Behavior

Studies in behavior in the Division of Biological Sciences span a number of disciplines, from evolution and ecology to neurobiology and genetics. Faculty research incorporates genetic, developmental, physiological, and ecological mechanisms that influence organismal behavior and how evolutionary processes influence these mechanisms. Studies involve a range of organisms, from plants and insects to birds and elephants, in laboratory studies and in natural habitats. The research encompasses a variety of processes, including responses to endocrine disrupting chemicals, adaptation to environmental pressures, memory formation, and sexual selection.

Cell Biology

Studies in cell biology in the Division of Biological Sciences emphasize both basic science and disease-related studies and encompass a wide variety of disciplines: from genetics and genomics to biochemistry and neurobiology. Research is concerned with cell structure as well as how cells function in the context of different tissues in various organisms. Using mammalian cells, yeast, fruit flies, transgenic mice, fish, and plants, faculty are investigating mechanisms of DNA replication, intracellular trafficking, cellular signaling, neuron structure and function, gene silencing, control of the cell cycle, and more.

Development

Studies in development in the Division of Biological Sciences cover a range of developmental events in a variety of organisms using a wide array of cutting-edge approaches including genetics, genomics, computation, biochemistry, and advanced imaging. Research topics include hormonal and cellular signaling, pattern formation, organogenesis, and differentiation. Projects impact many aspects of human health and disease as well as issues of agricultural production and conservation. Research in this area benefits from several campus research core facilities.

Ecology

Studies in ecology in the Division of Biological Sciences span scales from genes to landscapes, explore a diverse array of organisms, and employ an extensive array of approaches. Areas of particular interest include evolution of communication, speciation, population genetics, habitat fragmentation, and conservation management. Studies cover a range of organisms, from plants and insects to birds and elephants, in laboratory studies and in natural habitats across the world. They combine theoretical modeling with field and laboratory studies. Research in this area benefits from a larger, interdisciplinary Conservation Biology certification program.

Evolution

Studies in evolution in the Division of Biological Sciences address a range of evolutionary processes at multiple levels of organization and using a wide array of approaches, including genetics, genomics, computation, field studies, advanced imaging, phylogenomics, and behavioral experiments. Research topics include chromosome evolution, evolution of communication, evolution of novel traits, molecular evolution, phylogeography, and community and population dynamics. Research in this area benefits from several campus core research facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, walk-in acoustic chambers, climate-controlled chambers, and an artificial pond facility.

Genetics and Genomics

The Division of Biological Sciences has a strong, interactive group of scientists exploring fundamental mechanisms of genetics and genomics. Genetics is being used to elucidate a wide range of fundamental processes, including cytokinesis, learning and memory, neuronal development, transcription, cellular signaling, physiology, metabolism and chromosome evolution. Genomic-level studies are being used to study population dynamics and development of new traits. Research in this area benefits from several campus core research facilities, including a DNA Core, and animal modeling core, a plant transformation core, and an Informatics Research Core.

Molecular Biology

Studies in molecular biology in the Division of Biological Sciences explore a diverse array of biological phenomena in a variety of organisms using an extensive range of approaches. Areas of particular concentration include neuronal development and plasticity, cellular signaling, and plant growth and development. Research in this area benefits from several campus research core facilities.

Neurobiology

Studies in neurobiology in the Division of Biological Sciences share a common interest in the early development and later function of the nervous system with an emphasis on the neural control of behavior. This central theme is approached from diverse perspectives, including sensory physiology, sensory-motor integration and regeneration, neuroethology, developmental neurobiology, molecular neurobiology, and neurogenetics. Areas of interest include the neural basis of communication, neuroendocrine control of sexual differentiation and behavior, and neural pathways that control movement.

Plant Biology

Studies in plant biology in the Division of Biological Sciences span scales from genes to landscapes, explore a diverse array of biological phenomena, and employ an extensive range of approaches. Areas of particular concentration include growth and development, cell biology, species conservation and biodiversity, plant-insect interactions, genetics and genomics, evolution, and ecology. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art plant growth facilities and various campus research core facilities as well as a larger, interactive community of plant biologists through the Interdisciplinary Plant Group.

Quantitative and Computational Biology

The Division of Biological Sciences is actively building our research strength in quantitative and computational biology. Research projects share a common interest in using advanced mathematical and computational approaches to study fundamental problems in biology. Areas of particular interest include ecological, neurological, and evolutionary modeling in plant and animal species. Research in this area benefits from the MU Informatics Institute and the Informatics Research Core Facility.