Department of Biology

Faculty: Associate Professor Masonjones, Chair; Dana Professor Price; Professors Beach, Rice; Associate Professors Bellone, Campbell, Chipouras, Kucera, L. McRae, Meers, Schlueter; Assistant Professors Freundt, Huber, Hulathduwa, Mahadevan, M. McRae, Sikorski, Waggett, Williams, Yokota; Instructor Froeschke.

The B.S. in biology, B.A. in biology, B.S. in marine science–biology, B.S. in marine science–chemistry and environmental science programs seek to educate students in the process and methodology of science; to provide the conceptual and applied knowledge necessary to address problems at a wide range of levels of biological organization; and to graduate responsible global citizens who are able to make informed decisions about complex issues. These goals are achieved through learning partnerships in the classroom and laboratory that facilitate growth in knowledge and skills in the basic and applied sciences and through the development of communication and critical thinking skills. Through experiential learning and mentoring, students are introduced to a wide range of historical and contemporary topics and techniques in the biological sciences, thereby illustrating the creative process that leads to scientific innovation. Through these efforts we seek to prepare students for careers in science, graduate and professional schools, and to be innovative lifelong learners while emphasizing the importance of the natural sciences in the University’s liberal arts tradition. Our faculty value and continually contribute to the scientific community through high-quality research and pedagogical innovation, and to the improvement of society through service to professional organizations, to the University and to broader communities.

Marine Science Center

UT’s waterfront Marine Science Center is located at the Tampa Harbour Marina, about 20 minutes from campus. This 3,000-square-foot facility is well equipped to serve both students and faculty in marine science, environmental science and biology programs. The facility includes a wet laboratory and dry lab/classroom, SCUBA storage area, lockers and a dedicated boat slip. The wet lab has a recirculating/flow-through seawater system with reservoirs at ground level. Three large power boats, as well as several smaller boats, are also housed at the marina. On the southern and eastern edges of the marina property are a mosaic of supratidal and shallow water habitats that UT faculty use for research. This mangrove/salt marsh/oyster reef/mud flat/seagrass habitat makes an ideal location for environmental projects for students and faculty.