The Department of Biological Sciences is a newly instituted department by the conglomeration of one existing section (Botany) and three newly created ones (Genetics, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Marine Biology and Ecology. The Department of Biological Sciences has continued to offer the Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum with its three major fields of specialization, namely, Marine Biology, Botany and Ecology. Together with the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the College of Education, the department is also offering Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Chemistry-Biology. It is also jointly offering Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agricultural Botany, with the College of Agriculture. The Department also offers two graduate programs: Master of Science major in Botany and Master in Biology (MBio) which is a non-thesis Graduate program offered in partnership with the Leyte Normal University Graduate School. This latter program upgrades the academic qualifications of tertiary faculty of state colleges and universities to gain a Masters degree under the Faculty Development Program of CHED.   Quick Links: For the Faculty and Staff profile page: click here. Prospective students: You can download our printable brochure (PDF): click here. For the zoology support site: visit http://zoology.net23.net

Vision

It is envisioned to become the center of excellence in the biological sciences in the Visayas.

Mission

Its mission is for the attainment of the well-being of the people in the Visayas through effective and relevant instruction, research and extension in the biological sciences and related agricultural and environmental sciences.

Goals

1. Excellent and relevant undergraduate and graduate education in biology.

2. Appropriate knowledge and technologies for the conservation, management and utilization of biological and environmental resources.

3. Dynamic linkages with other agencies and institutions for the promotion or instruction, research, extension programs in biology and allied fields.
   

4. Functional awareness and public advocacy on conservation, management and utilization of biological and environmental resources.
   
5. Sustained linkages among the various units within the university to support developmental programs.
   

Objectives

The BSBiology program is structured to:

1. produce graduates who can be employed in government and private agencies needing scientist with biological expertise, can teach at the tertiary level, and undertake research in various areas in biology

2. satisfy the requirements for admission to medical school.

Sections

1. Genetics, molecular biology and microbiology

This section includes three related disciplines on the molecular aspect of the cell, focusing on gene expression and regulation and molecular techniques and analysis; biotechnology applications; and techniques in culture and identification of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria and microscopic fungi. This section also offers graduate subjects for the Master in Biology (MBio) program.

Section Head / Contact Person:

Prof. Marilyn Z. Oracion
Phone: (053)335-4007 (office); 335-3580 (home)
E-mail:

2. Ecology

The ecology section serves a variety of undergraduate students, including both biology majors and non-majors throughout the university. This section deals with courses on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and resource conservation and management. Field work and conservation and assessment of  status of different types of ecosystems  focusing on nearby areas in Leyte are also introduced through this section.

Section Head / Contact Person:

Ms. Chime C. Mora
Phone: (053)335-4007 (office)
E-mail: 

3. Botany

This section strives for excellence in teaching in plant physiology and development, ecology and  systematics which includes plant identification and training on herbarium preparation and plant conservation. Instruction is also enhanced through access with the botanical garden and herbarium situated in the department.

Section Head / Contact Person:

Prof. Marita I. Galinato
Phone: (053)335-2629 (office)
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

4. Marine Biology

This section provides interdisciplinary background in marine biology through traditional courses and experimental learning programs further enriched by access to the Marine/ Aquatic laboratory situated at the lower campus  and modern field equipment for terrestrial and aquatic sampling and research. This section also conducts Marine Resource Assessment and Monitoring, Participatory resource, ecological and livelihood assessment, Water analysis, Open-water SCUBA lead by a resident faculty of the department, environmental education and training, marine sanctuary establishment and coastal resource management.

Section Head / Contact Person:

Prof. Humberto R. Montes, Jr.
Phone: (053)335-2520 (office)
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Facilities

The facilities of the Department include the main building that houses 2 lecture and 4 laboratory rooms, 1 herbarium, 1 green house, 1 preparation room containing modern laboratory equipment, conference room and library and 10 faculty offices. The department has access to the Marine Laboratory with modern equipment for aquatic sampling research with underwater documentation facilities, speedboat and SCUBA diving gear.

Projects

Research Projects

1. Project Title: Assessment of commercially important invertebrates in Leyte and Samar

2. Project Title: Enhancing Management Effectiveness in MPAs: Regional Capacity Building in Indonesia and the Philippines

3. Project Title:  Save the Pawikan (Marine Turtle) Campaign in Cuatro Islas and Visayan Sea

Extension Projects

1. Project Title: Sustaining Local Management of Coastal Resource in Baybay

2. Project Title: Establishment and Development of the VSU Botanic garden

Instruction Projects

Publications

List of refereed publications by the teaching facullty (last 5 years)

1. Belonias, B.S. and N.O. Aguilar. 2004. Altidutinal zonation of dicots in Mt. Pangasugan, Leyte Island, Philippines. Jour. Envi. Sci and Mgt. 7 (2); 47-66

2. Belonias, B.S. and L.M. Bañoc. 1994. Species diversity and distribution of pteridophytes in Mt. Pangasugan. Annals of Tropical Research 16(2) 30-27

3. Germano, B.P. 2002. Overview of the current coastal resource management context in Region VIII. In:  Institutional Frameworks for Community-based Coastal Resources Management and marine Conservation  in the Eastern Visayas  Region, CRC-Univ. of Rhode Island (URI) Coastal Management Report # 2237, PCAMRD Book Series No. 3, ISBN # 1-885454-46-5

4. Pagdilao, C.R., B.P. Germano, G.M. Ricci and E.C. Zaragoza (eds). 2002. Institutional frameworks for community-based coastal resources management and marine conservation in the Eastern Visayas Region. CRC-URI Coastal Management Report # 2237, PCMARD Book Series No. 36, ISBN # 1-885454-46-5

5. Germano, B.P. and J.F. Melgo. 2003. The population, reproductive and fishery biology of the blue crab, Portunus pelagicus in Leyte and Samar and management implications. UPV Journal of Nat Sci 8:63-82

6. Germano, B.P. , S.A. Cesar , A.M. Mazo and J.F. Melgo. 2003.  Inventory of commercially important  invertebrates  in Leyte and Samar. UPV Journal of Nat Sci. 8:247-270

7. Germano, B.P., P.P. Milan, A.M. Mazo and N.T. Gerona. 2004. Species diversity enhancement through structural diversification of unvegetated shallow soft bottoms. Journal of Aquatic Sciences 1:1-14

8. Cesar, S.A., B.P. Germano and J.F. Melgo. 2003. Preliminary results  on the population, reproductive and fishery biology of the nylon shell , Paphia textile (Gmelin 1790) in Leyte. UPV Journal of Nat Sci 8:83-95

9. Cesar, S.A., N.G. Gerona, B.P. Germano, A.C. Caliente, R. Seronay, S. Schoppe, S. Clark and P.P. Milan. 2003. Philippine Coral Reefs Through Time, Chapter 20 Leyte, Eastern Visayas : Workshop Proceedings. Second of the Atlas  of Philippine Coral Reefs Series. Coral Reef Information Network of the Philippines (Philreefs). ISBN # 971-91292-7-1

10. Cesar, S.A., B.P. Germano, E.L. Dadole and P.P. Milan. 2004. Coral reef and seagrass resources assessments of Bislig Bay, Surigao del Sur, Eastern Philippines. Journal of Aquatic Sciences 1:15-25

11. Cesar, S.A., B.P. Germano and E.L. Dadole. 2000. Assessment of the coral and seagrass/ seaweed resources of Bislig Bay, Surgao del Sur, Philippines. UPV Journal

12. Langenberger, G. and B.S. Belonias (In press). Status  of the floristic analysis of Mt. Pangasugan Leyte- A conservation area of extremely high importance. Refereed Proceedings of the 6^th Flora Malesiana Symposium. Sept. 20-24, 2004. College of Forestry and Nat. Resources, Univ. Phil. Los Baños, College, Laguna

    
    

Other Information

Besides the wide variety of academic, social, sports and recreational organizations of VSU students, the Department of  Biological Sciences supports the Organization of Biology Students (OBioS). OBios is a student-run organization that sponsors popular social activities  as well as seminars, quiz shows, information drive, and takes part in activities related  to environmental awareness and conservation.

Click here for the OBioS Facebook page.