Biology

Biology is the study of life: the cells, physiology, and behavior of all living things. The biological sciences impact almost every aspect of modern life and interface with a multitude of fields and disciplines, including the basic sciences and medicine, social sciences, law, and engineering.

Students pursuing a degree in Biology may complete one of the following emphases:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Evolution and Environment
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Neurobiology
• Plant Biology

Students may also complete minors in Biology Teaching and Integrative Human Biology.

Student Experiences at the U

• independent research projects
• internships
• Community Engaged Learning, a hands-on, experiential program for community service projects
• BioSAC, the student advisory committee for the Biology department
• BioScience Undergraduate Research Club (BSURC)

Career Opportunities

• Biophysics
• Cellular and molecular biology genetics
• Bioinformatics (analyzing biological data)
• Chemistry
• Environmental sciences

Scholarships

Department Scholarships

Degrees offered

Biology BA/BS
Biology Teaching Minor
Integrative Human Biology Minor

Department of Biology

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.

 The department offers nine emphasis areas to choose from, and Chemistry is the only department at the U to allow students to declare two emphases.

Available tracks include:

• Atmospheric & Environmental Chemistry (BA/BS)
• Biology (BA/BS)
• Business (BA/BS)
• Chemical Engineering (BA/BS)
• Chemical Physics (BA/BS)
• Geology (BA/BS)
• Material Sciences and Engineering (BA/BS)
• Mathematics (BA/BS)
• Physics (BA/BS)
• Professional Chemistry (BA/BS) (the traditional chemistry curriculum)
• Teaching (BA/BS)

Student Experiences at the U

• Undergraduate research experience under the guidance of an advisor
• American Chemical Society Student Chapter
• Study abroad program

Career Opportunities

• Chemist in private industry, government, or education
• Professional training in medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy or other health-related fields
• Environmental science and engineering
• Forensics
• Business
• Law

Scholarships

Department Scholarships

Degrees offered 

Chemistry BA/BS
Chemistry Minor

Department of Chemistry

Mathematics

Mathematics is the science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement. This major prepares students for postgraduate study or employment in a variety of professions requiring the ability to analyze problems and think critically.

 Mathematics is the foundation for science, engineering, and physics—ultimately, math explains the world. Students can emphasize in Computation or Statistics.

Student Experiences at the U

• Association for Women in Mathematics
• Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• Students in the Department of Mathematics may participate in the College of Science Internship Program
• Work on research with a faculty mentor

Career Opportunities

A degree in Mathematics provides a strong base for a variety of careers:

• Science
• Engineering
• Physics
• Research
• Teaching
• Actuary (a risk analyst for an insurance company)
• Operations researcher
• computer science and programming

Scholarships

Department Scholarships

Degrees offered

Mathematics BA/BS
Mathematics Minor

Department of Mathematics

Physics

Physics is the field of study concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy: how we define measurable quantities, like energy and speed, and how these concepts are related (for example, Newton’s Law of gravity or the theory of special relativity). If you want to learn more about how the universe is structured and functions, consider studying physics at the University of Utah. In addition to learning scientific and theoretical concepts and facts, physicists also develop excellent analytical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques, and expertise in computational methods.

Students have the option to specialize in one of the following areas:

• Astronomy & Astrophysics BA/BS (meant for students who want to study the universe)
• Biomedical Physics BA/BS (for students who want to enter biomedical fields)
• Applied Physics BA/BS (best for students who desire careers in industry)
• Students may also pursue a Physics Teaching BA/BS track, preparing them to become teachers in the state of Utah.

Student Experiences at the U

Students are encouraged to enrich their studies by completing a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program through the National Science Foundation, allowing them to develop professional and academic skills for use throughout their undergraduate career and beyond.

If you want to get involved in your department and meet fellow students, consider joining one of the following clubs:

• Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee
• AstronomUr Outreach Group
• Society of Physics Students
• Women in Physics and Astronomy
• ACCESS Program for Women in Science & Mathematics

Career Opportunities

Students can pursue a number of careers upon graduating from the program. If you chose the professional track, continue your studies at the graduate level to become a professional physicist, working in a lab or at a university, teaching and researching.

Biomedical physics students may enter careers in the field of biomedicine, helping to develop biotechnology or working at nonprofit research centers.

Applied physics students can become engineers or programmers, while teaching students can teach physics in elementary and secondary schools.

Students may also find work outside the field of physics: alumni have been hired as operations analysts or as freelance technical writers.

Scholarships

Department Scholarships

Degrees Offered

Physics
Physics Teaching
Department of Physics

Minors Offered

Astronomy Minor
Physics Minor
Physics Teaching Minor

Physics Minors