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.
Course Requirements. 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.
Core Biology Courses: BIOL 2010 (3), BIOL 2020
(3), and BIOL 2030 (3). The prerequisite for the
2010/2020/2030 series is BIOL 1210, 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).
Biology Electives: An additional 18 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.
Biology Laboratory Requirement. 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.
Other Requirements and Restrictions. 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 36 biology credits must
be completed at the University of Utah.
Ancillary Science Requirements. 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.
Mathematics. 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) Calculus I &
II.
Chemistry: Complete both general chemistry and
organic chemistry sequences. CHEM 1210 (4), 1215 (1), 1220
(4), 1225 (1) General Chemistry I & II w/labs. CHEM 2310(4),
2315 (1), 2320 (4), 2325 (1) Organic Chemistry I & II
w/labs. Physics: There are three approved physics sequences.
Complete any of the three: PHYS 2010 (4) and 2020 (4)
General Physics I & II PHYS 2110 (4) and 2120 (4) General
Physics with Calculus I & II PHYS 2210 (4) and 2220 (4)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II.
Recommended Plans of Study. 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 advisor 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 1215 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
CHEM 1220 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 1225 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
CHEM 2310 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 2315 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1)
CHEM 2320 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 2325 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)
PHYS 2010 College Physics (4), or
PHYS 2110 General Physics I (4), or
PHYS 2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I.
PHYS 2020 College Physics (4), or
PHYS 2120 General Physics II, or
PHYS 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 18 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 36 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 36 required biology credits, 21 must be taken
in residence at the University of Utah.
Model Program of Study
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.
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
MATH 1170 (Math for Life Sci I) or MATH 1210 (Calculus I)
(4)
CHEM 1210 (Gen. Chem I) (4)
CHEM 1215 (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 1225 (Gen Chem II Lab) (1)
BIOL 2010 (Evol. & Diversity) (3)
IE COURSE (3)
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
BIOL 2020 (Prin. Cell Biology) (3)
CHEM 2310 (Org. Chem. I) (4)
CHEM 2315 (Org. Chem. I Lab) (1)
AM INST (3)
IE COURSE (3)
Spring Semester
BIOL 2030 (Genetics) (3)
CHEM 2320 (Org. Chem. I) (4)
CHEM 2325 (Org. Chem. II Lab) (1)
IE COURSE (3)
ELECTIVE (4)
Junior Year
Fall Semester
BIOL 3510 (Biol Chem I) (3)
BIOL (Structure/Function) (3)
PHYS (4) IE COURSE (3)
ELECTIVE (3)
Spring Semester
BIOL 3410 (Ecol & Evol) (3)
BIOL ELECTIVE (2)
PHYS (4)
IE COURSE (3)
ELECTIVE (3)
Senior Year
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)
Teaching Major, Minor, Certification.
Please refer to Education in the Colleges section for
information on teaching major and minor course requirements
and state secondary teacher certification.
Preparation for Graduate School. 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 PHYS 3740 (Introduction to Quantum
Theory and Relativity) or PHYS 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.
Student Advising. 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 Preprofessional Advising Office (Room
206, Building 44, www.premed. utah.edu ) is the best source
for information about preparation for admission to schools
of chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, optometry, podiatry,
and veterinary medicine.
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.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Bioscience Undergraduate Research Program. 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.
Bioscience Minigrant Program. 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.
Financial Assistance. Various scholarships are
available to qualified applicants. Contact the department
advising office for information.
Degree. M.S., Ph.D.
Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology with areas of specialization
that include ecology, evolution, genetics, microbiology,
neurobiology, physiology, plant science, cell and molecular
biology. Course requirements are structured to individual
needs.
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biological Chemistry. 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 advisor 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.
Admission. The GRE, a research checklist, resume,
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.
Financial Assistance. Fellowships and
assistantships are available to qualified applicants.
Contact the graduate program coordinator for information.
Language Requirements. Ph.D.: Any foreign language
requirement is determined by the student’s supervisory
committee. Typically there are no foreign-language
requirements.
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