University of Arizona

What you'll study

The Biology degree combines core biological principles with laboratory and field-based training. Early-stage study emphasises foundational topics such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, organismal structure and function, ecology and evolution, plus quantitative skills including statistics and experimental design. As you progress you choose from concentrations or elective pathways — for example molecular and cellular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, organismal physiology, microbiology or environmental biology — allowing more specialised coursework and laboratory projects.

• Core modules: cell biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, organismal biology
• Laboratory and methods courses: molecular techniques, microbiology, animal and plant physiology labs, microscopy and data analysis
• Quantitative and supporting subjects: biostatistics, chemistry (general and organic), calculus or applied mathematics as required for the chosen pathway
• Field and experiential learning: field ecology, biodiversity surveys, conservation practice and opportunities to use regional ecosystems as outdoor classrooms
• Capstone options: independent research projects, honours thesis or internship placements with faculty research groups, industry or conservation organisations

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in science and mathematics. Applicants should demonstrate competency in biology, chemistry and mathematics through prior study. International applicants need to show English language proficiency through accepted tests or university-administered alternatives.

Transfer applicants from community colleges are considered and may receive credit for equivalent coursework; successful applicants normally present a record of collegiate-level biology and chemistry with good grades. The university also values evidence of research experience, laboratory work, fieldwork or relevant extracurricular commitment in the sciences.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Biology programme pursue a wide range of careers. Many go on to postgraduate study (MSc and PhD) in research fields such as molecular biology, ecology, conservation biology and biomedical sciences. Others use the degree as preparation for professional programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health.

• Research and laboratory roles: research technician, laboratory technologist, clinical laboratory positions
• Environmental and conservation careers: conservation scientist, environmental consultant, wildlife biologist
• Industry and applied biology: biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, quality assurance, regulatory roles
• Education and communication: secondary-school science teacher (with additional certification), science outreach and communication
• Further professional training: medical, veterinary, dental and other health-related professional programmes

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a research-intensive institution with extensive opportunities for undergraduate participation in active research across molecular labs and field stations. Students benefit from interdisciplinary centres such as the BIO5 Institute, which fosters collaboration between biology, engineering, medicine and computer science.

The university’s location offers unique advantages for biological study: access to the Sonoran Desert and other regional ecosystems supports field-based learning and biodiversity research, and facilities such as Biosphere 2 provide rare large-scale experimental environments. Small upper-division class sizes, faculty mentoring, and established links with local hospitals, research centres and industry help students gain practical experience and prepare for diverse career paths.