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The Department of Biology offers first degree (B.Sc. Hons) and postgraduate (M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D) degree courses, and carries out research in the biological sciences. The current head of department is Dr. Joseph A. Borg. Its present complement includes seven full-time members of academic staff, as well as other visiting and part-time members. The aim of the the Department of Biology is to provide out students with the best possible teaching programmes in order to instil a sound theoretical and practical background to the subject as well as provide them with the necessary skills which would enable them to effectively contribute towards Malta's changing needs and requirements. Moreover, through its research programmes, the Department is making a direct contribution to the sustainable management of our natural resources, and national economic development. Each member of staff is actively involved in research and consultancy work. This ensures that they remain academically adjourned within their respective fields of interest. Our students actively participate in staff research programmes. This has greatly helped their academic preparation as well as enhancing their professional skills, and many of our graduates are presently employed in key positions within the private and public sectors. The fields of interest of the department are wide ranging and include the following: applied biotechnology; particularly with respect to micropropagation, composting; phytoremediation & microalgal culture; bioactivity of plant extracts, particularly with respect to apoptosis induction, antimicrobial and germination inhibitors; ecological assessment and monitoring; fisheries biology and marine aquaculture; marine ecology, faunistics of the Maltese Islands, and biogeography; marine and terrestrial botany; marine pollution and environmental quality; population genetics; biodiversity and bioconservation. Over the past decade, the Department has developed into a centre of excellence particularly with respect to the marine related sciences, and a considerable proportion of our research work concerns marine environmental resources, and requires extensive field work and specialised techniques such as scientific diving. The Department is currently going through a period of rapid development and we expect to increase the number of available courses, and our teaching and research facilities.

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