By the Numbers
8,000+
students enrolled in new or redesigned high-impact courses
5
new or redesigned courses developed, piloted and assessed
2
additional courses in development for 2025–26 pilots
Transforming Teaching Through Innovation
BIO 206L: A Campus-Wide Research Experience
The redesigned introductory biology lab (BIO 206L) is now UT’s largest course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), serving nearly 800 students each semester. Adapted from the Tiny Earth curriculum, the lab launched at full scale in Fall 2023. Students collect and analyze soil samples for antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-producing bacteria, contributing to real-world research and even presenting at conferences.
General Chemistry Lab: Smarter, Scalable Science
To improve learning and accessibility, the general chemistry lab was restructured into two 1-credit courses aligned with lecture content and research-based practices. After a 240-student pilot in Spring 2024, the new format scaled to over 4,000 students in Fall 2024, making it the largest lab course on campus and a model for cost-effective, hands-on STEM instruction.
Essentials of AI for Life and Society
STEMx partnered with Computer Science and Good Systems to launch a non-technical AI literacy course focused on ethical, real-world applications. The course reached 715 students and auditors in its first offering. A redesigned, more interactive version debuted in Fall 2024 and is included in the university's core curriculum in 2025.
Health Professions Pathways
This 3-course seminar series connects with undergraduates from their first year on campus as they explore and execute their healthcare career goals. In the first 18 months, >1,500 students across UT participated in the program, with future enrollment projected at >1,000 students per semester. These innovative seminars combine education at scale with personalized support by incorporating both asynchronous, online work and small in-person discussions.
CNS Foundations
Launched in Fall 2024, CNS Foundations is a first-semester seminar for College of Natural Sciences students. The course fosters belonging, introduces scientific problem-solving and connects students to campus resources and STEM career pathways.