Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Biology Program
What makes Biology at Western Washington University stand out among other universities?
Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Are there internship opportunities for undergraduates?
Questions about declaring a major/minor
How do I declare a Biology Major?
What do students need to do to get a Biology Minor?
How do students see and are assigned a Biology Faculty Advisor?
How do Biology Majors change their Faculty Advisor?
When should students declare a Biology Major?
Answers
What makes Biology at Western Washington University stand out among other universities?
Answer: High quality/broad-based study in the science of biology.
We believe that students need to study the broad spectrum of biology even though they may know the area they wish to focus. With this foundation in biology, students then specialize in their area of interest about their junior and senior years of study. In addition to comprehensive knowledge in biology, students gain transferable skills in critical thinking, analytical and time management skills plus the ability to design and implement statistically reliable research in field/laboratory conditions and acquire an array of technical skills with a variety of equipment, instrumentation, and computer technologies while gaining proficient communication skills that include scientific written and oral presentation. Biology at Western includes "hands-on" learning as much as classroom instruction.
Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
The Biology Department offers many research opportunities. Majors have the opportunity to design and implement both comparative and experimental statistically reliable research. Also, majors may take a series of individual research credits (Biol 395, 494, and 495) that give experience in: assisting in the maintenance of experimental set-up, individual or collaborative research, and analysis and presentation of results. Biology Alumni funds are available for part of this research. Talk to your biology faculty advisor about your options.
Are there internship opportunities for undergraduates?
Internships are an excellent way for majors to transition from college to the workplace. The intern gains an understanding of the workplace environment, reinforces the desire to work in the field, and an internship is an asset on the resume. Due to the diversity of the biological field, there is not a set internship program. To accommodate this diversity, majors approach prospective employers based on interest. Employers contact both the Biology Department and Career Services Center for prospective applicants. Applications are posted on both department web pages. Use the Biol 496 Work Experience form (pdf) for instructions and to set up the internship.
How do I declare a Biology Major?
Complete and submit the Declare Biology Major web form. Set up an appointment with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Nancy Kirchgatter, in the Biology office (BI 3150), 650-3627, for assistance and to have a Biology Faculty Advisor assigned to you.
What do students need to do to get a Biology Minor?
The Biology Minor organizes classes in a way that help students take Biology classes which complement your major. Students fill out the Biology Minor Checklist (pdf) - also available in the Biology department office, BI 315. Biology Minors consult with their Major advisors about what Biology classes are best for them. Twenty (20) credits of Biology need to be taken at WWU to complete a Biology Minor. The major advisor and the Biology department chair need to sign the Biology Minor checklist form. The Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Nancy Kirchgatter, in the Biology department office, is available to assist with this process.
How do students see and are assigned a Biology Faculty Advisor?
Faculty advisors are available during their office hours or by appointment. When a student declares a major, a Biology Faculty advisor with interests similar to the students is assigned. Students should visit their Faculty advisors a minimum of twice a year. It is recommended that students see their Faculty advisors for planning coursework and other options prior to registering for classes each quarter. Faculty advisors also assist students with learning about research and internship opportunities, as well as career planning.
How do Biology Majors change their Faculty Advisor?
As students grow in their knowledge of Biology, sometimes interest in a Biological area changes, and they want to change to another Faculty Advisor. Fill out the Request for a new Advisor (pdf) form and set up an appointment with Nancy Kirchgatter, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, in the Biology department office (BI 315).
When should students declare a Biology Major?
Students should declare their Biology Major as soon as they know that they want to study Biology and have a WWU student number. The advantage to declaring a major in the Biology Department is connection with the department and a Biology Faculty Advisor. This is critical to planning the best order of classes. The Faculty Advisor will mentor students toward new ideas in their studies and assist with research development, internships, and/or teaching assistant options.