The Department of Biology offers students a wide selection of stimulating courses catering to degrees in biology, marine science-biology, marine science-chemistry and environmental science. Students who are interested in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry and veterinary medicine) typically major in biology or chemistry. However, other degrees can also prepare students for health professions; thus students are encouraged to major in the field where they excel.
Students majoring in biology who are interested in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry and veterinary medicine) typically will follow the pre-professional concentration. By majoring in biology students take most or all of the required pre-requisite courses as part of their degree program. These courses include introductory biology, introductory (inorganic) chemistry, organic chemistry and calculus. The pre-professional concentration enables students to take specific courses required by their professional programs but also gives them flexibility to take courses in which they are interested. These courses may better prepare students for professional programs and provide the well-rounded, educational experience professional schools actively seek in their applicants. For more information on specific coursework required, please see the Pre-Health Professions Advising Guide or the specific program links.
Graduates from our program have been accepted into many health profession programs across the country. The foundation for their success was gained through the hands-on educational experience and personalized attention afforded through The University of Tampa.
Members of the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics offer guidance to students interested in pursuing graduate training in the health professions as well as write letters of recommendation through our Pre-Health Professions Committee composed of biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics faculty. Students are encouraged to contact the members of the committee early in their academic career for guidance. Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to contact the committee at the beginning of their junior year for help in the application process and to request letters of recommendation.
Pre-Health Professions Contact information
Ann Williams, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Co-Chairman of the Pre-Health Professions Committee
Office: SC255
Phone: (813) 257-3994
Email: ahwilliams@ut.edu
Scott Witherow, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Co-Chairman of the Pre-Health Professions Committee
Office: SC204
Phone: (813) 257-5034
Email: dwitherow@ut.edu
Pre-Health Related Student Organizations
- Skull and Bones, Dr. Rebecca Bellone, Faculty Advisor
- Alpha Epsilon Delta, Dr. Ann Williams, Faculty Advisor