delve into research on how organisms interact with each other and their environments—from local habitats to global ecosystems. Investigate evolutionary processes, species diversity, conservation strategies, and the dynamics of ecological communities.
Global Health
Explore the intersections between medicine, public health and nutrition, agriculture, and the environment.
Microbiology
Join inquiry into the unseen world of microbes—organisms that influence health, industry, agriculture, and ecosystems. Researchers in microbiology at UT are discovering how microbes adapt, interact, and impact both our daily lives and the earth’s systems.
Meet the General Biology Teaching and Learning Team
Academic Degrees
Undergraduate Programs
Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with four concentration options. Our undergraduate curriculum blends rigorous coursework with hands-on learning experiences, preparing you for success in graduate school or careers in healthcare, research, education, environmental science, and related fields.
Graduate Programs
Deepen your expertise through our master’s and doctoral programs in the biological sciences. Work closely with leading faculty mentors on original research projects as you build the skills needed for impactful careers in academia, industry, government, and science communication.
Undergraduate Research
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, undergraduate research is at the heart of our academic experience. Students are encouraged to participate in hands-on research as early as their first year—whether joining existing labs or launching independent projects under faculty mentorship. Our research fosters curiosity-driven exploration while providing structured support—from proposal development to funding resources—to empower every scientist in aspiration to become a scientist in fact.
Through our robust research culture, undergraduates present findings at conferences, contribute to scientific publications, and build practical skills that set them apart in competitive job markets or graduate/professional school applications.
Facilities
Bioanalytical Resource Facility
Etnier Ichthyological Collection
Genomics Core
Plant Research Center
Events
