Biology Department

Offering challenging academic opportunities across a variety of biological fields, we provide extended preparation for professional success. Students develop their scientific understanding in the classroom, field, and lab. After basic core courses, students consult with faculty advisors to design the final pieces of their major. Career success includes the health professions where 90% of qualified applicants are accepted to medical school and graduate programs.

Biology Program Details

Opportunities for Biology Students

While pre-medical and other pre-professional students can major in a variety of disciplines, biology is the major of choice for many of these students. The department has a long and successful record of providing strong training for these careers. A Health Science Advisor, a Health Science Committee, and special opportunities are provided to students interested in medicine, dentistry, and related occupations. Examples include hospital internships, pre-medical studies abroad, independent study opportunities, and practice interviews.

See more about Health Sciences and Public Health
Graduate School Opportunities through Gateways

Meet Our Alumni

Akshay Shetty ’17

I graduation from Austin College in 2017 with a degree in Biology. I joined the St. George’s University School of Medicine in 2018 and will graduate with my MD in 2022. Austin College was a rigorous course load, however, it greatly prepared me for the course load of Medical School.

Joel Barrett ‘16

I graduated from Austin College in 2016 with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology. I went on to attend Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and School of Medicine and am currently completing clinical rotations in Amarillo, Texas. I expect to receive my Medical Doctorate in May of 2020 and apply for residency training… [Read More]

Victoria Campbell Slowinski ’17

I graduation from Austin College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. I began Physician Assistant Studies in 2018 at Chatham University and am currently working through clinical rotations. My anticipated graduation and white coat ceremony is July 2020. Austin College provided me with an environment that not only welcomed but encouraged… [Read More]

Dilan S. Shah ’17

After graduating in 2017 with a degree in Molecular Biology, I worked for one year and spent another backpacking around the globe to continue growing the sense of global citizenship I learned at Austin College. Now, I am a first year medical student (MS1), Dorman Scholar, and member of the inaugural class at the TCU… [Read More]

Andrew French ’01

Andrew French completed his medical degree at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, graduating in 2006, and began participating in the prestigious Denver Health Residency Program in Emergency Medicine. There he began a leadership development program for young doctors that could be implemented for doctors across the country. He graduated in 2019 with an MBA… [Read More]

Andrew “A.J.” Horton ’11

After graduation from Austin College, Andrew received his Master of Science in Ecology from Colorado State University in 2014. He currently serves as an Environmental Investigator for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. His work involves conducting technical inspections of large facilities that generate air pollution, including gas refineries, metal refineries, natural gas pipelines, and… [Read More]

Carolyn Wilson ’03

Carolyn earned an MS in Oceanography after graduating form Austin College. She is currently working on her PhD in Education. She works as a Geoscience Workforce Data Analyst at the American Geosciences Institute, tracking the trends seen in the supply and demand of geoscientists in the global workforce, as well as collect data on the… [Read More]

Elliott Carman ’96

After graduation from Austin College, Elliott received an M.S. in biology from Texas Christian University in 1998. He currently works as a Regulatory Appeals Review Officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Acting on behalf of the Division Commander, he conducts full reviews and evaluations of administrative appeals of certain Corps regulatory decisions. He… [Read More]

Nuha Alavi Lackan ’97

After graduating from Austin College, Nuha received her Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine & Community Health from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and an M.A. from the University of the Incarnate Word in Social Gerontology. She works as Associate Professor of Health Management & Policy and Director of the Master of Health Administration… [Read More]

The January Term provides opportunities for biology majors including internships, student/faculty research, fieldwork in the Southwestern U.S., and field trips to the tropics, including Central America, South America, and Africa.

The faculty and staff teach a broad range of courses and are active in research and professional activities. Student research and student/faculty joint research projects are an integral component of the undergraduate learning experience.

Meet the Biology Faculty and Staff

The department maintains five field laboratories totaling nearly 360 acres in close proximity to the campus. The Barry Buckner Biological Preserve and Research Area, The Lee Harrison Bratz Field Laboratory, The Garnett Prairie, The McCarley Woods Nature Preserve, and The Clinton & Edith Sneed Environmental Research Area provide excellent examples of natural habitats and allow classes and student researchers ready access to field sites.

Read more about the IDEA Center

For further information contact Dr. Lance Barton.

Department Extras

See the STEM Leadership Program
Biology Interest Group (BIG)