Life Science Career Paths

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Botany

Botany is the scientific study of plant life. As a branch of biology, it is also sometimes referred to as plant science(s) or plant biology. Botany covers a wide range of scientific disciplines that study the growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and evolution of plants.

Entomology

Entomology is the scientific study of insects. Insects have many kinds of interactions with humans and other forms of life on earth, so it is an important specialty within biology; unlike many other fields however, entomologists include both persons studying insects for their own sake, and those employed by commercial concerns interested in the control of insects.

Ecology

The scientific study of relationships between organisms and their environment. It is concerned with the life histories, distribution, and behavior of individual species as well as the structure and function of natural systems at the level of populations, communities, and ecosystems.

Genetics

A branch of biology that deals with the hereditary and variation of organisms. Anything that is genetic is inherited and having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring.

Microbiology

Microbiology (in Greek micron = small and biologia = studying life) is the study of microorganisms, including viruses, prokaryotes and simple eukaryotes. Today, most of the work in microbiology is done using methods from biochemistry and genetics. It is also related to pathology, immunology, and epidemiology as many microorganisms are pathogens.

Zoology

The branch of Biology that studies animals, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.

Preprofessional

Human Anatomy

Human anatomy or anthropotomy is a special field within anatomy. It studies organs and organ systems of the human body, leaving the study of tissues to histology and cells to cytology. The human body, like the bodies of all animals, is made up of systems, that are made up of organs, that are made up of tissues, that are made up of cells.

Human Physiology

Human physiology is the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of humans or human tissues or organs.

Medical/Clinical Laboratory Science

Nursing

Nursing is an applied science which has a unique body of knowledge that utilizes principles from the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences. The central concern of nursing is the holistic person. The focus of nursing is health promotion, maintenance, curative, restorative, supportive and terminal care to individuals and groups of all ages, taking into consideration the factors that influence them in the total environment.

Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy) is a health profession concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and disability through physical means. It is based upon principles of medical science, and is generally held to be within the sphere of conventional (rather than alternative) medicine.

Radiology

The use of radiation (such as x-rays) or other imaging technologies (such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose or treat disease.

Preprofessional

Dentistry

A branch of medicine that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of any disease concern about teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures.

Chiropractic

The physical manipulation of the skeletal-muscular system of the body. The adjustment of the spinal column rehabilitates normal nervous system functioning and promotes the body's natural healing capability.

Medicine

Medicine is a branch of health science concerned with maintaining health and restoring it by treating disease. Medicine is both an area of knowledge (a science), and the application of that knowledge (by the medical profession and other health professionals such as nurses). The various specialized branches of the science of medicine correspond to equally specialized medical professions dealing with particular organs or diseases.

Optometry

A specialty focusing on the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of disorders of the eye and vision care.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is the body of medicine that originally used strictly manipulative techniques for correcting somatic abnormalities thought to cause disease and inhibit recovery. However, over the past century, osteopathy has embraced the full spectrum of medicine (to different degrees across the world), including the use of prescription drugs and surgery, in addition to manipulative techniques.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy is the profession of compounding and dispensing medication. More recently, the term has come to include other services related to patient care including clinical practice, medication review, drug information, etc.

Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy) is a health profession concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and disability through physical means. It is based upon principles of medical science, and is generally held to be within the sphere of conventional (rather than alternative) medicine.

Podiatry

The health care field that specializes in conditions and function of the human foot. It includes examination, diagnosis and treatment by medical and surgical methods.

Veterinary Medicine

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals (especially domestic animals).

Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is the systematic study of human interaction with their natural environment. It is a broad field of study that includes, in addition to the natural environment, built environments, social environments, organizational environments, and the sets of relationships between them.

Fisheries and Wildlife Management

The application of scientific and technical principles to wildlife populations and habitats to maintain such populations (particularly mammals, birds and fish) essentially for recreational and/or scientific purposes.

Forestry

The science of the development and care of forests; the management of growing timber. Climatology plays an important part, including the study of the general livability of a forest to unfavorable weather conditions such as heavy snow, frost, glaze, strong winds, and drought (fire weather), and also the analysis of the microclimate of the forest itself and the effect of this on the reproduction, spread, and control of pests.

Rangeland Resources Management

Recreation Resource Management

Biology and some Pre-Professional† Majors Suggested Two-year curriculum:
(† Pre-Professional includes pre-dent, pre-med, prevet, etc.)

Fall - Year 1
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
ENGL 1010 3
Humanities 3
Social Science 3
BIO 1810 1
TOTAL 15
 
Spring - Year 1
BIO 1620+ 4
BIO 1625 1
MATH 1050+^ 4
Fine Arts 3
American Inst 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 16

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2030+ 3
BIO 2035 1
CHEM 1210+ 4
CHEM 1215 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
MATH 1210+* 5
TOTAL 17
   
   
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 2220+ 3
BIO 2225 1
BIOL elective 3-4
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
MATH 2040+* 4
or    
MATH 1220+* 4
TOTAL 16-17

Prerequisites Required.
*MATH 1210, 2040 recommended for USU; MATH 1210, 1220 recommended for U of U.
^If taken previously, then interchangeable with BIOL elective.

Biology and some Pre-Professional Majors Suggested Three-year Curriculum:

Fall - Year 1
BIO 1810 1
BIO 1010 3
MATH 1010 4
Social Science 3
Fine Arts 3
ENGL 1010 3
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 1
MATH 1050 4
CHEM 1110 4
CHEM 1115 1
Huminaties 3
American Inst 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 16

Fall - Year 2
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
CHEM 1210+ 4
CHEM 1215 1
MATH 2010+ 5
or    
MATH 1100+ 4
Electives 1-3
TOTAL 15-17
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 1620+ 4
BIO 1625 1
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
BIO 2060+ 3
BIO 2065 1
TOTAL 17
   

Fall - Year 3
BIO 2030+ 3
BIO 2035 1
MATH 1220+ 4
or    
MATH 2040+ 4
CHEM 2310+ 4
CHEM 2315 1
or    
PHYS 2010* 4
PHYS 2015 1
or both  
Electives 3
TOTAL 16-18
 
Spring - Year 3
BIO 2220+ 3
BIO 2225 1
CHEM 2320+ 4
CHEM 2325 1
or    
PHYS 2020* 4
PHYS 2025 1
or both  
Electives 1-6
TOTAL 15-17
   
   
   

*Can substitute with PHYS 2210/L and 2220/L, if
MATH 1210 and 1220 taken.

NATURAL RESOURCES (Utah State University
College of Natural Resources) Forestry, Rangeland Resources, Conservation Ecology, and Wildlife Restoration Ecology Majors Suggested Curriculum:

Fall - Year 1
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
MATH 1050+ 4
COMM 1020 3
BIO 1810 1
ENGL 1010 3
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 1
BIO 1620+ 4
BIO 1625 1
MATH 1100+ 4
BIO 2300+ 3
BIO 2305 1
HIST 1700 3
TOTAL 16

Fall - Year 2
CHEM 2030+ 4
CHEM 2035 1
BIO 1210+ 3
BIO 1215 1
Fine Arts 3
BS/SS 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 2
CHEM 2220+ 4
CHEM 2225 1
BIO 2220+ 3
BIO 2225 1
MATH 2040+ 4
ENGL 2010+ 3
TOTAL 16
     
+Prerequisites Required.

Human Biology and some Pre-Professional† Majors
Suggested Two-year Curriculum:
(†Pre-Professional includes pre-dent, pre-med, prevet, etc.)

Fall - Year 1
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
CHEM 1210+ 4
CHEM 1215 1
MATH 1210+ 5
BIO 1820 1
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 1
BIO 1620+ 4
BIO 1625 1
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
MATH 1220 4
TOTAL 17
   

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
BIO 2030+ 3
BIO 2035 1
Humanaties 3
and    
CHEM 2310+ 4
CHEM 2315 1
or  
PHYS 2010+ 4
PHYS 2015 1
or  
PHYS 2210+ 4
PHYS 2215 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
Fine Arts 3
Social Sciences 3
and    
CHEM 2320+ 4
CHEM 2325 1
or    
PHYS 2020+ 4
PHYS 2025 1
or  
PHYS 2220+ 4
PHYS 2225 1
TOTAL 15
   

+Prerequisites Required.
Curriculum assumes MATH 1050, ENGL 1010, and an
American Institutions course have already been completed.

Students must take one full year of physics and two full
years of chemistry along with one full year of majors
biology courses for admittance to medical school.

Dental, chiropractic, optometry, and other schools may
have differences in required courses, so consult with
your biology faculty advisor.

A three-year program can be adapted from the biology
majors suggested three-year curriculum.

Medical Laboratory Science (University of Utah) or
Clinical Laboratory Science (Brigham Young University) Suggested Curriculum:

University of Utah:
Fall - Year 1
CHEM 1210+ 4
CHEM 1215 1
MATH 1050+ 4
ENGL 1010 3
BIO 1820 1
BIO 1010 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 17
   
 
 
Spring -Year 1
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
COMM 2110 3
or    
COMM 1020 3
MATH 1040 3
TOTAL 15

Fall - Year 2
CHEM 2310+ 4
CHEM 2315 1
BIO 2030+ 3
BIO 2035 1
Fine Arts 3
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 2
PATH 3900* 3
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
American Inst 3
ENGL 2010+ 3
Social Science 3
TOTAL 16
     

Prerequisites Required.
Computer literacy – students are expected to be able to do word processing and Internet searches.
*Make arrangements to take this online biochemistry course through the Medical Technology Program in the Department of Pathology in the U of U Medical School.

Brigham Young Univ:
Fall - Year 1
CHEM 1210+ 4
CHEM 1215 1
MATH 1050+ 4
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
BIO 1820 1
ENGL 1010 3
TOTAL 18
 
 
Spring -Year 1
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
BIO 1620+ 4
BIO 1625 1
HIST 1700 3
Humanaties 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 17

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2030+ 3
BIO 2035 1
CHEM 2310+ 4
CHEM 2315 1
PHYS 2010+ 4
PHYS 2015 1
Fine Arts 3
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 2
MATH 2040+ 4
ENGL 2010+ 3
CHEM 2320+ 4
CHEM 2325 1
PHYS 2020+ 4
PHYS 2025 1
Social Sciences 3
TOTAL 20

+Prerequisites Required.
Advanced Placement (AP) or summer school credit for English 1010, History 1700 or college algebra (Math 1050) will make this schedule more feasible. MATH 1100 is also recommended, if the schedule permits.
Students could take either the organic chemistry or physics series at BYU to lighten their schedule. Biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and specific microbiology Prerequisites will need to be taken at BYU. These courses are equivalent to one heavy semester of 16 to 19 hours.

Nursing Suggested Curriculum:

4 yr BD transfer to U of U, BYU or Westminster:

Fall - Year 1
CHEM 1110+ 4
CHEM 1115 1
ENGL 1010 3
Humanaties 3
MATH 1050+ 4
BIO 1820 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 1
CHEM 1120+ 4
CHEM 1125 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
American Inst 3
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
TOTAL 15

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
PSY 1010^ 3
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
HFST 1020 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 2650+ 3
BIO 2655 1
HFST 1500 3
MATH 1040 3
Fine Arts 3
BIO 2060 3
BIO 2065 1
TOTAL 17
+Prerequisites Required. ^SOCI 1010 – Westminster.

Programs are likely to change. Check with an advisor to avoid difficulties.

2 yr. AS transfer:


Fall - Year 1
CHEM 1110+ 4
CHEM 1115 1
ENGL 1010 3
MATH 1010 4
Humanaties 3
BIO 1820 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 1
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
HFST 1020 3
Fine Arts 3
American Inst 3
TOTAL 16

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
PSY 1010* 3
MATH 1040+** 3
or    
MATH 1050+** 4
HESC 1050* 2
COMM 1020 3
TOTAL 15-16
 
Spring - Year 2
HFST 1500 3
BIO 2650+ 3
BIO 2655 1
PE 1096 1
BIO 1110** 3
BIO 1115 1
PE 1096 1
Electives 2-3
TOTAL 15-16

Prerequisites Required.
*Highly recommended.
**Math and microbiology (BIO 1110/L) interchangeable.

Programs are likely to change. Check with an advisor to avoid difficulties.


Pre-Physical Therapy Majors Suggested Curriculum:

University of Utah:
Fall - Year 1  
ENGL 1010 3
MATH 1050+ 4
PSY 1010 3
CHEM 1110+ 4
CHEM 1115 1
or    
CHEM 1210+* 4
CHEM 1215 1
TOTAL 15
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
Spring - Year 1  
ENGL 2010+ 3
MATH 1060+* 2
or    
MATH 1210+ 5
PE 1096 1
BIO 1010 3
BIO 1015 1
CHEM 1120+ 4
CHEM 1125 1
or    
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
Electives* 0-3
TOTAL 18

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
PE 1543** 3
Fine Arts 3
PHYS 2010+ 4
PHYS 2015 1
or    
PHYS 2210+ 4
PHYS 2215 1
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
American Inst 3
Humanities 3
PHYS 2020+ 4
PHYS 2025 1
or    
PHYS 2220+ 4
PHYS 2225 1
TOTAL 15
   

+Prerequisites Required.
*If CHEM 1210 series is taken, then CHEM 2310
series is required.

**HESC 2110 taught is the Spring is an acceptable
substitute.
Also required are 3000 level statistics, professional
writing, diversity course and abnormal psychology to be taken at the U of U.


Radiologic Technology Suggested Curriculum:


Fall - Year 1
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
BIO 1820 1
ENGL 1010 3
MATH 1050+ 4
CIS 1010 3
TOTAL 15
 
Spring - Year 1
CHEM 1110+ 4
CHEM 1115 1
American Inst 3
ENGL 2010+ 3
Fine Arts 3
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 15


Fall - Year 2
BIO 1610* 4
BIO 1615 1
PHYS 1010+ 3
PHYS 1015 1
COMM 2110 3
Electives 5
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 2060+ 3
BIO 2065 1
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
Humanaties 3
PSY 1010 3
Electives 6
TOTAL 16
     

+Prerequisites Required.

*Requried for SLCC

Environmental Studies, Geography and Recreation
Resources Management Majors Suggested Curriculum:

Fall - Year 1
BIO 1010 3
BIO 1015 1
MATH 1050+ 4
GEOG 1000+ 3
GEOG 1005+ 1
ENGL 1010 3
BIO 1810 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 1
MATH 2040+ 4
HIST 1700 3
COMM 1020 3
BIO 2300+ 3
BIO 2305 1
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 15
   


Fall - Year 2
CHEM 1110+ 4
CHEM 1115 1
GEO 1110+ 3
GEO 1115 1
BIO 2580+ 3
BIO 2585 1
SOC 1010^ 3
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 2
GEOG 1300 4
BIO 2220+ 3
BIO 2225 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
Fine Arts 3
Electives 2-3
TOTAL 16-17
     

+Prerequisites Required.
^Any BS/SS for Environmental Studies but SOCI 1010 required for Recreation Resources Management majors.

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Major Suggested
Curriculum:

Fall - Year 1
BIO 1610+ 4
BIO 1615 1
MATH 1050+ 4
BIO 2580+ 3
BIO 2585 1
ENGL 1010 3
BIO 1810 1
TOTAL 17
 
Spring - Year 1
BIO 1620+ 4
BIO 1625 1
MATH 1210 5
BIO 2220 3
BIO 2225 1
HIST 1700 3
TOTAL 16
   


Fall - Year 2
CHEM 1210+ 4
CHEM 1215 1
MATH 1220 4
PHYS 2210 4
PHYS 2215 1
PE 1096 1
BS/SS   3
Fine Arts 3
TOTAL 18
 
Spring - Year 2
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
PHYS 2220 4
PHYS 2225 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
Humanaties 3
(COMM 1020  
recommended) 3
TOTAL 19

+Prerequisites Required.

Pre-Physical Therapy Majors Suggested Curriculum:

University of Utah:

Fall - Year 1
ENGL 1010 3
MATH 1050+ 4
PSY 1010 3
CHEM 1110+ 4
CHEM 1115 1
or    
CHEM 1210+* 4
CHEM 1215 1
TOTAL   15
     
     
     
     
     
 
Spring - Year 1
ENGL 2010+ 3
MATH 1060+* 2
or    
MATH 1210+ 5
PE 1096 1
BIO 1010 3
BIO 1015 1
CHEM 1120+ 4
CHEM 1125 1
or    
CHEM 1220+ 4
CHEM 1225 1
Electives* 0-3
TOTAL 18

Fall - Year 2
BIO 2320 3
BIO 2325 1
PE 1543** 3
Fine Arts 3
PHYS 2010+ 4
PHYS 2015 1
or    
PHYS 2210+ 4
PHYS 2215 1
PE 1096 1
TOTAL 16
 
Spring - Year 2
BIO 2420 3
BIO 2425 1
American Inst 3
Humanaties 3
PHYS 2020+ 4
PHYS 2025 1
or    
PHYS 2220+ 4
PHYS 2225 1
TOTAL 15
   

Prerequisites Required.
*If CHEM 1210 series is taken, then CHEM 2310
series is required.