Spring 2024 Registration Now Open!
New and returning students: spring registration is now open! Register now to get your classes! View All Dates
Important Dates
Jan 3 – Tuition deadlines begin
Jan 16 – 16wk, & 1st 8wk classes start
Mar 18 – 2nd 8wk classes start
Biology
Discover what makes up life and living organisms with Austin Community College’s Biology Program. With dedicated faculty and limited class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one learning support in and out of the classroom. Courses will prepare you for multiple paths, whether you’re interested in enrolling in one of ACC’s many popular Health Sciences career programs or completing up to two years of affordable and transferable credits for a bachelor’s degree.
Pride Points
State-of-the-art labs
Low faculty-to-student ratio
Access to free tutoring
Career & Salary Information
Graduates have a wide array of career possibilities. Most positions require a four-year degree or higher and include field–, lab– classroom work, and more. Here are just a few careers you might consider.
Click each title to learn more about important career information such as employment rates, and average salary in our region.
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Biochemists and Biophysicists
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Biochemists and Biophysicists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Bioinformatics Scientists
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Bioinformatics Scientists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Biologists
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Biologists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Cytotechnologists
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Cytotechnologists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Geneticists
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Geneticists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Microbiologists
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Hourly Wage: $
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Projections:
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Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Molecular and Cellular Biologists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
Choose the Award Path That’s Right for You
ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn more.
Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.