Academic Centre
Extensive knowledge and modern study opportunities
Students of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Latvia have the opportunity to study in modern auditoriums and laboratories, where they can develop their scientific works. The share of various practical works in studies reaches about a third. Students have the opportunity to study one of 18 subfields of biology, from molecules to ecosystems, as well as gain knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Cooperation in Latvia
The faculty cooperates with other universities and scientific institutes, implementing joint scientific projects and scientific institutes, such as Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, UL Institute of Biology, UL Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, providing students with the opportunity to develop their final theses. The faculty also cooperates with state institutions and non-governmental organisations, providing consultations and inviting professionals to conduct individual lectures.
Job opportunities in Latvia and abroad
The faculty graduate can become plant physiologist, botanist, ecologist, human and animal physiologist, hydrobiologist, microbiologist, biotechnologist, molecular biologist, zoologist. There are opportunities to work in universities, research institutes, various nature protection institutions, company laboratories related to biotechnology, microbiology and molecular biology, environmental companies, breeding and testing stations, medical-veterinary medical institutions, museums and non-governmental organisations.
New study programmes
In 2019, the interdisciplinary healthcare master's study programme "Sports Science" was added to the list of study programmes of the faculty.
Sports Science is a fast-growing interdisciplinary field that studies both the beneficial effects of regular physical activities on human physical and mental health, as well as the ways, in which athletes can improve their performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
In the fall of 2020, in cooperation with Riga Technical University, it was planned to enroll students in the new bachelor's study programme "Biotechnology and Bioengineering".
This study programme is intended to prepare highly qualified specialists and scientists, who are able to compete in both the local and international scientific labour market in various fields of biotechnology and bioengineering. The study programme is an opportunity for future researchers and entrepreneurs to learn natural sciences and engineering, creating new ideas for future society.
Research relevant to health, wellness and beauty
UL cooperates with industry to study the functionality of various biologically active compounds, i.e. how they affect different cells and tissues of our body. Mārtiņš Borodušķis and Anna Ramata-Stunda participate in these studies.
In this way, companies are helped to create quality products, whose effects are based on scientific research. One of our clients, apart from the publicly mentioned Madara Cosmetics, is, for example, Silvanols, which we have helped to create new medical devices, including Aller-Gonasal spray (intended for the timely prevention of allergic rhinitis and alleviation of symptoms).
In addition to research, a project of the Latvian Council of Science is currently being implemented in cooperation with the industry, which is related to the editing of such delicate things as the bilberry genome (slightly changing the existing genetic information and switching the biochemical pathways of the plant in order to produce more valuable substances for us), in order to make it closer to the forest in terms of value. Blueberry Research is still ongoing in connection with wound healing and bone tissue regeneration, the aim of which is to study the mechanisms and create biomaterials that would promote the regeneration of these tissues.
Preparing future specialists
The Faculty of Biology of the University of Latvia offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of nature and living creatures, to learn more outside of school hours by participating in the classes of the School of Young Biologists. The goal of the School of Young Biologists is to expand students' knowledge of biology, create interest in biological science, improve students' success in Olympiads, and create prerequisites for studies at the Faculty of Biology. For active and successful participation in the School of Young Biologists, high school graduates receive certificates issued by the UL FB. When submitting certificates for studying in the "Biology" bachelor's study programme of natural sciences of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw, applicants of the certificate receive an additional 20 points.
Practice base in Kolka
Since 1991, the Faculty of Biology of the UL has owned the practice base, the former "Old School" of Kolka. Summer internships take place here every year from the end of June to July. The opportunities offered by it are often used by the faculty's undergraduate, master's and doctoral students, as well as the teaching staff of the faculty, to conduct their scientific research. Kolka is an excellent place to observe spring and autumn bird migrations. Right next to it is the Irbe strait, which is both one of the largest wintering places for birds in the Baltic Sea and attractive place with a great variety of fish. Along with the border of Kolka, Slītere National Park begins, which is one of the largest and most diverse protected areas in Latvia. Seminars organised by the faculty have been held here several times. The practice base premises are also sometimes used by students and teaching staff of other faculties.
Activity in student self-government
Participation in student self-government is voluntary. It involves the most active people, who care about the faculty and its growth. Members of the student self-government of the Faculty of Biology actively participate in various events, as well as organise events for students and teaching staff themselves. By becoming a member of the student self-government, you will have the opportunity to continue your activity in the student council of the University of Latvia, which is responsible for the entire University family.