The Biological Sciences major is designed to meet the general demands for talents in teaching, research, development, and other practical applications in related fields. It aims to train advanced talents to gain a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, to master systematic knowledge of life sciences, and to experience cutting-edge research. Based on students' interests and guidance by mentors, the Biological Science majors will have the opportunity to engage in research and development training in the following directions:

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant Science (affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Modulation Research): Elucidating the basic laws of life activities from the perspective of the structure, dynamics, and interactions of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids; applying and developing cutting-edge technologies such as gene editing; revealing the molecular mechanisms of plant growth and development.

Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics (affiliated with the Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education): Centered on the cell as the basic unit of life activities; developing frontier technologies such as stem cells, molecular and cellular immunology; revealing the molecular regulation, signal transduction, and genetic variation in major life activities such as cell proliferation (tumors), tissue differentiation, genetics, and development.

Neuroscience (affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and the IDG McGovern Institute for Brain Research at PKU): Studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain activity; revealing the principles of neural information processing and the molecular and genetic mechanisms of major neurological diseases; testing new ideas for disease prevention and treatment.

Pharmaceutical Science: For students interested in medicine and pharmacy, courses related to medicine and pharmacy will be offered by experts from Peking University Health Science Center, Peking Union Medical College and other institutions. The experts also serve as academic mentors to cultivate talents in pharmaceutical sciences with a broad and solid foundation in sciences, particularly life sciences. Outstanding students will have the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree through the 4+4 mechanism at Peking Union Medical College and other schools.

The Biological Sciences major aims to cultivate leaders with extensive knowledge, innovative thinking, and confidence, capable of engaging in teaching, research, scientific management, and technological innovation in various institutions and fields related to biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and other relevant disciplines. These individuals possess both moral integrity and intellectual prowess, with the potential for innovation and leadership in their respective fields.

After four years of study in the field of biological sciences, students should achieve the following objectives: 

1. Possess a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, along with basic laboratory skills.

2. Systematically master the fundamental theories, knowledge, and skills of modern biology and its important branches, as well as research methods and experimental techniques in biological sciences.

3. Undergo preliminary training in scientific research, develop scientific thinking and logical reasoning skills, and demonstrate a good scientific attitude and scientific quality.

4. Exhibit a scientific spirit characterized by problem solving, independent thinking, and a willingness to innovate.

5. Have a good understanding of the frontiers in biological and pharmaceutical sciences and possess the ability to engage in both basic and applied research, as well as scientific and technological development.

Some Required Courses

General Biology and Lab

This course aims to offer systematic knowledge and principles in the field of biological science. Students should develop a professional basis in the aspects of ideas, knowledge, operational technology, and application ability.

Biochemistry and Lab

This course focuses on the chemistry of major families of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, as well as metabolism, i.e., the chemical reactions that provide the cell with the energy and raw materials necessary for life.

Physiology and Lab

This course focuses on the physiology of human and mammalian organs, illustrating the mechanisms underlying the difference between animals from different environments.

Genetics and Lab

This course focuses on the introduction to general principles of inheritance, genetic analyses, genome analyses, and development of the concept of the gene, as well as the application of these principles.

Molecular Biology and Lab

This course provides a comprehensive overview of molecular biology, starting from a global perspective of the genome. It extensively covers the core principles and major techniques of molecular biology, highlighting recent advances and dynamics in the field, particularly focusing on the latest developments in genomics and proteomics research.

Cell Biology and Lab

The teaching target of cell biology is to acquaint the students with the basic knowledge, concepts, and fundamental theories, as well as the brief history and most advanced domain of the subject being taught.

Bioinformatics and Lab

This course introduces the basic principles in the field of bioinformatics, especially the analysis and applications of cutting-edge “omics” including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Concepts and Methodology in Biology

Starting from the basic concept of biology, this course introduces classic experiments and articles about the development of related fields. Junior students will understand the intrinsic beauty of biology and mobilize their interest in the research of life sciences.

Some Elective Courses

Plant Biology

This course aims to provide students with foundational theories, fundamental knowledge, and basic professional skills in plant biology, enabling them to grasp the historical context and developmental trends of important theories and major discoveries in the field.

Biological Evolution

This course provides an outline of why and how Darwin proposed his evolution theory, how it was corrected and modified by others, and introduces Lamarck’s “Philosophic Zoologique”, Kimura’s “Neutral theory”, and Gould’s “Punctuation Equilibrium”.

Developmental Biology

This course begins with an introduction to developmental biology, focusing on the embryonic development of model organisms such as nematodes, fruit flies, zebrafish, mice, and Arabidopsis. It systematically introduces students to the conceptual approaches, experimental techniques, and cutting-edge advancements in developmental biology research.

Immunology

This course is designed for students to understand basic concepts of the immune system and also learn about new discoveries in the field of immunology, including progress in immune therapy and new technology.

Statistical analysis of genomics data

This course introduces common data types in genomics, such as WGS, RNA-seq, Hi-C, single cell sequencing, and statistical analysis and graphing methods commonly used in data analysis, including exploratory data analysis, linear regression, variance analysis, Bayesian models, data dimension reduction, and clustering.

Advanced Neurobiology

This course focuses on the basic structure of the brain, cytology of neurons and other neuronal cells, signal transduction in neurons, neuronal networks and communications, neuronal development, information processing, the function of integrated brain, and plasticity.

Cell genome-editing technique

This course helps students reinforce their understanding of the basics of cell biology and genetics, teaches them the experimental methods in cell genome-editing, familiarizes them with current experimental approaches in the field, and trains them to record, analyze, and interpret experimental data in a scientific manner and develop critical and creative thinking skills.