Biology & Physiology Programs
The following are descriptions of undergraduate majors in the biological, microbiological and physiological sciences. While a major in the sciences is not required for admission to health profession schools, many students want to explore the possibilities offered at The University of Arizona. These descriptions may help you understand the differences and similarities between the biology-based programs as you consider your options.
BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS
Telephone: (520) 621-3868
Campus Location: Bio Sciences West, Room 362
Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics incorporates topics that include protein structure and function, molecular genetics, and medical, plant and insect biochemistry. The biochemical approach has led to the emerging life science revolution that promises to establish the next few decades as the era of biology. Biochemistry provides the fundamentals for study of molecular principles in biology, medicine and the health sciences, and agricultural sciences. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts programs in Biochemistry are designed to prepare students upon graduation to work as a biochemist or enter a graduate program.
Academic Advising
Olivia A. Mendoza, Program Coord.
Biological Sci West (Rm 362B4)
Phone: (520) 621-3868
Barbara Collins, Academic Advisor
Biological Sci West (RM 362B3)
Phone: (520) 626-0605
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
E-mail: eebadvsr@email.arizona.edu
Telephone: (520) 621-1588
Campus Location: BioSciences West, Room 310
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is composed of excellent students, faculty, and staff dedicated to education and the advancement of science. We offer a wide range of courses in ecology, evolution, organismic biology, genetics, biogeography, behavior, physiology, systematics, and natural history. We have a wealth of academic and natural resources available to our undergraduates. The Sea of Cortez is only a four hour drive away. The Southwestern Research Station in Portal, Arizona , in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona , and other field study sites provide a variety of experiences and opportunities for study and research.
Academic Advising
Kathy Godwin , Academic Advisor or Liz Oxford, Academic Advisor (520) 621-1588
E-mail: eebadvsr@email.arizona.edu
Telephone: (520) 621-1588
Campus Location: BioSciences West, Room 310
The major in General Biology, administered out of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, provides a solid foundation in modern biology. As opposed to majors with an emphasis on specific fields of biology (e.g., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology), General Biology offers broad training in biological systems from their component parts (biological molecules and cells) up through organisms to communities to whole ecosystems, as well as the biological processes that organize such systems and allow their development and evolution.
Academic Advising
Kathy Godwin , Academic Advisor or Liz Oxford, Academic Advisor (520) 621-1588
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY
Telephone: (520) 621-1519
Campus Location: Life Sciences South, Room 248
The emphasis of Molecular and Cellular Biology is on understanding how biological molecules function at the level of the cell and how their function is controlled genetically. Modern molecular biology has developed the methods for cloning genes, combining them to make novel products, and reintroducing them back into the same or into other organisms. Modern cell biology has been transformed by using such gene combinations to visualize protein expression and location in live cells. These technologies have enabled scientists to answer fundamental biological questions about gene structure and regulation, and to discover how proteins assemble into functional modules and machines that make a cell work. They have spawned a whole new biotechnology industry and allowed the introduction of beneficial genes into crop plans and domestic animals, and they promise to ameliorate certain genetic diseases. Graduates from the Bachelor of Science program have an excellent foundation from which to pursue further studies either in a graduate or professional program (i.e. medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, etc.) or a career in the biotechnology field.
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology offers a comprehensive course of study in the areas of molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, and biochemistry with additional supporting coursework in chemistry, physics and math. Opportunities to explore other areas of biology are built into the major requirements. The faculty of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology provide undergraduates a stimulating environment in which to learn modern biology in the classroom and through one-on-one contact in a variety of research opportunities.
Academic AdvisingJennifer Cubeta, Academic Advisor, Sr.
Phone: (520) 621-1073
Christina Dentel, Academic Advisor
Phone: (520) 621-4342
Telephone: (520) 621-4850
Campus Location: Ina Gittings Building , Room 102
Physiology is the study of how the body works. The Physiology undergraduate major provides its students with a comprehensive array of courses focusing on the systems of the body - including the cardiovascular, respiratory, neural, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. Coursework and research participation help students integrate information about body system functions and how these functions are affected by stress and disease. The Physiology major prepares students to continue their studies, following completion of the BS in Health Sciences degree, in graduate or professional school pursuing a career in a field related to health science, basic research, or health care. The major curriculum includes the courses required for application to schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and several other health careers.
Academic Advising
William Lesho, Academic Advisor, Pre-Professional
Ina Gittings Building , Room 105
Phone: (520) 621-4850
Amber Soergel, Academic Advisor
Ina Gittings Building , Room 107
Phone: (520) 621-4864
VETERINARY SCIENCES & MICROBIOLOGY
Telephone: (520) 621-2355
Campus Location: Vet Sci/Microbiology Bldg., Room 201
The department's scope covers all areas of veterinary science and microbiology . Microbiologists can specialize in various areas such as bacteriology, microbial physiology, mycology, and virology. The Veterinary Science curriculum is strong in the sciences, including chemistry, physics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, immunology as well as numerous classes about disease and their causes.
Microbiology is the study of the biology of microorganisms and how they interact with their surroundings. Microbiologists explore the diversity of microbial life, they examine what allows some microbes, symbionts, to live in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner with their host organisms while others become parasitic or pathogenic and cause disease and deterioration. Thus, specialization in the field of microbiology encompasses not only study of the fundamental processes of bacteria, but also the examination of animal, plant and bacterial viruses, as well as animal and plant defense systems that counter infection and invasion by microorganisms.
Academic AdvisingDr. Janet Decker, Senior Lecturer &Academic Advisor Veterniary Sciences, Room 235
Telephone: (520) 621-8942
