Biology

The program is designed to prepare students for a broad spectrum of careers in the life sciences, including completion of all requirements for admission to professional schools (e.g., medical, dental, pharmacy and veterinary schools) and graduate programs.

The major in Biology prepares students to:

• Analyze scientific questions using both in-depth and broad knowledge of concepts that comprise the biological sciences
• Implement the scientific process by designing and conducting experiments, testing hypotheses, analyzing and evaluating results, and communicating conclusions
• Use laboratory, field, and analytical techniques to address complex questions in the life sciences
• Evaluate, synthesize, and communicate information from the primary scientific literature
• Apply principles of social awareness and responsibility to scientific investigations in the life sciences 

• Official transcripts: You'll need a transcript from each school that you've attended, plus a certified translation if the transcript is not in English. Your school counselor may also directly email your transcript(s) and your school report to [email protected].
  
  We’ll accept unofficial transcripts as long as they are in PDF format and clearly show your full name, your school's name, your courses, and your grades. Unreadable or illegible PDF documents will not be accepted. If you are admitted to USF and you choose to enroll, you’ll be asked to provide your official final transcript.
• English proficiency test scores: If English is not your native language, you are required to submit official results of the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English test. Learn more about our English language proficiency requirements, including how to waive these requirements.
• Certification of Finances: International students intending to study on an F-1 or J-1 visa must verify their ability to pay for their first year at USF. Learn more about the Certification of Finances.
  
  If you are intending to study at USF on a different visa (e.g. E-2, H-4, R-2, etc.), please email a copy of your visa to [email protected].
• (Optional) Gap Year explanation: If you have taken, are currently taking, or plan to take a gap year or additional time off after completing high school, there is a section on the Common Application for you to explain how you have spent your time or how you plan to spend your time.
• (Optional) SAT or ACT scores: USF does not require students to submit standardized test scores when applying for undergraduate admission.
  
  International students must still demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting an official TOEFL or IELTS score, or by meeting one of the waiver requirements listed on the English language proficiency page.
  
  If you do choose to submit your scores, you may have them sent directly from the testing agency, or you may send unofficial (self-reported) scores. You can send a screenshot of your test scores (name, test date, scores, and subscores must be visible), or have your counselor email us your score reports or an updated transcript with your scores to [email protected].
  
  The writing sections of the SAT are not used in the evaluation process. USF will continue to superscore both the SAT and ACT. If you submit both scores for our review, we will use the highest score available for our admission review.

• Complete the Common Application and send the non-refundable application fee by the application deadline.