This article is devoted to the formation and development of the Department of Biology and General Genetics at Sechenov University, beginning with the Faculty of Medicine at the Imperial Moscow University. In 1930, the 1st Moscow Medical Institute became an independent university, where the Department of General Biology was established to teach biology to medical students. Throughout its history, the department's scientific interests have evolved from experimental biology under the direction of Zavadovsky, to medical parasitology and helminthology, the development of which was facilitated by Talyzin, Bogoyavlensky, Chebyshev, and, finally, to modern molecular genetics and biomedicine, headed by Shidlovsky. The continuity of traditions demonstrates the department's ability to adapt to the challenges of the times, while maintaining a high level of specialist training and conducting relevant scientific research. The department actively implements modern approaches to teaching; the educational program is focused on in-depth study of molecular biology and meets high international standards. Joining the Institute of Biodesign and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine underscores the department's focus on interdisciplinary research and the use of modern technologies. Work is actively underway to popularize science: organizing student conferences, scientific clubs, public lectures for schoolchildren, and excursions.