College of Science

Dean: James A. MacMahon
Location: Eccles Science Learning Center 245
Phone: (435) 797-2478
FAX: (435) 797-3378
E-mail: science@usu.edu
WWW: http://www.usu.edu/science/

Associate Dean: Richard J. Mueller, ESLC 245G, (435) 797-2479, richard.mueller@usu.edu

Associate Dean: Lisa M. Berreau, ESLC 245J, (435) 797-3509, lisa.berreau@usu.edu

The College of Science has the following departments and programs:

Biology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Geology
Mathematics and Statistics
Physics
Cooperative Nursing Program

Degrees, emphases, specializations, and program descriptions are listed with the departments and the Nursing Program. In addition, there is a Center for Atmospheric and Space Sciences (CASS) and two interdisciplinary programs which involve the college. The Department of Biology participates in the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Toxicology. This program offers research opportunities leading to MS and PhD degrees within several specialties of toxicology. The college also participates in an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental program in ecology which operates under the Ecology Center. The Ecology Center brings distinguished scientists to campus, fosters faculty research, and enhances graduate education in all areas of ecology.

Objectives

USU has always emphasized the sciences. Modern civilization is based on science, most facets of which are fundamental in a land grant university.

Opportunities for rewarding careers are excellent in the fields of science. These opportunities exist in education, research, conservation, service, and industry.

The curricula of the science departments are designed to achieve five purposes:

First, they serve all students. No college graduate can be considered educated without an appreciation of scientific principles.

Second, the college trains teachers of science and mathematics at all levels of education. Highly competent teachers are absolutely essential to the continued well-being and development of society.

Third, students are prepared to take positions in industry and business in a highly technological world.

Fourth, education is provided in the health fields both at the preprofessional and entry level. The college has excellent programs in predental and premedical education with an exceptional record of placing students in dental and medical schools. Undergraduate degrees in the various departments of the college can be tailored to include predental and premedical training. Other programs prepare graduates to enter the health profession directly upon graduation.

Fifth, the College of Science educates research scholars in many fields of science. This is accomplished by completing a sound undergraduate degree in the field, followed by graduate specialization.

Students planning to enter the sciences are urged to discuss their plans and goals early with advisors, who are available in each academic department. Basic coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer science is essential to most areas of science.

Admission Requirements

Students accepted in good standing by the University are eligible for admission to all departments in the College of Science. Students majoring in Computer Science must qualify for advanced standing status on the basis of their academic performance. Specific details are given in the Computer Science  section.

College of Science Core Requirements

Mathematics Requirement

All bachelor degree candidates in the College of Science must complete one year of calculus, consisting of MATH 1210  and MATH 1220 . In some degrees or options within degrees, the second semester of calculus may be replaced by STAT 3000 . The substitution will be for specific degree programs, and not by student choice.

Science Requirement

Every bachelor degree candidate in the College of Science must complete a year-long sequence outside of his or her major department. The approved sequences are: (1) BIOL 1610 , BIOL 1620 ; (2) CHEM 1210 , CHEM 1220 ; (3) GEO 1110 , GEO 3200 ; (4) PHYS 2110 , PHYS 2120 ; and (5) PHYS 2210 , PHYS 2220 . The CHEM 1110 , CHEM 1120  sequence will satisfy this requirement only for students enrolled in the Public Health Education Emphasis of the Public Health Major.

Science Major (Undecided)

A beginning freshman student who wishes to major in science, but who has not selected a specific major, may register in the college as an Undecided Science Major. A course of study will be developed that will attempt to maximize transfer into the various departmental majors in the college. Students in the Undecided Science Major will be required to transfer to a departmental major after one year of study.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available through the college and some of the departments. Students should contact the college or their major department for further information about these scholarships. Information is also available at: http://www.usu.edu/science/

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships

Excellent graduate assistantships and fellowships are available in all departments. Assistantships are available both for teaching and research. Applications should be made directly to the department concerned. For more information, see the Graduate Financial Assistance  section in the School of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Programs

Graduate programs leading to the MS or PhD degree are available in each department in the college. In addition, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics  offers an MMath (Master of Mathematics) degree, and the Computer Science Department  offers an MCS (Master of Computer Science) degree.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major

The College of Science participates in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major, Bachelor of Arts  and Bachelor of Science , which offers flexibility for qualifying students who cannot find an existing degree that meets their needs.

Honors Program

Several departments in the college participate in the University Honors Program by offering special honors courses and by sponsoring an option for graduation with departmental honors.

Undergraduate Research

The sciences provide an ideal setting for research. All departments within the College of Science provide opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research activities. Interested students should discuss this option with their academic advisor or with an associate dean in the college office.