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
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
The B.A. in Biology offers a broad and flexible approach to the life sciences, combining core biological concepts with study in the humanities, social sciences and other fields. Students develop scientific knowledge along with critical-thinking, communication and analytical skills.
The degree prepares students for opportunities in healthcare, education, environmental policy and graduate study.
Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
The excellence of our program has been recognized nationally through its accreditation by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)—a distinction that sets it apart among undergraduate biology programs.
Graduates are prepared for opportunities in medicine, dentistry, biomedical research, biotechnology and graduate study.
Bachelor of Arts in Biology + Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Through a partnership between UST and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, qualified students can earn a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences through an accelerated 3+2 pathway.
Students complete approximately three years of undergraduate coursework at UST followed by two years of graduate study at UTMB, creating an efficient path toward a career in medical laboratory science.
Neuroscience Minor
The Neuroscience Minor explores where biology and psychology meet. Students study the structure and function of the brain and nervous system while developing skills in scientific inquiry and data analysis.
The interdisciplinary curriculum examines the biological and psychological processes underlying behavior, cognition and perception.
Biology Minor
Complement another major with a Minor in Biology. Students study population biology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics and evolution while selecting upper-division biology courses that support their academic and professional interests.
THE SCIENCE OF LIFE AND LIVING THINGS
Study, Analyze and Reason
- 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.
Biology Scholarships
The Biology Department offers several scholarships. For more information or to apply, use the following links.
Performing Study
Biology Faculty and Leadership
Alexandra Simmons Nout, Ph.D.
The Biology Department is led by Alexandra Simmons Nout, Ph.D. Biology faculty guide students through coursework, laboratory experiences, research, and preparation for graduate or professional opportunities.
