COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Welcome all investigators, puzzlers, thinkers and problem solvers with a passion for solving the challenges the world through innovation and research.
It is the mission of the College of Science to connect our students with the vast opportunities that mathematics and science unlock as we prepare students for exciting careers and educate the next generation of scientific leaders.
SCIENCE RESEARCH INITIATIVE
Interested in Science and Mathematics? Want to learn how to do research and become a scientist? Seeking to connect with exciting career opportunities as a first year or transfer student? This is what the Science Research Initiative (SRI) is all about.
SRI aims to offer every incoming College of Science student the opportunity to participate in discovery-based scientific research. First year, sophomore, and transfer students tackle cutting-edge problems in dedicated research streams sponsored by local industries.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The College of Science Internship Program connects students and employers while providing internship support and recognition. Students may also use our resources to find opportunities, expand and articulate their skillsets, and explore career paths.
We enhance students’ internship experiences and recognize their achievements through opportunities to earn academic credit, participate in an orientation and symposium, and receive a digital internship badge or special recognition at graduation.
CROCKER SCIENCE HOUSE
The Crocker Science House provides a unique opportunity for science students to live and learn together in a beautifully restored sandstone building on campus. Throughout the year, Crocker Science Scholars enjoy special opportunities to attend lectures, dinners, and other events with luminaries of Utah's business, science, and academic communities.
Each year, the Crocker Science House hosts twelve undergraduate students with a passion for the sciences. Students accepted into the Crocker Science House receive a scholarship to assist with housing expenses, making this opportunity accessible to a wide range of students.
ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP
ACCESS welcomes all students who are inspired by science and committed to advancing gender equality in STEM. The scholarship, valued at over $5000, includes a monetary award and covers all costs associated with the ACCESS first year experience. A year with ACCESS informs academic and career goals at the earliest possible stage, builds social awareness, unites a group of like-minded peers, and connects first year STEM students to a network of over 800 program alumni.
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
Degrees offered
Biology BA/BS
Biology Teaching Minor
Integrative Human Biology Minor
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
Degrees offered
Chemistry BA/BS
Chemistry Minor
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
Degrees offered
Mathematics BA/BS
Mathematics Minor
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
Degrees Offered
Physics
Physics Teaching
Department of Physics
Minors Offered
Astronomy Minor
Physics Minor
Physics Teaching Minor
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