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 and Arts in BIOCHEMISTRY
This degree provides a well-rounded education in biochemistry with room to explore other interests in the humanities. The BSA requires the completion of the Language, Arts, and Culture area as well as a Minor, Certificate or a Field of Study.
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.
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.
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, including about the:
Bachelor of Science and Arts in BIOLOGY
This degree, offered through the Biology Instruction Office, provides a well-rounded education in natural sciences with room to explore other interests in the humanities. The BSA permits students to take advanced courses from a broad spectrum of the biological sciences, including:
- Cellular, developmental and molecular biology
- Genetics, genomics and computational biology
- Physiology, neuroscience and behavior
- Ecology, evolution and biodiversity
The emphasis on a balanced program of study between biology courses enables students to explore additional academic interests from across the University. This degree prepares students for a variety of careers including, but not limited to, the health professions, business, law, and academia.