Discover Biology at UST
Build a Strong Foundation in the Life Sciences
Study living systems—from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems—through the Biology program at the University of St. Thomas. Small classes, laboratory research, and close faculty mentorship help students develop skills in scientific analysis, critical thinking, and communication.
Located near the Texas Medical Center, UST prepares students for careers, graduate study and health-professional programs in one of the nation’s leading healthcare and biomedical research communities.
About the Program
Prepare for What Comes Next
The Biology program at the University of St. Thomas explores the full range of the life sciences—from ecosystems and organisms to cells, genetics, and molecular biology.
Students learn to apply the scientific method, evaluate biological data, conduct laboratory investigations, and communicate scientific findings clearly and ethically. Coursework helps students develop critical-thinking, quantitative, computational, writing, and research skills.
Whether you plan to pursue a healthcare profession, biological research, biotechnology, environmental science, or graduate education, UST’s undergraduate Biology program in Houston provides a strong scientific foundation for your next step.
The science of Life and Living THings
Discover Our Biology Degrees
BA Biology
A Bachelor of Arts ( BA-Bio) in Biology offers a broad and flexible approach to studying life sciences, combining core biological concepts with a strong foundation in the humanities, social sciences, or other fields. This degree is ideal for students interested in exploring biology within a wider interdisciplinary context, developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills alongside scientific knowledge. A BA in Biology prepares graduates for diverse career paths in health, education, environmental policy, and beyond, as well as for advanced study in biology or related fields.
BS Cell and Molecular Biology
The Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology (BS-CMB) program offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on cell and molecular biology, with a strong emphasis on biochemistry and genetics—key fields driving innovations in modern biomedical research and transforming the practice of medicine.
Our program is designed for students to develop higher-order cognitive skills. Students participate in hands-on research by joining faculty-led laboratories, where they conduct independent scientific projects and receive training to become independent scientists. This integration of lecture-based learning, laboratory experience, and professional training provides an authentic curriculum centered on experiential education and practical scientific practice and skills. Graduates of the BS-CMB program are well-prepared for careers in medicine, dentistry, biomedical research, and the biotechnology industry.
The excellence of our program has been recognized nationally through its provisional accreditation by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)—a distinction that sets it apart among undergraduate biology programs.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Mastery of Foundational Scientific Concepts
- Build a solid understanding of molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry.
- Connect facts and theories within conceptual frameworks and apply them to novel problems.
- Collect, analyze, and synthesize data using the scientific method to draw logical, evidence-based conclusions.
- Recognize and engage with the interdisciplinary nature of science.
- Development of Scientific Professionalism
- Understand and adhere to professional ethics and standards.
- Communicate scientific ideas effectively in written, oral, and electronic formats for diverse audiences.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to research and problem solving.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature, with proficiency in experimental design and statistical inference.
- Collaborate productively in teams and work independently as needed.
- Cultivate lifelong skills of curiosity, objectivity, skepticism, and scientific reasoning.
- Create and refine a personal career plan and develop effective career management skills.
Minor In Neuroscience
Where Biology and Psychology meet. The Neuroscience Minor provides an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system by integrating coursework in biology and psychology. Students explore the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, develop skills in scientific inquiry and data analysis, and gain a deeper understanding of the biological and psychological processes that underlie behavior, cognition, and perception.
Minor in Biology
Complement any major with a minor in Biology.
Learn about population biology, cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics and evolution.
Choose 10 additional credit hours of upper-division Biology courses in your areas of interest.
Study Analyze, Reason
Biology Program Learning Outcomes
- Analytical Skills and Scientific Reasoning: Students will design and conduct biological investigations using appropriate laboratory techniques and quantitative methods and interpret data using scientific reasoning.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology: Students will explain the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and describe key cellular processes such as division, signaling, and communication.
- Genetics and Inheritance: Students will explain how genetic information is organized, expressed, and inherited, and use genetic principles to predict inheritance patterns.
- Populations and Evolution: Students will apply principles of population genetics and evolutionary mechanisms to explain genetic variation, adaptation, and biodiversity.
Careers
Biology Scholarships
The Biology Department offers several scholarships. For more information or to apply, use the following links.
Performing Study
Biology Faculty and Leadership
Dr. Alexandra Simmons
The Biology Department is led by Dr. Alexandra Simmons. Biology faculty guide students through coursework, laboratory experiences, research, and preparation for graduate or professional opportunities.