Biology

Dennis K. Shiozawa, Chair
401-B WIDB, (801) 422-4972

Life Sciences Student Services
379 WIDB, (801) 422-3042

Admission to Degree Program

All degrees within this department are open enrollment programs.

The Discipline

Programs in the Department of Biology focus on training students in the organismal and broader perspectives of the biological sciences. Fields include systematics of taxonomic groups, ecology, and evolution, which often rely on the application of molecular biology and genetics.

Career Opportunities

Biology entails rigorous, broad training and synthetic reasoning, which prepare students for careers in a wide variety of professional fields ranging from technical work in research laboratories to field technicians for environmental research companies or government agencies. Majors may develop their interest in such diverse areas as environmental biology, evolutionary biology, aquatic biology, molecular biology, plant biology, or taxonomy. Students satisfy the requirements for graduate studies in the biological sciences or professional schools.

The bioinformatics major is for students with interests in both the computer and the biological sciences. The degree merges these interests in the areas of bioinformatics and computational biology, giving students the skills for graduate or professional (medical, dental, law) schools or immediate employment opportunities after completing the undergraduate program, especially with biotechnology companies.

The biological science education program provides a solid foundation in courses that meet the National Science Teachers Association certification requirements for secondary education biology teaching. The program also prepares students for continuing their education in graduate school.

Preveterinary medicine students interested in veterinary medicine are encouraged to incorporate required preveterinarycurriculum into an academic program of their choosing. See the description of the biology major for additional information.

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 University Core for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
A minimum of 120 credit hours
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office