Department of Biological Sciences

Explore the Processes That Maintain Life and the Events That Disrupt It

The Department of Biological Sciences at St. Edward’s approaches the study of biology from the level of genes, through cells and organ systems, to populations of living organisms.

We offer BS and BA degrees in Biology, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student's desired outcome. These different degree programs prepare students for entry to medical, dental, and other schools in the health professions; graduate programs leading to doctorate or master of science degrees in related disciplines; and for entry into exciting careers such as biotechnology, ecology, neurophysiology, nursing, teaching, and research. Each program allows students to study electives that are specific to their own interests.

Teaching labs throughout the curriculum focus on experimentation and students are given the opportunity to conduct independent scientific investigations. Summer research scholarships are available from faculty research grants, and presentation of findings at scientific meetings is encouraged and facilitated.

Evolutionary Foundation for Curricula

At. St. Edward’s University, all curricula in the Biological Sciences are founded upon evolutionary theory. As a subject of scientific inquiry, the theory of evolution provides opportunities for testing hypotheses that strengthen our understanding of the processes that account for the diversity of life on Earth, and existing data overwhelmingly support the theory as scientifically sound. We regard any non-scientific or teleological attempts that distract from the scientific processes that underlie science as, at best, a diversion from our mission to provide exceptional education to our students in the Biological Sciences. We stand with the numerous scientific societies that have issued statements on the subject of evolution and intelligent design, confirming the demonstrated success of the former and rejecting the scientific viability of the latter.

Research

Research is an important option for undergraduates at St. Edward’s University. Many students join a research lab on campus while others participate in research at other institutions. Involvement in one of these research labs allows students the opportunity to work alongside distinguished professionals, be a part of published research, and gain real-world experience in a field specific to their interest.

Biology research projects vary across many different areas of focus, including neuroscience, immunology, cell biology, food microbiology, developmental biology, genetics, evolution, animal behavior, and plant evolutionary ecology. These opportunities are made possible by special funding and grants provided by the federal government and private foundations.

Biology students conducting field research

Biology Research Projects

Specific Biology research projects, imploring the use of model organisms, explore:

Relationships between nutrition and fecundity
Antimicrobial resistance
Colony collapse disorder and bee immunology
Biodiversity of vertebrates
Industrial Microbiology
Plant responses to climate change

Locations for these studies vary — from the state-of-the-art microscope facilities at St. Edward’s to our Wild Basin Center for Creative Research. Off-campus opportunities may take place at other universities or in private research labs.

Degree Plans

The Department of Biological Sciences has BS and BA degrees in Biology, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome. In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

Primarily designed for students pursuing a double major, biology education certification, pre-nursing, or admission to some professional schools.
Provides a solid foundation in biology with more latitude in the choice of general electives.
An example of a course you will take is Molecular Genetics which offers a study of the structure and function of DNA as the genetic material and focuses on details surrounding the central dogma of molecular biology, including DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, and translation, as well as mechanisms of control and regulation of expression of genetic information.

BA in Biology + MS in Clinical Laboratory Science (3 + 2) Program

Earn two degrees in five years: a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Edward’s University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) from UTMB.
View or download the full 3+2 Program degree plan (PDF)

Health Professions Track

Designed for students who intend to pursue further education and a career in the health professions such as medicine, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, or physical therapy.
Degree requirements include the prerequisites for most professional schools
An example of a course you will take is Evolution, an in-depth analysis of evolution via natural selection using examples from all major classes of organisms. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism and resulting products of evolutionary change. Evolutionary change is examined at the molecular, organismal and population levels of organization.
View or download the full BS in Biology - Health Professions degree plan (PDF)

Biology Professions Track

Designed to provide a strong background in biology and research.
Prepares students for education at the graduate level and preparation for careers outside the health professions. Students might study molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, microbiology, neurobiology, zoology, botany, ecology or other fields.
An example of a course you will take is Research in Biology, a course where students work collaboratively with a faculty member to conduct a research study. Many students go on to present their work at on-campus symposia as well as local, regional, and national meetings.View or download the full BS in Biology - Biology Professions major degree plan (PDF)

Prepares students to be health care detectives, investigating the cause of infectious disease, cancer and other ailments.
Involves coursework at St. Edward's University and clinical training at an affiliated MLS program (currently Austin State Hospital and Baylor Scott & White)). These courses span disciplines such as microbiology, hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and molecular biology.
An example of a course you will take is Immunology where students will discover the molecular nature of the human immune system including the cellular and noncellular components involved and how these factors interact to combat disease.
View or download the full BS in Medical Laboratory Science degree plan (PDF).

Interested in earning a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science? Learn more about our dual degree program.

Prepares students to use science to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental problems.
Austin is within 60 miles of half of Texas’ major ecosystems, and local field sites and reserves offer opportunities to study the ecology of these systems on day trips. As part of your curriculum, you’ll also choose from among several classes that immerse you in different ecosystems farther afield. And you can get involved on campus in clubs that focus on science research, conservation, and caring for the earth.
Students who earn this degree will be prepared for a variety of careers, as well as graduate school. Potential careers include:
- Natural resource management with federal, state and public agencies
- Sustainability specialists with private corporations
- Public policy advisory positions
- Excellent preparation for a variety of graduate programs
An example of a course you’ll take is Ecology and Global Change. In this course you’ll take field trips to different ecosystems such as the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma, the Four Corners of the U.S. Southwest or the Texas coast.
View or download the full degree plan for the BS in Environmental Biology and Climate Change degree plan (PDF).