Location: Life Sciences Building, Room 337,
501 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76019
Mailing address: P.O. Box 19498
Phone: 817-272-2872
Pre‑Clinical Program in Biology at UTA
Prepare for medical school, dentistry, optometry, PA programs, and beyond—starting day one.
The Department of Biology at The University of Texas at Arlington is home to a vibrant community of students preparing for careers in medicine and the health professions. Our curriculum, research opportunities, and hands‑on training are intentionally designed to help pre‑clinical students stand out as competitive, confident applicants.
Whether you’re a prospective student exploring majors or a parent looking for strong outcomes and support, Biology at UTA offers a clear pathway from the classroom to clinical and professional success.
Built for Pre‑Clinical Success
Pre‑Clinical Track within the Biology BS
A clear, guided pathway to professional school.
The Biology BS at UTA offers a dedicated Pre‑Clinical Track designed specifically for students planning to apply to medical school, dental school, optometry, PA programs, and other health-related professions.
- Which biology, chemistry, physics, and supporting courses to take
- When to take key prerequisite and recommended courses
- How to sequence coursework alongside research, clinical experiences, and exam preparation
By following the Pre‑Clinical Track, students can be confident they are completing coursework that aligns with professional school expectations while earning a rigorous Biology degree.
BIOL 4321: Advanced Problem Solving in Biology
Admissions‑exam preparation, the Biology way.
BIOL 4321 is a unique, upper‑division course specifically designed for pre‑clinical students preparing for professional school entrance exams such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, and PA‑related exams. The course mirrors the structure, rigor, and expectations of these exams while strengthening students’ confidence and test taking strategies.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:- Apply core biological concepts across disciplines in MCAT style passages and questions style passages and questions
- Analyze experimental data, graphs, and research scenarios commonly found on admissions exams
- Integrate biology with relevant chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology concepts
- Use effective test taking strategies for time management, passage analysis, and answer elimination taking strategies for time management, passage analysis, and answer elimination
- Clearly articulate scientific reasoning under exam like conditions like conditions
The course includes regular practice exams and exam style assessments, allowing students to track progress, identify content gaps, and build endurance and confidence before taking their admissions exams. Student outcomes from BIOL 4321 have demonstrated measurable improvements in admissions exam practice scores, reflecting increased readiness and performance.
Research That Makes You Competitive
Cutting‑Edge Research Opportunities
UTA Biology students don’t just learn science—they do science. Undergraduates have access to research experiences typically reserved for graduate students at other institutions.
Faculty‑mentored research spans a wide range of high‑impact biomedical and biological fields, including:- Antibiotic resistance and infectious disease
- Genetics of birth defects and developmental disorders
- Cancer biology
- Neuroscience and behavior
- Biology of aging and age‑related disease
Participating in research helps students build strong resumes for professional school applications, develop critical thinking and laboratory skills, earn strong letters of recommendation, explore career interests, and develop job skills in life science fields.
Download a flyer describing the research of many of our faculty.
Personalized Pre‑Health Advising
Advising Through the UTA College of Science
Pre‑clinical students in Biology receive dedicated pre‑health advising through the College of Science Health Professions Advising Office. Advisors help students select courses aligned with professional school requirements, plan competitive timelines for applications and entrance exams, understand extracurricular expectations (clinical hours, service, research), navigate the application process, and prepare for interviews.
This structured advising ensures students stay on track academically while building a well‑rounded professional profile.
Hands‑On Clinical Training
Clinical Simulation & Skills Courses
The UTA Biology Department offers several clinical simulation and skills‑based courses that give students early exposure to real‑world healthcare environments.
Students can gain experience in a range of skills including labor and delivery simulations, blood pressure measurement and EKG interpretation, patient interaction and communication, and clinical laboratory testing techniques.
These experiences help students enter professional programs with confidence, familiarity, and practical skills that set them apart.
Signature Opportunity: The Biology Scholars Program
Enhanced Research Experience for High‑Achieving Students
The Biology Scholars Program is a selective program designed for motivated Biology majors seeking an immersive, research‑focused undergraduate experience.
Program highlights include:- Early and sustained involvement in faculty‑mentored research
- A cohort‑based experience that builds community and mentorship
- Structured training in scientific thinking and communication
- Preparation for competitive graduate and professional programs
This program reflects UTA Biology’s commitment to providing transformational educational experiences for aspiring scientists and healthcare professionals.
Learn more on the Biology Scholars Program page
Why Biology at UTA?
- Strong preparation for medical and health‑professional schools
- Faculty actively engaged in impactful biomedical research
- Access to advising, clinical training, and exam‑focused coursework
- A supportive, student‑centered learning environment
- Proven pathways to professional school success
Your future in healthcare starts here.