Overview

Recent dramatic progress in our understanding of the nature of life has revolutionized the science of biology. Applications of the methods, concepts, and approaches of modern mathematics, physics, chemistry, and information science are providing deep insight into basic biological problems such as the manner in which genes and viruses replicate themselves; the control of gene expression in cells; the regulation of cellular activity; the mechanisms of growth and development; and the nature and interactions of nerve activity, brain function, and behavior. Qualified experimental and computational biologists will find opportunities for challenging work in basic research as well as in medicine and in biotechnology.

Because of the eminent position of the California Institute of Technology in both the physical and biological sciences, students at the Institute have an unusual opportunity to be introduced to modern biology.

Biology division faculty work in three general research areas:

• Structural, Molecular, and Cell Biology
• Developmental and Regulatory Biology
• Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience

Cross-disciplinary research also offers new possibilities for expanded insights into long-standing problems.

For more detailed information about research in the Division of Biology, see the 2007 Annual Report (52M PDF)