The Biology Department provides a broad foundation in biology with upper level options to specialize
Biology is the study of life in all its fascinating forms, ranging from molecular studies of unicellular organisms at local sites to the global impacts visited upon entire species or populations as a result of natural and man-made events. The Biology Department's approach to these studies is in line with Mercyhurst College's overall mission of service as we strive to complete research that is of i
03/26/2026
Nice result for our Genetics students!
102 Mercyhurst students named authors on national genomic research study 102 Mercyhurst students named authors on national genomic research study Friday, March 20, 2026 102 Mercyhurst students have earned authorship credit on a published scientific paper in the journal “Molecular Biology and Evolution” as part of a long-runn...
11/28/2020
Introduction to Tropical Biology Alumni, Project Buena Vista, the non-profit that cares for the property we visited on our trip, is participating in Giving Tuesday this year. Due to the pandemic, tourism in all of Peru has been essentially shut down since the spring. Hence we are now fully supporting our caretaker, Felipe, along with a helper. In addition, we are helping out Maria our main logistics contact in Peru. You may remember that she is the one that organized all of our travel in the mountains. If you are able, please consider making a small contribution next Tuesday so we can continue to take care of the property in anticipation of the resumption of activities in the coming year. Thanks!
05/16/2020
Great Nature article for a layman's audience laying out the basic biology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Take a look and understand what we are fighting against.
Profile of a killer: the complex biology powering the coronavirus pandemic Scientists are piecing together how SARS-CoV-2 operates, where it came from and what it might do next — but pressing questions remain about the source of COVID-19.
05/12/2020
Artificial chloroplasts turn sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic compounds Mimics might one day synthesize drug molecules, turbocharge natural photosynthesis
05/07/2020
Meet the ‘psychobiome’: the gut bacteria that may alter how you think, feel, and act Scientists hope to turn gut microbes or their products into new antidepressants or drugs for other brain disorders
05/06/2020
Interesting research on the endoplasmic reticulum! There's still lots to learn about organelles!
Recent Study in Science Advances Reports Discovery of Ribosome-Associated Vesicles, a Novel Form of Endoplasmic Reticulum Scientists representing an international consortium of labs—including postdoctoral associate Despoina Aslanoglou, PhD, Kenneth Fish, PhD, and the study’s senior author, Zach Freyberg, MD, PhD, from Pitt Psychiatry—has published a new study in Science Advances, reporting new insights into the o...
05/06/2020
Spring is a great time to find wildflowers. Try to find some, safely, in the woods near you.
This is a photo of a blue cohosh flower. As spring progresses to summer, the blue cohosh plant will become almost unrecognizable compared to its early spring appearance. Blue cohosh require rich soils to grow, so it is a sign of a good growing site. Thanks to Liz Casky for sharing this photo in response to the Virtual Wildflower Walk! https://arcg.is/Dvb5v
05/04/2020
Finish out the semester strong! ☘️
We probably have some animal lovers who follow this page and could use this 😁
04/23/2020
Great story written by 2013 Biology alumnus Rhona Boyle on her experience as a COVID-19 physician working in Scotland. Keep up the great work, Rhona!
A day in the life of COVID-19 doctor Rhona Boyle is a 2013 alumna and is currently a junior doctor in Scotland. Here she describes a typical day as a coronavirus doctor amid a pandemic. I knew the first year of practicing medicine would be challenging. But I never once considered that within 6 months of becoming a doctor, I would be...