Biology
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The bachelor's degrees from Our Lady of the Lake University prepare students for graduate school, medical school and careers in the health professions, environmental science, teaching and research. Classes in the Biology program are limited to 24 students, allowing faculty members to develop personal relationships with students and provide them with the individualized help they need.
Biology Degrees and Programs Offered
This is the track for students who are interested in graduate studies in biology and employment in biology-related fields. The Bachelor of Science track includes more classes in statistics and physics to better prepare students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Some graduate and professional programs require that prospective students pursue a BS in Biology instead of a Bachelor of Arts (BA), so it is important for students to check the graduate programs they are interested in when selecting between the BS or the BA degree at OLLU.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology is a traditional track for students wanting to study biology in preparation for graduate school and entrance into pre-professional programs. This track does offer fewer classes in statistics and physics, so students wishing to apply for graduate school and pre-professional programs should check the programs requirements when selecting between the BA or the BS degrees at OLLU.
This track is for students who wish to become middle or high school science teachers. In addition to the biology courses, students also take courses offered through the Education Department.
Biology for Grades 7-12 Teacher Certification degree plan and course descriptions
A minor in biology pairs well with many of the majors offered at OLLU. The addition of a minor in biology allows students to increase their knowledge of biology while also developing criticalm thinking skills by analyzing the surrounding world, generating and testing hypotheses, analyzing data and drawing conclusions. There are a variety of courses available for students to choose from to tailor the biology minor to their area of interest.
Spanish-speaking students can earn a biology degree with dual-language (English/Spanish) emphasis through the Biliterate Certificate Program. Students take specialized courses taught in Spanish and fulfill a portion of their major requirements by completing a practicum or learning experience in a Spanish-speaking setting. Earning the certificate certifies that a student is proficient in both English and Spanish.
Let Your Curiosity Guide You
As part of the Biology program, students can complete research projects with biology faculty and other classmates. These projects provide opportunities to explore the world and search to find the answers to commonly, or not so commonly, asked questions. Students are encouraged to use their own curiosity to develop their research questions. Additionally, some students are able to present their research at local or national conferences.
Take Your Biology Degree to Medical School
OLLU has an articulation agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) for students wishing to go to medical, dental or pharmacy school after graduating. Through the agreement, OLLU students who meet certain criteria may receive provisional acceptance to LECOM. If the student meets the requirements outlined in the provisional acceptance, they will be guaranteed a spot at LECOM once they graduate from OLLU.
OLLU also participates in the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP). Under this partnership, students who meet certain criteria are guaranteed a spot in a Texas medical school upon graduation from OLLU.
Career and Graduate School Prep
Many OLLU biology graduates decide to enter the workforce directly for employers such as:
- Southwest Foundation of Biomedical Research
- UT Health
- Ilex Oncology
- South Texas Blood and Tissue Center
- Brooks Air Force Base
Other graduates go on to professional or graduate schools to study the following:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Nursing
Hands-On Opportunities
Studying biology at OLLU opens the door to many experiences for students. Some of the opportunities for exploration include:
- Due to OLLU's location on Lake Elmendorf, biology classes often take place by the lake, or students may use specimens from the lake for research purposes.
- Students have access to the science labs after classes and on weekends to conduct research.
- Students studying the sciences and humanities also benefit from the incorporation of Anatomy in Clay® to the anatomy laboratories. This program brings the human body to life.
New Four-Year, Tuition-Lock Guarantee – Today's Price, Tomorrow's Degree
Take advantage of OLLU’s one-to-one, private education without worrying about a price increase during four years of consecutive undergraduate study.
The Today’s Prices, Tomorrow’s Degree tuition lock is just one of the many ways the university provides you a great value to help you access a private education. You will not be a statistic at OLLU, but instead will receive individual guidance and mentorship on your path to a four-year degree, all with the reassurance that your tuition rate will not increase.
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