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University of Wyoming

Undergraduate Programs

Courses in Botany and Biology have been developed with several different needs in mind. They try to meet the needs of those who desire a general knowledge of the subject for its cultural value, those specializing in areas which require a background in plant and biological sciences; and those selecting botany or biology as a major.

Undergraduate majors in Biology and Botany often have the opportunity to work as paid laboratory and summer field assistants on projects supported by faculty grants. Interaction among faculty, staff, and students is a strong emphasis within the department. Many of our students join the Botany Club for special projects and field trips.

 Undergraduate Botany Major

Students majoring in botany may pursue either a B.A. or B.S. degree. Majors must earn at least 33 credit hours in biology and botany courses, and are required to take the following Biology 2400, 2410, 4000, 4600, 4620; Botany 3200, 4680 or 4640, 4400, 4300; or the equivalents of these courses. In addition, Botany Majors must take Chemistry 2300 or 2320; Mathematics 2200; Physics 1120 or 1320; one course in computer science, statistics, or mathematics (beyond MATH 2200); one additional 3 hour laboratory course (or courses totaling 3 hours) in chemistry, physics, or molecular biology; or the equivalents of these courses.

Undergraduate Biology Major

The Biology Program is an interdisciplinary program supported by the Colleges of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Arts and Sciences. The courses required for the major should be decided in consultation with the student's faculty adviser. A student must earn at least 30 credit hours in courses from Biology and other life science majors. Students must complete BIOL 1010 (General Biology), MICR/MOLB 2210 (Microbiology), BIOL 2022 (Animal Biology), BIOL 2023 (Plant and Fungal Biology), BIOL 3050 (Genetics), BIOL 3400 (General Ecology), BIOL 3500 (Evolutionary Biology, and BIOL 4600 (Cell Biology). Students must also complete 6 credit hours in Botany and 6 credit hours in Zoology. Students are required to take MATH 1400 and 1405, or MATH 1450; PHYS 1110 and 1120; CHEM 1020, 1030, and 2300 (or 2320).  Students often take MATH 2200 (Calculus) and STAT 2050 for pre-professional programs or for the University Studies requirements.

Undergraduate Minor

A minor is offered by the Department of Botany.  Further information may be obtained by contacting the department, or at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/botany/minor.htm.

Suggested courses to start in Botany or Biology

The following curriculum should be considered only as a guide for freshmen and sophomores. Each student's schedule will be arranged in consultation with his or her faculty adviser. Requirements are similar for the B.A. and B.S. degrees, both in Botany and Biology. Majors are encouraged, but not required, to enroll for summer courses once during the four-year period, either on campus or at a biological field station.

The UW University Studies Program requires courses in Writing, Math, Science, Cultural Context, US and Wyoming Constitution, and Global Studies. Moreover, the Extended Core Curriculum for College of Arts & Sciences includes additional courses in a Foreign Language, Non-Western Perspectives, and Cultural Context. In consultation with their faculty advisors, students should use the elective courses to fill the University Studies and Extended Core requirements.

FRESHMAN YEAR:
Fall		 Credit
Hours		 FRESHMAN YEAR:
Spring		 Credit
Hours
BIOL 1001 1 BIOL 2022 4
BIOL 1010 4 CHEM 1030 4
CHEM 1020 4 MATH 1405 0 - 3
ENGL 1010 3 Electives 6 - 9
MATH 1400 or 1450 3 - 5 Physical Education 0.5
Electives 0 - 3
Physical Education 0.5
         
SOPHOMORE YEAR:
Fall		 Credit
Hours		 SOPHOMORE YEAR:
Spring		 Credit
Hours
BIOL 2023 4 BOT/BIOL/ZOO Electives 3 - 6
MATH or STAT 4 Foreign Language 4
Chemistry 3 Electives 0 - 9
Foreign Language 4 .
Electives 0 - 3 .

The UW General Bulletin contains the detailed requirements for all undergraduate degrees and a description of the available courses.

Admissions Office

General Bulletin: Botany Courses

General Bulletin: Botany Program

General Bulletin: Biology Courses

General Bulletin: Biology Program