University of Cyprus, Department of Biological Sciences

University of Cyprus aims to establish itself as a Pioneer Research Institution achieving International Scientific Recognition in European Higher Education, offering Competitive Programmes and to become a Centre of Excellence in the wider Euro - Mediterranean Region.
 
The main objectives of the University are twofold: the promotion of scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus.
 
In this context, the University believes that education must provide more than simply accumulation of knowledge. It must also encourage students' active participation in the process of learning and acquisition of those values necessary for responsible involvement in the community. The University sets high standards for all branches of scholarship.
 
Research is promoted and funded in all departments for its contribution to scholarship in general and for its local and international applications.

Biology is at the forefront of scientific discovery and public attention. The recent delineation of the complete genomic information of humans and several other organisms has provided the foundation for unprecedented advances in understanding life at the molecular level. It has also provided new tools and approaches to medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and other disciplines. In addition, the challenge of halting current threats to biodiversity has led to many breakthroughs in the way we understand the interactions of organisms with their environment and the important role of biodiversity for humanity. The way Biology is taught, practiced, and understood has been revolutionized through advances in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology and structural biology, genetic manipulations based on molecular biology, as well as through advances in ecology, systematics, evolutionary biology, conservation and management of natural resources. Biology has expanded to create novel fields, beyond its traditional scope, via synergies and interactions with information science, chemistry, physics and engineering. In this framework, Biology has become a driving force of discovery and application in the modern economy and industry (biotechnology, agriculture, aquaculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals, to name a few), and a source of improvements in health and quality of life.

The Department of Biological Sciences accepted its first graduate students in September 2003 and its first undergraduate students in September 2007. The Biology curriculum has been designed to prepare students for employment as well as to enable them to continue their education and research training.

The undergraduate Biology program offers students a broad background in basic science and biological principles, which allows for a high degree of flexibility during the junior and senior years of study. The graduate and doctoral programs provide the students with the opportunity to specialize in one of the many fields of Biological Sciences.

Our graduates may choose to pursue academic research in biology or work, among others, in clinical laboratories, environmental assessments, science education and government agencies
 
The main goals of the Department of Biological Sciences are:
- To develop competitive research programs in the fields of immunology, cell biology, developmental biology, embryology, bioinformatics, genetics, epigenetics, virology, neurobiology, and cancer treatment and prevention, as well as in ecology and biodiversity, including the sustainable use of its components;
- To offer high quality education and training at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate level;
- To contribute to upgrading services provided by the public and private sectors in Cyprus, especially those concerning public health, the environment, and medicine.