College of Science
Department Office: 201 Biology Building, (phone) 801-581-6517, (fax) 581-4668
Mailing Address: 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
Web Address: www.biology.utah.edu.
Department Chair, David R.Wolstenholme, Ph.D., D.Sc.
|
Distinguished Professors. M.R. Capecchi, T.E. Cerling, J.R. Ehleringer, R. F. Gesteland, B.M. Olivera.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus. K.G. Lark
Professors. F.R. Adler, M. Bastiani, M.C. Beckerle, D.F. Blair, D.M. Bramble, D.H. Clayton, P.D. Coley, D.W. Davidson, D.H. Feener, D.L. Gard, D.P. Goldenberg, K.G. Golic. H.F. Hirth, E.M. Jorgensen, D.L. Kropf, L.M. Okun, J.S. Parkinson, W.K. Potts, M.C. Rechsteiner, G.J. Rose, J. Seger, J.M. Shaw, J.S. Sperry, D.R. Wolstenholme, D. Yoshikami.
Professors Emeriti. W.K.Baker, W.H. Behle, P.J. Berger, W.J. Dickinson, G.F. Edmunds, F.R. Evans, W.R. Gray, C.A. Lark, J.M. Legler, J.L. Lords, N.C. Negus, L.T. Nielsen, J.D. Spikes, M. Treshow, R.K. Vickery.
Associate Professors. L.A. Bohs, D.R. Carrier, M.D. Dearing, G.N. Drews, F. Goller, E.T. Gurney, T. Gurney Jr., T.A. Kursar, A.V. Maricq, L.E. Sieburth, N.J. Vickers.
Assistant Professors. M. Babst, D.R. Bowling, M.P. Horvath, S.B. Williams.
Research Professors. L.J. Cruz, R.E. Elbel, S.B. Emerson, N. Franklin, J.M. McIntosh.
Research Associate Professor. E.J. King.
Research Assistant Professors. P. Ames, P. K. Bandyopadhyay, G. Bulaj, T. Capson, K.A. Clark, C.G. Farmer, M.M. Francis, U.G. Hacke, L.M. Hoffman, H.W. Kreuzer-Martin, R.L. Minckley, K. Okamoto, D.E. Pataki, D.L. Reed, P.J. Renfranz, K.R. Schuske, L.I. Terry, S.D. Torti, L. Vassilieva.
Adjunct Professors. W. Baehr, R.D. Bloebaum, S.R. Casjens, G.A. Herrick, W.M. Huang, A.R. Rogers.
Adjunct Associate Professor. S. George.
Adjunct Assistant Professors. R.J. Reid, E.A. Rickart, E.W. Schmidt.
Professor Lecturers. F.H. Montague, M.T. Nielsen.
Associate Professor Lecturers. R.S. Gray, D.H. Temme.
Assistant Professor Lecturer. M.J. Linton.
Clinical Faculty. J.G. Mirci.
Undergraduate Adviser, Fred Montague, 135 Building 44, 581-6244
Preprofessional Adviser, Marilyn Hoffman, 124 Building 44, 581-5744
Undergraduate Bioscience Research Adviser, Rosemary Gray, 103A BIOL, 585-7869
Graduate Program Coordinator, Shannon Nielsen, 102 BIOL, 581-5636
The Department of Biology, one of the largest in the University, offers a wide range of courses involving field, laboratory, lecture, and library experience. Active research is in progress at most levels of biological organization, from the fine structure of cells at the molecular level to community interactions and distributions of living things on a global scale. Facilities are located in buildings that cluster around the South Biology Building. Laboratories are well-equipped for a wide spectrum of modern biological research. The biology curriculum is designed to (1) prepare undergraduate and graduate students for professional careers in biology, (2) provide basic training for students who will enter graduate or professional fields related to biology, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and others, (3) offer background information courses for allied health disciplines, and (4) provide courses of general interest for the General Education Program for the University and community. Courses are available in the following general areas: biochemistry and molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics and developmental biology, physiology and organismal biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Students who wish to fulfill the requirements for the Physical and Life Science Intellectual Explorations area should consult the General Education section of this bulletin.
All current and prospective undergraduate students are encouraged to visit or call the Biology Advising Office for curricular information and academic advising assistance. Biology major academic program worksheets and general information materials are available (including information about courses, instructors, careers, graduate schools, etc.). The Biology Advising office is located in Room 135, Building 44, 801-581-6244, fax: 801-581-8571.
All graduate program inquiries should be directed to the Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Biology, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, 801-581-5636, fax: 801-581-4668.
|
B.A., B.S.
The Biology Major is an unrestricted major, and any student eligible for admission to the University is eligible to declare the Biology Major.
The biology curriculum provides students with flexibility in the choice of upper-division biology electives and at the same time provides exposure to a range of levels of biological organization and diverse approaches to the study of biological phenomena
BIOL 2010 (3), BIOL 2020 (3), and BIOL 2030 (3). The prerequisite for the 2010/2020/2030 series is BIOL 1000, or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP biology test, or excellent high school preparation in college-track math, chemistry, and biology courses. In addition, there are two upper-division core courses: BIOL 3410 and BIOL 3510, and one course in organismic form and function (to be selected from a list of approved courses).
An additional 17 credits must be completed in courses approved for the major. Students may elect to specialize in an area of biology or continue to explore the breadth of biology subjects.
As students select the “biology electives,” they must complete at least four approved biology laboratory courses that total five lab units. “Lab units” are assigned to laboratory courses by the department, and they range in value from one to three depending on how extensive the laboratory commitment is for a particular course. A list of approved biology laboratory courses and the associated lab units is available in the Biology Advising Office.
At least two 5000-level biology courses must be completed as part of the biology electives. A maximum of six credits of 2000-level approved biology courses may count for the biology electives. Students must earn a minimum of a C- grade in all biology course requirements and all required ancillary science courses. At least 21 of the 35 biology credits must be completed at the University of Utah.
Biology rests on a foundation of mathematics and physical sciences, so Biology majors also complete substantial ancillary work in other departments in the College of Science.
The mathematics requirement may be satisfied by completing either of the following two sequences.
MATH 1170 (4) and 1180 (4) Math for Life Scientists I & II.
MATH 1210 (4) and 1220 (4) or 1215-1225 Calculus I & II.
Complete both general chemistry and organic chemistry sequences.
CHEM 1210 (4), 1230 (1), 1220 (4), 1240 (1) General Chemistry I & II w/labs.
CHEM 2310(4), 2330 (1), 2320 (4), 2340 (1) Organic Chemistry I & II w/labs.
Physics: There are three approved physics sequences. Complete any of the three:
PHYCS 2010 (4) and 2020 (4) General Physics I & II
PHYCS 2110 (4) and 2120 (4) General Physics with Calculus I & II
PHYCS 2210 (4) and 2220 (4) Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II
Biology students have substantial responsibility for the design of their own programs. Those with specific interests can specialize to a considerable degree, and those who seek a relatively broad exposure to many fields of biology can do so. Early in their college careers (freshman and sophomore years), students should discuss their educational and professional goals with an adviser and develop a plan of study. Materials are available that describe a number of suggested course sequences for students with particular interests.
The progressive structure of the biology curriculum requires that students gain a complete foundation in the principles of biology and the fundamental chemistry and math courses before moving on to the more in-depth, upper-division courses. Faculty who teach advanced biology courses build upon the background acquired in BIOL 2010, 2020, and 2030 in order to provide the best educational program possible. It is the intent of the faculty, therefore, to enforce prerequisites for all biology courses. Any substitutions for listed prerequisites (either recommended or required) must be approved by the instructor before registration.
In order to satisfy necessary prerequisites and assure normal progress toward the bachelor’s degree, students should complete BIOL 2010, 2020, and 2030 no later than the end of their sophomore year; therefore, BIOL 1000 (or equivalent) and CHEM 1210-1240 should be completed by the end of the freshman year. Students with excellent high school preparation in math and science should be able to begin BIOL 2010 in the freshman year.
1. Required Ancillary Science Courses (36 credits)
CHEM 1210 General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 1230 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
CHEM 1220 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 1240 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
CHEM 2310 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 2330 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1)
CHEM 2320 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 2340 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)
MATH 1210 Calculus I (4)
or MATH 1170 Math for Life Science I (4)
MATH 1220 Calculus II (4)
or MATH 1180 Math for Life Science II (4)
PHYCS 2010 College Physics (4),
or PHYCS 2110 General Physics I (4),
or PHYCS 2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I.
PHYCS 2020 College Physics (4),
or PHYCS 2120 General Physics II,
or PHYCS 2220 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II.
2. Required Biology Courses (18 credits)
BIOL 2010 Evolution and Diversity of Life (3)
BIOL 2020 Principles of Cell Biology (3)
BIOL 2030 Genetics (3)
BIOL 3410 Ecology and Evolution (3)
BIOL 3510 Biological Chemistry (3)
BIOL Elective in Organismal Form and Function (3)
3. Biology Electives
Complete 17 credits of approved biology electives from a list provided by the Biology Advising Office. A maximum of six credits of 2000-level approved biology courses may be used.
a. Included in the 35 required biology credits, students must complete:
* at least two 5000-level courses (2 credit hour minimum)
* five lab units in four different courses (from a list of approved biology lab courses)
b. Students must earn a minimum grade of C- and an average of C in all required ancillary science courses and in all required biology courses.
c. Of the 35 required biology credits, 21 must be taken in residence at the University of Utah.
The program outlined (suggested schedule) illustrates one way a student might begin the curriculum in an orderly fashion. Entering freshmen without the necessary background to begin at this level, or students entering the program late, may, with careful planning, be able to complete the biology core later and still graduate on time.
Fall Semester
MATH 1170 (Math for Life Sci I)
or MATH 1210 (Calculus I) (4)
CHEM 1210 (Gen. Chem I) (4)
CHEM 1230 (Gen. Chem I Lab) (1)
WRTG 2010 (3)
IE COURSE (3)
Spring Semester
MATH 1180 (Math for Life Sci II)
or MATH 1220 (Calculus II) (4)
CHEM 1220 (Gen Chem II)(4)
CHEM 1240 (Gen Chem II Lab) (1)
BIOL 2010 (Evol. & Diversity) (3)
IE COURSE (3)
Fall Semester
BIOL 2020 (Prin. Cell Biology) (3)
CHEM 2310 (Org. Chem. I) (4)
CHEM 2330 (Org. Chem. I Lab) (1)
AM INST (3)
IE COURSE (3)
Spring Semester
BIOL 2030 (Genetics) (3)
CHEM 2320 (Org. Chem. I) (4)
CHEM 2340 (Org. Chem. II Lab) (1)
IE COURSE (3)
ELECTIVE (4)
Fall Semester
BIOL 3510 (Biol Chem I) (3)
BIOL (Structure/Function) (3)
PHYCS (4)
IE COURSE (3)
ELECTIVE (3)
Spring Semester
BIOL 3410 (Ecol & Evol) (3)
BIOL ELECTIVE (2)
PHYCS (4)
IE COURSE (3)
ELECTIVE (3)
Fall Semester
BIOL ELECTIVE (3)
BIOL ELECTIVE (3)
BIOL ELECTIVE (3)
ELECTIVE (4)
ELECTIVE (3)
Spring Semester
BIOL ELECTIVE (3)
BIOL ELECTIVE (3)
ELECTIVE CW (3)
ELECTIVE (4)
ELECTIVE (3)
Students who began their college programs before Fall 1998 semester and have completed 45 quarter-credits (30 semester-credits) may elect to complete the old quarter requirements. If so, they must graduate by the end of the Spring Semester 2005. Students with fewer than 45 quarter-credits (30 semester-credits) completed before Fall Semester 1998 must finish by fulfilling the new semester system requirements.
Please refer to Education in the Colleges section for information on teaching major and minor course requirements and state secondary teacher certification.
Strongly recommended for students contemplating graduate school are CHEM 3060 and 3070 (Physical Chemistry I and II), or CHEM 3090 (Biophysical Chemistry), or MATH 3070 and 3080 (Applied Statistics I and II), or PHYCS 3740 (Introduction to Quantum Theory and Relativity) or PHYCS 3760 (Principles of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics).
Independent research experience is available to qualified students and is highly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in the biological sciences. Arrangements must be made through the faculty member in whose laboratory the work will be undertaken. Credit for independent research may be given under BIOL 4955 and 4995.
The Biology Advising Office helps students plan their schedules to assure orderly completion of all formal degree requirements. All biology majors are encouraged to see Dr. Fred Montague, Director of Academic Advising for the Biology Department, early in their academic careers. The Pre-Medical Program Advising Office is the best source for information about preparation for admission to schools of medicine and other health-profession programs. All pre-medical program students are encouraged to see Marilyn Hoffman, Pre-Professional Program Academic Adviser, Room 124, Building 44, for important information.
In addition to Biology Advising Office services, students can also draw on the experience and expertise of faculty to help plan the most effective educational experience for their individual goals and interests. Obviously, the faculty member responsible for a given course is the best source of information concerning the content, demands and prerequisites for that course. Beyond this, the Biology Advising Office staff can help students arrange appointments with faculty who are prepared to consult on graduate education and/or careers in areas of biology as well as the best preparation for such opportunities.
Students who are interested in research careers in biology or medicine should apply at the end of their freshman or sophomore year. Participants in the two-year program take special laboratory and seminar courses and are placed in research labs of faculty from the Department of Biology and departments at the medical school. The faculty mentors can provide individual attention throughout the undergraduate experience. Positions are available for the first year, with the option to continue for a second year and perhaps serve as teaching assistants. While selection is based on scholastic record and career plans, each individual’s application is evaluated for its unique aspects. For more information, contact the Bioscience Undergraduate Research Program, Department of Biology, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840 or call (801) 581-5013.
Students can apply for funding to work in research labs in the Department of Biology and the departments at the School of Medicine. Students can apply at any stage of their education and may be funded for up to two semesters. For more information, contact the Bioscience Undergraduate Research Program, Department of Biology, 257 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840 or call (801) 581-5013.
Various scholarships are available to qualified applicants. Contact the department advising office for information.
M.S., Ph.D.
Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology with areas of specialization that include ecology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology, physiology, cell and molecular biology. Course requirements are structured to individual needs.
The departments of Biology and Chemistry participate with departments from the colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in the Molecular Biology Program and the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry. First-year graduate students share a core curriculum and spend a rotation period in each of four research laboratories. After the first year, students select a thesis adviser and enter the Ph.D. program of that faculty member’s department. For more detailed information regarding these programs, see Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology elsewhere in this section of the catalog.
The GRE, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a detailed personal statement of research interests and experience are required.
Applications are generally reviewed in December and January for fall admission. Only a limited number of students are admitted into the graduate program. Admission is contingent upon the student’s qualifications, potential, and research interests. Additional information and application materials may be obtained from the department’s director of graduate studies.
Fellowships and assistantships are available to qualified applicants. Contact the graduate program coordinator for information.
Ph.D.: Any foreign language requirement is determined by the student’s supervisory committee. Typically there are no foreign-language requirements.
|
|
Biology 
