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About Us

The Department of Biology consists of approximately 30 faculty members, several postdoctoral research associates, and four full-time staff members. We are actively engaged in research and education as part of one of the largest biology programs located on the Gulf Coast.

Our faculty and students conduct field research throughout the Americas, including the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, North Atlantic, Panama, and the Amazon Basin. We also work in close collaboration with state and federal partners to expand research and training opportunities for our students. For example, the LUMCON marine laboratory in Cocodrie, Louisiana, provides laboratory facilities, small boats, and large marine vessels in support of research along our coast. The USGS National Wetlands Research Center and the NOAA Estuarine Habitats and Coastal Fisheries Center in the UL Lafayette Research Park provide additional research opportunities.

Undergraduate Studies

We are committed to educating future leaders in all aspects of biology. In addition to offering a wide range of courses, we help students gain hands-on experience through research in our labs and internships with local agencies. We have one of the largest undergraduate degree programs at the University, which has grown by 50% over the last decade to over 750 students. Over half of our graduates work in health care, with many other students pursue careers in environmental and coastal biology. About half of our graduates go on to earn advanced medical or graduate degrees.  Within the Bachelors Degree in Biology, we offer two tracks for students seeking specialized training in Resource Biology and Biodiversity and Microbiology.  Additionally, we offer pre-veterinary and medical technology transfer tracks.

Graduate Education and Research

We offer a master’s degree in biology and a doctoral degree in environmental and evolutionary biology, with over 70 students currently pursuing graduate degrees. Graduates of our master’s program are well prepared to enter the work force as laboratory or environmental scientists or to pursue advanced degrees. Our doctoral graduates are successful in competing for teaching and research positions in universities and institutions around the world.