Genetics & Genomics

Our faculty and students conduct a wide range of research in the areas of genetics and genomics, from identifying the function of a single gene to decoding entire complex genomes using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic tools.

Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology

Our faculty carry out research in cellular and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, and biochemistry. A recent project examined factors that influence the stress-response adaptation of zebrafish.

Biodiversity & Systematics

Biodiversity and systematics research at UA covers virtually every ecosystem on Earth, from the deep sea around Antarctica to mountain ranges in southeastern Asia to streams in Alabama, and diverse organisms such as fungi, algae, plants, and both invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

Zoology & Botany

UA zoologists and botanists study a wide range of plants and animals. In one lab, research on snakes holds promise for developing treatments for diabetes in humans. In another lab, researchers are exploring the mechanisms that underlie behavioral variation among individuals in a population.

Evolutionary Biology

Evolution is the central theme that unites all areas of biology. One UA evolutionary biologist recently started a project to develop tardigrades (like the one shown here) into a model comparative system for studying trait adaptation across species.

Ecology

Ecosystem processes are a primary focus of ecological research at Alabama, with recent emphasis on wetland ecosystems, spatial ecology, invasion biology, carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems, and the impact of land use change on aquatic ecosystems.

Microbiology

Bacterial physiology, bacterial gene structure and function, and virology are major foci of microbiology work at UA. One faculty member's current research focuses on developing new treatments to fight disease caused
by infectious bacteria.

Neurobiology

Faculty and students explore the cellular basis for human neurological diseases and disorders and mechanisms of animal behavior using various model organisms, including C. elegans (shown here), Drosophila, and fish species.

Marine Science

UA’s marine biologists study the invertebrates (such as this upside-down jellyfish), algae, and microbes that make up marine ecosystems.

Make a Gift

The generous support and continued involvement of our alumni and friends allow us to do more in research, educate our students better, and more actively serve the local, state, national, and international biological sciences community.