Biosciences-Related Bachelor’s
A number of biology and biochemistry degrees are available for undergraduates at The University of Texas at Austin. Students in these programs are served by the Biology Instruction Office (BIO), by the Biosciences Advising Center and by faculty in our department through their classes.
Consult the College of Natural Sciences Degree Checklist or the Interactive Degree Audit to learn more.
Biochemistry Undergraduate Degrees
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life. It combines biology and chemistry to investigate the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living systems. It includes the disciplines of molecular biology and cell biology, as well as bioinorganic, bioorganic and biophysical chemistry. A degree in biochemistry is designed to prepare students for professional careers as biochemists, either upon graduation or after graduate study in biochemistry or a related field. A degree in biochemistry may also serve as the basis for a wide range of career choices in food science, toxicology, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology and clinical chemistry, as well as the health professions (including medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine).
Bachelor of Science in BIOCHEMISTRY
This degree requires completion of Calculus through Calculus III and completion of both Physical and Analytical Chemistry. The BS degree also requires completion of a Minor, Certificate or 18 additional hours of upper-division Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry or Neuroscience courses not used elsewhere in the degree.
Click here for information about the B.S. Biochemistry CAPSTONE
BS/MA BIOCHEMISTRY: INTEGRATED PROGRAM
The integrated program is a 4+2 program of undergraduate and graduate coursework and research that allows the student to earn the BS and the Master of Arts (MA) degrees. The curriculum, which usually begins in the student's junior year, prepares undergraduate students to enter into the biotechnology workforce (pharmaceuticals, advanced personalized treatments, diagnostics, medical devices, etc.) or into advanced degree programs (MD/PhD, MD, PhD, etc.) for impactful careers in the life sciences.
Because BS/MA graduates are expected to become leaders, only highly motivated students with the personal qualities and intellectual capacity to establish successful careers in life science industry or academia are encouraged to apply.
Procedure for applying to the Integrated BS/MA Program in Biochemistry
- You must already be showing promise performing research in a BCH faculty lab.
- Faculty PI need to draft a letter of agreement to the MBS Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, including a statement of understanding that there is a maximum of 2 years in the Masters program. A committee will review the letter.
- PI letter must also outline the mechanism of support for the student and tuition as there is no graduate program support for BS/MA BCH students.
- Student can self-fund (no stipend, student pays tuition)
- Student can be supported in some long semesters by TA support, but TA availability is not guaranteed.
- Student can be supported on PI grant for stipend and tuition
- Hybrid faculty support / TA support (during MA) / self-funding
- The committee will review the application and speak with student and PI to ensure suitability.
- After approval, student then applies to the graduate school in their junior year.
Biology Undergraduate Degrees in Molecular Biosciences
Bachelor of Science in Biology – MICROBIOLOGY
After completion of introductory microbiology and other core courses, students in this option study the structure, growth and metabolism, physiology, and genetics of viruses, bacteria, fungi and the diseases that they produce. Students also study how the vertebrate immune system works to combat those diseases. Microbiology majors take courses that explore how cells receive signals from their environments, how cells adjust to reading different sets of genes, and how cells can be genetically engineered. Other topics of study include public health, tumor biology, yeast cell biology and molecular biology. This option prepares students for a variety of careers, including business, law, biotechnology, medicine, public health or research.
Bachelor of Science in Biology – CELL and MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
This degree option incorporates topics of genetics, evolution, developmental biology, and microbiology into the study of cell and molecular biology. Students in this degree are encouraged to pursue individual research for course credit, as students take three total upper-division labs to meet degree requirements. This degree requires 18 semester hours of additional upper-division coursework in Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry and therefore requires a strong commitment to scientific study. Upon graduation, students are well prepared for medical or graduate schools as well as medical or laboratory research careers.
Bachelor of Science in Biology – PLANT BIOLOGY
The Plant Biology option provides students with an education in all aspects of plant biology including evolution, physiology, ecology, molecular biology, genomics, and development. Careful selection of plant biology courses and electives will prepare students in one or more subdisciplines of their choice. A graduate of the Plant Biology option can expect to be positioned well for additional study in several areas, both basic and applied. Career paths include graduate school, medicine, business, biotechnology, museums, resource management, public agencies or law. For example, training in plant biochemistry and molecular biology can be useful in pharmacology/drug discovery and design as well as preparation for graduate study. Similarly, training in ecology and evolution is excellent preparation for a career in conservation biology or graduate study in either of those fields. Most Plant Biology undergraduates work directly with faculty to perform independent field or laboratory research for credit.
Bachelor of Science in Biology – GENETICS and GENOMICS
One of the department’s newest majors, students focus on genetics, genomics, molecular biology, and developmental biology with the integration of bioinformatics and computational biology. The integration of lab work in genetics and either cell biology or developmental biology helps students apply course concepts in a research setting. Students have the option to further their interests in a series of electives related to microbiology, molecular genetics, or molecular genetics and medicine. Graduates are prepared for careers in genetic counseling, medicine and research.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
The Medical Laboratory Science degree at UT is a 3+1 program. Students take 3 years of courses at UT, and their final 12-16 months off campus at one of UT’s affiliate clinical programs. MLS majors take a variety of Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry courses before their clinical program. After completing UT coursework and the clinical program, students take their ASCP exams and receive their Bachelor of Science degree from UT.
Medical Laboratory Science is the health profession that provides laboratory testing and analysis which makes possible the accurate diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Sometimes referred to as Medical Technology, or Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS).
Other Biology Undergraduate Degrees
A number of other biology degrees are available for students interested in general biology, integrative biology, medical laboratory science, biology teaching, marine science and neuroscience. Find details on the website of the Biology Instruction Office.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Interested in Undergraduate research, Study abroad, and other hands-on experiences? Check out the CNS Office of Experiential Learning! The CNS Experiential Learning Office provides students with meaningful opportunities to enhance their academic journey through hands-on experiences. They offer tailored consultations and resources to help students explore research, internships, community engagement, and global learning programs, including study abroad opportunities. By fostering these experiences, they empower students to develop critical skills, build professional networks, and prepare for successful careers.
How to Get Involved in Research
CNS Experiential Learning Resources