Department of Biology

The biology department provides opportunities for active involvement with the natural world. With an abundance of natural environments and a warm climate, the Tampa Bay area provides ideal locations for environmental projects. Many research and laboratory experiences center on the biota of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, which students and faculty regularly explore.

Internship opportunities are numerous in Tampa Bay and elsewhere, at the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Dolphin Research Institute, Florida Marine Research Institute, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and others. The highest academic achievers may be able to participate in original research projects and work with faculty to produce scientific research publications.

The department offers majors for biology, marine science-biology, marine science-chemistry and environmental science. Within each area of study, students are introduced to a wide range of topics in historical and contemporary biological and chemical science.

Marine Science Center

UT’s waterfront Marine Science Center is located at Bayside Marina, about twenty 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, showers and a boat slip.

The wet lab has a recirculating/flow-through sea water system with reservoirs at ground level. Two boats are housed at the marina. On the eastern edge of the marina property is a mosaic of supratidal and shallow water habitats that UT faculty maintain.

Students frequently conduct research from the University’s 45-foot research vessel, the Bios, which is equipped for SCUBA diving, trawling, dredging, and on-site study of marine and estuarine ecosystems.