Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Science in Biology

at Shorelight Group - The University of Utah USA

Anthropology is the study of human beings; their cultures, biology, behaviors, and their changes through time (evolution). Because we study all aspects of humans, anthropology is said to be holistic and inter-disciplinary, that is anthropologists work hand-in-hand with other sciences such as biology, physiology, sociology and psychology—just to name a few.

At the University of Utah, the Anthropology Department is divided into four main divisions: Cultural, Biological, Evolutionary Ecology, and Archaeology. Cultural anthropology focuses on human cultures and how they vary through time and space—around the world and back through pre-history. Biological anthropology focuses on ancient and modern human anatomical, physiological, and biological variability. Biological anthropology also concerns itself with non-human primates like chimpanzees and gorillas—by studying them, we hope to learn more about ourselves. Archaeology is the excavation and interpretation of what humans leave behind in order to infer how and why humans have evolved. Evolutionary ecology (sometimes known as behavioral ecology) examines human (and non-human primate) behavior and life-history—why did human beings evolve the way they did?

Ultimately, anthropologists use all four sub-disciplines to describe and explain past and present human diversity. The Department takes a theoretically-driven, empirically-informed perspective focusing on the following specific areas of expertise: archaeology, genetics, behavioral ecology, paleoanthropology, hunter-gatherer behavior, and human and non-human primate behavior.

Biology is the study of life: the cells, physiology, and behavior of all living things. The biological sciences impact almost every aspect of modern life and interface with a multitude of fields and disciplines, including the basic sciences and medicine, social sciences, law, and engineering. This makes studying biology an ideal preparation for a wide range of careers. The Department of Biology at the University of Utah offers a wide range of courses involving field, laboratory, lecture, and library experience. Students pursuing a degree in Biology may complete one of the following emphases:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Evolution and Environment
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Neurobiology
• Plant Biology

Students of English enter a world rich with intellectual possibilities. As an English major at the University of Utah, you will study literature, creative writing, and literary discourse and theories. The U’s English curriculum covers the vast range of literature written in English, from the 8th century AD until the present day. Students will explore theory, film, graphic novels, video games, digital humanities, popular culture, and have the chance to develop their skills as critical and creative writers. However, the skills you gain from an English degree are not limited to just studying literature—written and verbal communication skills are central to any career or subsequent degree that demands the ability to think, argue, write, and speak about complicated issues. In addition to expanding your intellect, your English degree ultimately provides an essential foundation for careers in law, business, government, education, finance, and media.

Students majoring or minoring in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (CLCS) compare multiple literatures and cultures within the framework of a single degree. As a CLCS student, you will explore themes across cultures and time periods, compare national literatures and cultures, learn and apply international literary and cultural theories, and analyze diverse types of texts (literary, visual, musical, etc.) produced in multiple cultural spheres.

Quantitative Analysis of Markets & Organizations (QAMO) majors builds analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills by utilizing game theory and econometrics to answer real-world questions. Students learn strategic direction and in-depth analysis. Developed jointly with the University of Utah’s Department of Economics, this major includes advanced courses in mathematics, statistics, economics, and business. QAMO students may also choose optional emphases in the various business disciplines such as entrepreneurship, finance, management, and marketing.

Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENVST) is a STEM interdisciplinary program that offers a major with several emphases to focus your study, as well as a minor. The curriculum explores ecological systems and the impact of human-environment interactions from the perspectives of the natural sciences, the social and health sciences, and the humanities. The U’s program strives to foster an understanding the multi-faceted issues of the environment and sustainability and finding solutions through systemic analysis, peer learning, and community engagement, social responsibility, leadership, and having a science-based focus on solutions and integrated problem solving.

Linguists explore all things to do with language: Its structure and mechanics, how language and the mind interact, and the tie between language and socio-cultural factors. Linguistics is an ideal major for today’s university students.  It provides the intellectual satisfaction of learning how human language works, while at the same time developing the analytical skills necessary to be highly competitive on the job market.  Students in linguistics learn how to analyze languages and develop crucial skills for today’s job market: Reasoning, critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and written and verbal communication. Students may also simultaneously pursue a TESOL and/or Computational Linguistics certificate.

The field of electrical & computer engineering involves the analysis and design of complex electrical and electronic devices, software, and systems containing hardware and software components. Without electrical & computer engineering, things like computers, car power systems, and cell phones would not exist. The Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Utah covers a broad range of disciplines related to computing, sensing, and communicating. The program will prepare you to join the next generation of engineers, capable of becoming a leader in industry, government or academia. The Electrical & Computer Engineering curriculum is comprised of courses in differential and integral calculus, linear algebra and complex variables, basic sciences, computer science, and engineering sciences. Training in these topics prepares students for the analysis and design challenges associated with electrical and electronic devices, software, and systems containing hardware and software components. All students must complete a senior project capstone, further solidifying electrical and computer engineering concepts and preparing you to enter the workforce or graduate school.

Over the last decade, the gaming industry has continued to increase in popularity. Today, there are two entire degrees devoted to the study of games and game-making. Through the BS in Games and CS/EAE degrees at the University of Utah, students will learn how to develop entertainment software and serious games addressing health, collaboration, or social needs. Housed in the Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) program, both degrees offer technical coursework in math and computation, as well as training in digital game design, game art, and production. In the BS in Games, students will take 10 EAE electives focusing on game design, game arts, and game production. Students will also complete additional coursework in allied fields related to EAE such as digital media, storyboarding, graphic design, gender studies, and management. The pinnacle of the program is a joint Capstone project in which all game development students will work in teams to make and publish their own video game.

Students majoring or minoring in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (CLCS) compare multiple literatures and cultures within the framework of a single degree. As a CLCS student, you will explore themes across cultures and time periods, compare national literatures and cultures, learn and apply international literary and cultural theories, and analyze diverse types of texts (literary, visual, musical, etc.) produced in multiple cultural spheres.