Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University provides students with a strong foundation in the science of life while preparing them for careers in health care, research, conservation, biotechnology, education, public health, veterinary medicine and related fields. Through rigorous coursework, laboratory and field experiences and research opportunities, students gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand living systems and address complex biological questions.
Biology connects many areas of science, from molecular and cellular processes to organismal function, ecosystems and evolutionary change. As a result, a degree in biological sciences opens the door to a wide range of professional and academic paths, including professional school, graduate study, industry, government service, environmental work and science education.
Undergraduate Programs
The department offers undergraduate degree programs and formal options designed to support a variety of career interests and educational goals, including health professions, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, conservation, marine science, research and graduate study.
Programs include:
- Genetics
- Genetics — Pre-professional concentrations in:
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology — Pre-professional concentrations in:
- Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology — Microbiology Option (MCMB)
- Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology — Cell & Molecular Biology Option (MCCM)
- Organismal Biology — Conservation & Biodiversity Option
- Organismal Biology — Ecology, Evolution & Behavior Option
- Organismal Biology — Integrative Biology Option
- Organismal Biology — Pre-professional concentrations in:
The department also offers a minor in Biological Sciences. Marine Biology students complete summer coursework through marine laboratories such as Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Gulf Coast Research Lab, while students across the department are encouraged to pursue internships and undergraduate research.
Students in the department gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, field-based learning and opportunities to participate in research alongside faculty members. Through research projects, teaching laboratories, fieldwork and internships, students develop technical skills in experimental design, data collection, biological analysis and scientific communication.
These experiences help prepare students for careers in health care, research, conservation, biotechnology, government service and graduate or professional programs.
A degree in biological sciences provides preparation for a wide range of careers across health care, research, conservation, biotechnology, education, public policy and environmental fields. Possible career paths include:
- Biomedical research
- Biotechnology
- Conservation science
- Environmental consulting
- Wildlife or fisheries biology
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology or public health
- Genetic counseling
- Laboratory management
- Science education
- Science writing or communication
- Museums, zoos or aquariums
- Medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, physician assistant studies or veterinary medicine
- Public policy, regulation or science law
Many graduates also continue their education in graduate or professional programs in biology, medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, conservation, biotechnology and related fields.
Student Organizations & Engagement
Learning Communities
The Department of Biological Sciences sponsors learning communities for incoming COSAM freshmen interested in areas such as marine biology, conservation biology, microbiology and epidemiology. These small-group experiences allow students to explore a shared academic interest, meet other students with similar goals and connect with faculty early in their Auburn experience.
Student Clubs
The department sponsors student organizations that help students learn more about biological sciences through speakers, field trips, professional development activities and other events. These include:
- Auburn University Student Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology
- Auburn University Marine Biology Club
- Micro Club
Internships & Study Abroad
Internships and study abroad experiences help students connect classroom learning with real-world experience in biology. These opportunities can also help students explore career paths, build professional skills and clarify their academic and professional goals.
Students are encouraged to plan early. Many summer internships have application deadlines in December or January, and earning Auburn credit for an internship requires advance approval. To receive credit, students must identify a faculty sponsor, complete the BIOL 4920 Internships in Biology form and register for the course before beginning the internship.
Internship opportunities may include research experiences at universities or research institutes, work with nonprofit organizations, conservation programs, zoos and aquariums, biotechnology organizations, government agencies and other biology-related settings. Study abroad opportunities are available through the Auburn University Office of International Programs.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research gives students the opportunity to work alongside faculty members and gain hands-on experience in the biological sciences. Research experiences may last a semester, continue for a year or more and, in some cases, lead to conference presentations or peer-reviewed publications.
Students can participate in both field-based and laboratory-based research. Those interested in getting involved should review faculty research areas and contact faculty members whose work aligns with their interests.
Students may also earn academic credit for research through BIOL 4980 Undergraduate Research. BIOL 4980 may be taken for 2 to 4 credit hours in a semester, and up to 6 credit hours may count toward the degree. Research may also be completed on a volunteer or paid basis.
Professional Resources
Many professional societies in the biological sciences also offer undergraduate resources, including information about careers, research, conferences, networking and professional development. Examples include:
