College of Science
School Office: 201 Biology Building
Mailing Address: 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
Phone: 801-581-6517
Fax: 801-581-4668
Website: www.biology.utah.edu
Director: Fred Adler, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Graduate Programs: Colin Dale, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs: Julie Hollien, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs: Naina Phadnis, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Academic Advising Coordinator: Savannah Manwill, JTB 220, 801-587-7371
Graduate Program Coordinator: Shannon Nielsen, 223 BIOL, 801-581-5636
The School of Biological Sciences, 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:
Prepare undergraduate and graduate students for professional careers in biology
Provide basic training for students who will enter graduate or professional fields related to biology, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and others,
Offer background information courses for allied health disciplines, and
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, neuroscience, physiology and organismal biology, ecology, ecosystems, and evolutionary biology.
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 online including information about courses, instructors, careers, graduate schools, etc. The Biology Advising office is located in JTB 220, 801-587-0639.
All graduate program inquiries should be directed to the Graduate Program Coordinator, School of Biological Sciences, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, 801-581-5636, fax: 801-581-4668.
Undergraduate Program
Admission
The Biology Major is an unrestricted major, and any student eligible for admission to the University is eligible to declare the Biology Major.
Emphases (optional)
Cell and Molecular/Ecology, Evolution, Environmental Biology/Health, Anatomy and Physiology/Integrative Organismal Biology
Student Advising
Biology majors are encouraged to meet with the Biology Advisor early in their academic careers (JTB 220), and at least yearly thereafter. The Preprofessional Advising Office (Room 206, Building 44) is the best source for information about preparation for admission to schools of chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician's assistant, and veterinary medicine.
Financial Assistance
Various scholarships are available to qualified applicants. Contact the school advising office for information.
For questions about undergraduate programs please email: bioadvising@utah.edu
Graduate Program
The School of Biological Sciences offers exceptional opportunities to learn, work, and collaborate across levels of biological organization and styles of research. Faculty research interests span the complete spectrum of biological phenomena and disciplines, from biochemistry to global environmental change. This breadth of research interests has led to development of two focused, yet overlapping, graduate training programs: Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology (MCEB) and Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (EEOB).
Areas of Specialization
Arid-land Biology
Behavior and neuroethology
Biochemistry & structural biology
Cell biology
Community ecology
Conservation biology
Developmental biology
Ecology
Ecosystems
Evolution
Functional morphology and physiology
Genetics
Genomics
Molecular Biology
Microbial biology
Neurobiology
Pathogens, parasites, endosymbionts
Physiology
Plant Science
Tropical biology
Stable isotope ecology
Course requirements are structured to individual needs.
Admission Requirements
There are additional admission requirements for these programs. Please see the program pages for more information.
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.
Financial Assistance
Doctoral students receive financial support from teaching and research assistantships, training grants, and fellowships. Doctoral students are guaranteed support for up to five years pending satisfactory progress in the program. International students must pass a University Teaching workshop before being allowed to teach. Tuition is paid by the Graduate School or the research advisor for five years (for students in the Ph.D. program). Teaching assistantships are not available for M.S. students, though such students may be supported by research assistantships.
BS/MS Program
The School of Biological Sciences' BS/MS Program makes it possible for students to get both a bachelors and a master's degree in five years. Starting to take graduate-level courses during the senior year is what makes it possible for students to complete the Master's degree in just one additional year. Please visit the following website for further details - www.biology.utah.edu.
Undergraduate inquiries - savannah.manwill@utah.edu
Graduate inquiries - shannon.nielsen@bioscience.utah.edu