Divisions of Biological Sciences
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: (406) 243-5122
Fax: (406) 243-4184

We were pleased to learn from the Admissions Office that you have been admitted to The University of Montana as a student in the Division of Biological Sciences.  I write to welcome you to our program and bring to your attention some of its special features.

• We offer bachelor degrees in Biology, Microbiology and Medical Technology with options in Teacher Preparation in Biology & General Sciences, Human Biological Sciences, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Natural History and Ecology & Organismal Biology, for more information you can investigate on-line at http://dbs.umt.edu/students/advising/.
• We provide an exceptional academic advising program headed by a professional advisor and carefully selected and trained student advisors who help students plan courses and schedules and negotiate the “hoops” of the university system.
• All of our faculty are active scientists in their biological specialty, national and international leaders in their fields, and bring into the classroom their knowledge, insight and excitement about biology;
• We have superb opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research; hands-on experience is one of the best (and most fun and exciting!) ways to learn about science and biology;
• A number of student groups and organizations in the biological and related areas (Pre-Med Club, American Fisheries Society Student Chapter, Student Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology, American Indian Science and Engineering Society-Student Chapter, Women in Science and Engineering, and others) provide extensive opportunities to meet and work with other students who have similar interests;
• We have several excellent seminar series in which our own faculty, students and other leading scientists from around the world discuss recent research.
• Among the facilities available to the Division is the Flathead Lake Biological Station, located on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the US west of the Mississippi River (see their web site at: http://www.umt.edu/flbs/).
• We have a new undergraduate program called Montana Integrative Learning Experience for Students. This interdisciplinary program will train interested students to deal with complex problems in biology by integrating courses in biology, math and computer science.

In the Division of Biological Sciences, we try to create an environment in which students and faculty share in the excitement of learning and applying modern biology.  UM has a reputation of being “big enough” to offer many opportunities, yet “small enough” to be friendly and navigable.  We believe we have much to offer.  Please visit our web site at http://dbs.umt.edu for more information, or contact us at biology.advisor@mso.umt.edu with specific questions.  We look forward to meeting and getting to know you. Please feel free to drop by and say hello!

Sincerely,

Charlie Janson

Associate Dean