The Department of Biological Sciences of Hampton University offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, a Master of Science degree in Biology, and the Master of Science in Medical Science degree. The principal objective of our Departmental program is to incorporate the instructional and research expertise of our faculty to provide a scholarly atmosphere where students are exposed to a variety of ways to define, analyze, question and solve scientific research problems. Our curriculum provides fundamental and advanced interdisciplinary academic and professional enrichment for students who aspire to pursue careers in molecular, genetic, microbial, botanical, ecological and organismal research, as well as those with an interest in medical and health-related professional careers.

The major objectives of the department that extend through the graduate program are:

1. To academically prepare scholars who aim to become professional biologists and health-related professionals;
2. To provide students with an awareness and understanding of the fundamental importance of the biological sciences;
3. To establish efficient research skills in our students by providing research environments conducive to analytical and creative thinking;
4. To coordinate and foster external experiences in environments such as national laboratories and private industry;
5. To produce students with critical thinking proficiency to facilitate success in doctoral and professional programs;
6. To provide academic and professional experiences that will be significant and relevant upon graduation from Hampton University.

Research opportunities

The Department of Biological Sciences emphasizes faculty and student research. The field of biological sciences is expanding at an unprecedented rate; data acquisition, analysis and scientific design enable faculty and students to directly contribute to the realm of scientific knowledge and technologies. As such, the Department of Biological Sciences offers opportunities to develop research training in areas including Pre-Medical Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Integrative Organismal biology. The department houses a 16-station ultra-modern interdisciplinary research laboratory funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; a bioinformatics laboratory funded through the W.M. Keck Foundation and a cancer research laboratory established through partnerships between the Department of Biological Sciences of Hampton University and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. The Ecological Society of America funds the Native Plant Butterfly Garden, which contains more than 100 perennial plants native to southeastern Virginia that serves as an educational vehicle for botanical and entomological courses offered in the Department as well as an environmental teaching tool for pre-school children in the Child Development Center.

Scholastic Programs and Organizations

The Department offers programs designed to concomitantly enhance student learning and interaction outside of the classroom and laboratory settings. These include the:

• Pre-Health Program;
• SEEDS program (Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability);
• MAPS Club (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students);
• Biology Journal Club;
• FDI Biology Club.

Scholarly students are also encouraged to participate in the Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honors Society and other national academic organizations.

Contact

Department of Biological Sciences
Hampton University
DuPont Hall 101
Hampton, Virginia 23668

Chairperson:
Dr. Adjoa Richardson Ahedor

Administrative Assistant:
Ms. Rita W. Tolliver

Phone:
757.727.5267

Fax: 
757.727.5961