Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - BA, BS

Biology is the study of living organisms and life, and their origin, structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. There are many specialty areas that students can major in within biology. Biologists can find careers in research, healthcare, teaching, science writing, administration and management, government, and industry. Studying biology teaches students to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems.

The Biology Department offers 4 different emphases. The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology emphasis focuses on both ecology, the branch of biology dealing with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment, and biodiversity, the varieties of life on earth at all its levels and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it.In addition the Department offers courses that fulfill the majority of graduate program prerequisites for students hoping to go on to health professions careers following their undergraduate degree. Students who receive health professions advising from USU can be in any major. USU medical school and dental school applicants have a consistently high acceptance rate. USU’s health profession students have the opportunity to receive advanced education in human anatomy and physiology, and the human dissection course offered by the department gives students hands-on preparation not available at most other universities.

Biology majors at USU have the unique opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects. Faculty is also involved in multiple USTAR (Utah Science Technology and Research) groups and in national and international collaborative research efforts.

The Department of Biology offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Majors will complete a core of courses that 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. Biology degrees provide a foundation for graduate work or employment in research, industry, or governmental agencies. Biology majors can add a minor area of study, such as business or chemistry, to enhance their employment opportunities.

• For more information about Biology, see the link to the Department of Biology.

• Admitted and current students must meet with their academic advisor.

• Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

• The highest math requirement for this degree is course or course and either course or course.

• New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.

• Transfer students from other institutions need a 2.25 transfer GPA and students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.25 GPA for admission to this major in good standing.