James P. Porter, Chair
574 WIDB, (801) 422-2006
College of Life Sciences Office of Academic
Advisement
379 WIDB, (801) 422-3042
Admission to Degree Program
All degree programs in the Department of Physiology and
Developmental Biology are open enrollment.
The Discipline
Physiology is the study of the functions of the body systems.
Developmental biology is the study of how specific genes govern
differentiation of cells, tissues, and organs with unique structure
and functions. Both disciplines require a firm foundation of
mathematics, chemistry, physics, and cellular biology. The related
area of biophysics uses the methods of physics, chemistry,
mathematics, and biology to investigate the physical basis of life.
Upper-division courses require synthesizing and integrating
information from many areas of science to allow understanding of
such remarkable processes as how the heart pumps blood, how
neurons communicate with one another, how insulin regulates
blood sugar, and how specific gene products determine the
morphology and functional capacity of the nervous system.
Knowledge in these areas is expanding rapidly as new techniques
are applied in molecular biology. Hence, significant exposure to
the concepts and techniques of molecular biology is an important
component of the major.
Career Opportunities
A major in physiology and developmental biology prepares
students to pursue advanced degrees in either the biological
sciences or nonbiological fields or to enter directly into
employment. This major provides outstanding preparation for
students seeking admittance into professional programs in
medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, or
pharmacy. Students who have aspirations of doing health-related
research will find a challenging, thorough preparaton for entrance
into graduate programs and beyond. Graduates of the program
will also have the academic and laboratory skills necessary for
employment in medical, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical
industries. This degree offers students pursuing advanced degrees
in business, public management, or law the knowledge and
training necessary to be admitted into professional schools and
work in governmental agencies, health care and biotechnical
industries, and patent or health care law.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in
addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following
university requirements:
- The university core, consisting of requirements in general and
religious education. (See the University Core section of this
catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet
university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
- A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
- A minimum of 120 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Undergraduate Programs and Degrees
| BS |
Biophysics |
| BS |
Physiology and Developmental Biology |
Students should see their college advisement center for help or
information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Note: For the neuroscience program, see the Neuroscience Center
section of this catalog.
Graduate Programs and Degrees
MS and PhD degrees are offered. For information see the BYU
2007–2008 Graduate Catalog and the Web page for the College of
Life Sciences.
