NATURAL SCIENCES
louisville.edu/artsandsciences
The natural sciences at UofL’s College of Arts & Sciences foster critical thinking and innovation in fields enhancing our understanding of the physical world and human life. Faculty support includes research opportunities, study abroad and student organizations, preparing graduates for careers in actuarial science, business, education, environmental policy, government, medicine and research, as well as readiness for dental, medical and veterinary schools.
BEST COLLEGE FOR BIOLOGY IN KENTUCKY
By Niche 2024
PARTNER WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED FACULTY WHO WORK AT THE FOREFRONT OF DISCOVERY IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISCIPLINES
*The “Research 1” classification by Carnegie signifies that UofL has achieved the highest level of research activity among other doctoral universities.
PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS OFFERED
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Internships & Co-Op Opportunities
Gain real-world experience with several local organizations, including the Horner Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, Ohio River, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Louisville Zoo and many more. Chemistry and mathematics offer co-op programs, through which you can work for college credit.
Research
Undergraduates may participate in ongoing research with faculty, starting as early as their freshman year. Qualified students may also obtain undergraduate teaching assistantships and/or undergraduate research and creative activities grants.
Student Organizations
Many student organizations are available for natural science majors, including academic honor societies, Pre-Dental Club, Pre-Vet Club, Actuarial Club, Math Club, Society of Physics Students, Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS) and more.
Study Abroad
Study abroad and international service-learning programs are available in Belize, Botswana, Brazil, China, Croatia, India, Ireland, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and more!
Live and Learn
Live and study in one of our Living-Learning or Themed Communities (LLC/TC)! Participants have increased faculty and staff engagement, opportunities to actively engage in community-specific programs and are exposed to campus resources relevant to their academic, personal and/or professional endeavors.
Visit uofl.me/llc-options to learn more.
Soaring Scholars
UofL offers many accelerated programs, offering students the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years.
Visit uofl.me/soaring to learn more.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Biology
Biology explores how plants, animals, fungi, viruses and bacteria function, interact, evolve and respond to human activity. Students engage in independent research projects and internships tailored for medical, dental, veterinary and optometry school preparation.
Available tracks include Biomedical Sciences, Ecology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Biochemistry
Biochemistry integrates chemistry and biology courses, preparing students for careers in biochemistry and biotechnology. This program combines classroom learning with hands-on research, preparing students for professional schools, graduate studies or roles as scientists and technicians in related fields.
Chemistry
Chemistry studies the composition, properties and transformations of matter. Explore analytical, organic, inorganic, computational chemistry and biochemistry, while developing skills in calculus and physics. Graduates are prepared for careers in industry, government, academia, research and or graduate education.
Available track: Business
Mathematics
Mathematics covers algebra, calculus, geometry, abstract mathematics, numerical analysis and probability. This curriculum supports students aiming for secondary certification in mathematics and those pursuing graduate studies.
Available track: Actuarial Science
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary STEM and healthfocused degree emphasizing critical analysis across neuroscience disciplines. Study nervous system function from molecular to cognitive levels and learn techniques for measuring activity from cells to the whole brain.
Physics
Physics explores matter and the universe across time and space. Develop problem-solving skills for careers in medical school preparation, engineering, computer science or further studies in physics and astronomy.
Available tracks include Applied Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Atmospheric Physics, Computational Physics, and Data Science and Professional Physics
Psychology*
Psychology studies the human mind and behavior, covering cognitive, developmental, social, abnormal psychology and behavioral neuroscience. Develop critical thinking and communication skills for professional work or health-related graduate education, meeting prerequisites for medical, dental and physician assistant schools.
Individualized Major (Liberal Studies)
The Individualized Major allows students to design their own undergraduate degree, combining multiple disciplines to create a customized, interdisciplinary program of study.
Visit louisville.edu/liberalstudies to learn more.
*Also offered entirely online
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
» Pre-Dentistry
» Pre-Law
» Pre-Medicine
» Pre-Occupational Therapy
» Pre-Optometry
» Pre-Pharmacy
» Pre-Physical Therapy
» Pre-Speech Pathology
» Pre-Veterinary Medicine
GUARANTEED ENTRANCE PROGRAMS
UofL offers special programs if you plan to pursue a professional degree: Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School (GEMS) and Guaranteed Entrance to Dental School (ULEAD). These programs will help you secure a spot in two of our most selective professional schools.
Visit uofl.me/guaranteed-entrance to learn more.
Admission
Transfer