Bachelor of Science in Biology

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of New Mexico gain practical experience through laboratory-based coursework, field exercises, faculty-led research, and opportunities for independent research. The program connects students with research environments spanning molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem biology, while facilities such as the Museum of Southwestern Biology and major research programs provide opportunities to work with biological collections, databases, field research, and laboratory techniques.

Students can build hands-on skills through several program-specific opportunities:

• Cellular and molecular laboratory: BIOL 2110C, Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Lecture and Laboratory, combines lecture and laboratory work covering cell structure, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell division, DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
• Laboratory techniques: UNM biology laboratory instruction includes microscopy, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, agar plating of microbial cultures, scientific measurement, and data analysis, giving students direct experience with common biological research methods.
• Ecology and fieldwork: Biology students can undertake laboratory or field exercises in ecology, while advanced opportunities include Flora of New Mexico, Limnology Laboratory, Ornithological Field Expedition, Introduction to Tropical Biology, and Natural History of the Southwest.
• Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led research or pursue independent research through the Honors Program. UNM specifically encourages students to identify faculty research areas and join research laboratories.
• Research and teaching facility: The Museum of Southwestern Biology is a research and teaching facility within the Biology Department, with natural-history collections, associated databases, staff expertise, and faculty research laboratories including the Cook Molecular Evolution and Ecology Lab, Loker Lab of Parasitology and Comparative Immunology, Turner Aquatic Conservation Lab, and Barrow Amphibian and Reptile Biodiversity Lab.
• Research institutes and programs: Students can connect with major research programs including the Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology (CETI), Center for Stable Isotopes, Museum of Southwestern Biology, and Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Program. CETI brings together researchers from UNM Biology, Computer Science, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Santa Fe Institute.
• Internship and experiential options: The Biology curriculum identifies Bosque Internship as an option for significant hands-on field or research-laboratory experience. Students may also satisfy this experience through approved field courses or participation in an NSF REU program.
• Team and data-focused learning: Current Biology offerings include Interdisciplinary Museum Science, where course activities emphasize materials science, data science, and team science, providing a collaborative application of biological knowledge.
• Specialized research training: UNM's U-RISE program provides undergraduate research training and support designed to prepare students for graduate school and careers in biomedical research. 

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of New Mexico provides a broad foundation in biological sciences that can prepare graduates for laboratory, environmental, biotechnology, and healthcare-related careers. Graduates can pursue roles such as biological technician, laboratory technician, research assistant, and environmental science technician, while the degree also provides a foundation for graduate and professional study.

Career and professional opportunities include:

• Career support: UNM’s Career Services provides career counseling, job and internship search support, resume and interview assistance, career fairs, and connections with employers to help students move from their degree into employment.
• Employment and salary information: UNM provides career resources and employment information, but a program-specific employment rate and salary figure for the B.S. in Biology are not stated on the official program information.
• University–industry connections: Biology students can gain professional experience through undergraduate research and internships, including opportunities connected with UNM’s research environment and New Mexico’s scientific, healthcare, and environmental sectors.
• Research opportunities: The Department of Biology supports undergraduate participation in faculty research, allowing students to develop practical research experience that can strengthen applications for employment, graduate school, and professional programs.
• Accreditation value: The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, providing institutional recognition of the university and its academic programs.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter biology-related laboratory and scientific positions or use the degree as preparation for advanced study in biology and related disciplines, as well as professional pathways such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biology, students can continue into graduate study such as a master’s or Ph.D. in biology and related life-science fields. The degree can also provide the undergraduate science foundation required for professional programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions, subject to each program’s prerequisite requirements.