The Department of Biology is composed of four distinct institutes, strategically distributed across two campuses. The Institute for Botany and Landscape Ecology, along with the Zoological Institute and Museum, primarily reside at the Soldmannstraße campus. Conversely, the Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, as well as the Institute for Microbiology, are situated at the Beitz-Platz campus.

The department’s research is centered around four closely interconnected themes: Interactions and Evolution of Organisms, (Climate) Change and its Implications, Sustainability and Environmental Management, and the relationship between Humans and Microorganisms. These focal points are seamlessly integrated into the university’s innovative research strategy, aptly named “Challenges and Solutions of a Changing Environment and Society”. The Department of Biology’s comprehensive expertise fosters numerous synergies with the university’s newly established overarching research domains, notably the “Baltic Sea Region” and “One Health”. Furthermore, the department’s current and prospective research projects extensively encompass the university’s specific research themes, such as Bioeconomy, Infection & Inflammation, Coastal Spaces, and Climate Change.

The Department of Biology provides eight fully modularized and accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. With approximately 1,000 students and about 150 graduates annually, it stands as the largest educational unit within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.