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 tracks 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 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 of 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 to 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 latter.
St. Edward's University students and faculty members gave 32 presentations and students won 9 awards (25% of the awards given!) at the annual Texas Academy of Science meeting in March.
Major Requirements: The BA in Biology requires 76 hours of Biology major courses, which include a combination of introductory coursework, biology electives, and supporting courses in subjects such as chemistry.
General Education Requirements: The Biology degree requires 56 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses.
View or download the full BA in Biology - Biology Education degree plan (PDF)
Interested in earning a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science? Learn more about our dual degree program.
Our faculty research foci include epidemiology, microbiology, soil metagenomics, chloroplast and mitochhondrial genome evolution in legumes among other research. Field research has taken them to Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Alaska, Colorado, and other parts of the world.
Trish Baynham | Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Megan C. DeWhatley | Lecturer/Lab Coordinator Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences Biological Sciences
Claire Edwards | Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Lisa M. Goering | Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Daniel A. Gold | Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Michelle Green | Lecturer/Lab Coordinator Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Charles R. Hauser | Associate Professor Bioinformatics
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Andrea Holgado | Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
William J. Quinn | Professor of Biological Sciences & Compter Science
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Matthew M. Steffenson | Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Elijah Wostl | Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences
Zoe Skelton Biology | Lab Manager
School of Natural Sciences - Biological Sciences North
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 at St. Edward's 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, some of which have even been provided by the federal government.
Specific projects, imploring the use of model organisms, explore:
On-campus locations for these studies vary — from the state-of-the-art greenhouses 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.
Korey Nuchia (Class of 2018) won an award for presenting her research entitled, "Analysis of the Antibacterial Activity of Costa Rican and Gabonese Plant Extracts," at the 2015 UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference on October 9, 2015. Dr. Patricia Baynham is Korey's research advisor. Congratulations Korey and Dr. Baynham!