General Information Biology

The Department of Biology offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Majors will complete a core of courses which provide an understanding of biological principles. Upper-division courses provide integration, in-depth study, and an opportunity for specialization within the different degree emphases. Additional coursework in chemistry, physics, statistics, and mathematics provides knowledge and analytical skills in these important related fields. The biology degree provides a foundation for graduate work. Biology majors can add a minor area of study, such as business or chemistry, to enhance their employment opportunities. For detailed information on the degree requirments see the Utah State Univesity General Catalog or the Major Requirement Sheet for the specific major. Advisor: Dennis Welker, BNR 101.

Prehealth Professions Programs
The Department of Biology supervises the premedical, predental, and other health professions programs. These programs satisfy entrance requirements for most medical and dental schools in the United States and Canada and are recognized for the high quality preprofessional preparation they provide. After four years, the student receives a BS degree in Biology or another major.  Advisor: Andy Anderson, VSB 231. Nursing Advisor: Yvonne Kobe, BNR 101.

Composite Teaching-Biological Science
Students majoring in the Composite Teaching-Biological Science Major will complete courses which provide an in-depth understanding of biological principles. Additional coursework is designed to develop analytical and applicable skills in such areas as mathematics, chemistry, and physics. In addition to the academic areas of study, the program provides the student with a thorough background in the latest and most effective teaching methods and resources. The Secondary Education website, provides information on the education courses required for this degree. The Composite Teaching-Biological Science Major program is fully accredited by the Utah State Office of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Advisor: Richard Mueller, ESLC 245.

Public Health
The Department of Biology offers a BS degree in public health with preprofessional training emphasizing industrial hygiene, environmental health, or public health education. The program prepares students for professional employment in these fields, with options for work in related areas. The public health degree is a good choice for students pursuing medical, dental or other health professional schools. Advisor: David Wallace, BNR 333.

The Department Head, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, and advisors in the Department of Biology are available to provide undergraduate majors with additional information regarding specific programs and career opportunities. The Biology Advising Center and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dennis Welker, are located in BNR 101. Additional information and an Ask an Advisor e-mail service are on this website.

Students with majors in the Department of Biology should consult with their advisors regularly as they plan their course of study. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves aware of major requirements and course prerequisites. General requirements, specific course offerings, and the semesters that courses are taught may change.

Mathematics is an important and required skill to enhance one's success in the sciences. Proper course level placement in mathematics at the beginning of the degree program is essential. Students should consult with an advisor to determine the appropriate level to begin their mathematics studies for meeting requirements and completing their major.