Tufts University has an historical tradition of outstanding teaching and a strong focus on undergraduate education. The research mission of the university was developed in that context and has never been separated from it. Thus, Tufts combines the close-knit community of a teaching college with the multiple opportunities available at a research university.

In an era of accelerated specialization, the Tufts Biology Department is unusual in providing a broad and comprehensive approach to study and research in the biosciences. Biochemists, developmental biologists and immunologists interact daily with ecologists, evolutionary biologists and conservation biologists in a single unified department. Because technological, environmental, and social challenges of the future will transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, Tufts also encourages education and research that are interdisciplinary. The Biology Department has maintained a strong commitment to environmental literacy and to helping students understand the social dimensions of health care. Many biology majors are also involved in either the Environmental Studies program or the Community Health Program.

Tufts is also committed to encouraging women and minority group members in their educational endeavors. Providing role models is an important component of this effort. The Biology Department has played a leadership role in the sciences with women making up 41% of the total Biology faculty and 45% of the tenured Biology faculty.

Tufts is among the top 25 most selective universities nationally. Our undergraduates are an intellectually gifted group and are serious about their studies. The Biology Department is committed to providing our undergraduates with a vital, modern education. Our goal is to help our undergraduates make the transition from the relatively passive role as student consumer of knowledge to the intellectually active role of colleague and generator of new knowledge. We recognize that different students will make this transition at different points in their academic careers and we are committed to helping ALL our students achieve this goal.

The links at top left will provide you with detailed information about the biology, biochemistry and biopsychology majors, as well as information about opportunities for undergraduate research.