Biology
Biologists study living organisms - from the molecular to the ecosystem scale - to understand the natural world and find solutions to problems facing humans. You can choose from multiple degrees and concentrations that span the breadth of Biology including Biomedical Science, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity, Mathematical Biology, and more.
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms, and biological scientists work across many interconnected systems to generate data that deepen our understanding of the natural world and inform solutions for the challenges facing humanity. The many subdisciplines of biology that span scales ranging from cells to organisms to ecosystems are unified by fundamental principles like evolution and genetics.
Our Bachelor of Science curriculum is designed to (1) prepare undergraduates for careers and graduate studies in diverse areas of biology (including agriculture, conservation, biotechnology, biomedical research, education, environmental science, etc.); (2) prepare students for advanced study in the health professions such as medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry; and (3) provide a broad exposure to biology for students who want a general science education as biologists and/or teachers.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree options in biology and biology/anthropology are designed to provide students with a foundation in biology and can be combined with another discipline of the student’s choice.
WWU Biology is distinguished by small class sizes and direct engagement with dedicated faculty who chose to come to our department because of its student-centered approach to education – we care about your success. Here, you will be part of a student-centered, inclusive, welcoming, and engaging learning community, with access to experiential and place-based learning. For example, through upper-level laboratory courses and research experiences, you can access state-of-the-art research instrumentation, and explore the diversity of nearby habitats, from the Salish Sea to the Cascade Mountains. In addition to coursework, many students pursue independent research opportunities with faculty.
Biology Degree(s)
Biology, BA
This major is a good fit for students who are interested in Biology but are not planning on a career as a post-graduate researcher in the biological sciences. Biology BA students often combine their interests in other disciplines with the study of biology
Contact
Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly, Program Coordinators for Advising
biologyadvising@wwu.edu | 360-650-6165
Department Website(s)
View in Catalog
Biology, BABiology, BS
This program thoroughly prepares students for a career in Biology, including entry-level jobs across all areas of biology, as well as graduate school or training in biology-related fields like medicine. All students follow a curriculum of math, chemistry, physics, and a strong core of biology courses. Students choose one of seven concentrations (listed below) and have significant choice in their coursework during the latter portion of the degree.
Contact
Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly, Program Coordinators for Advising
biologyadvising@wwu.edu | 360-650-6165
Department Website(s)
Concentrations
View in Catalog
Biology, BSBiology/Anthropology, BS
The Biology/Anthropology combined major provides an integrated framework for understanding human biology. This joint degree provides preparation for careers or further study in areas like forensic and biological anthropology and is well suited to fulfill prerequisites for various healthcare training programs.
Contact
Biology Program Advisors,
biologyadvising@wwu.edu | 360-650-6165
Tesla Monson, Anthropology Undergraduate Advisor
Tesla.Monson@wwu.edu | 360-650-4787
Department Website(s)
View in Catalog
Biology/Anthropology, BSBiology/Mathematics, BS
Biology is an increasingly quantitative discipline, as computational power and biological datasets continue to grow. With this combined major, you will develop a strong background in biology along with a broadly applicable understanding of quantitative and computational approaches to problem-solving. You will gain skills in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and theoretical biology that are broadly applicable across biology and related fields.
Contact
Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly, Program Coordinators for Advising
biologyadvising@wwu.edu | 360-650-6165
Department Website(s)
View in Catalog
Biology/Mathematics, BSRelated Majors
Related Minors
My peers and professors were what really stood out to me about the biology department at WWU. There was a focus on collaboration that has helped me personally and professionally.
Cullen Wood
Biology Alum
I was greatly impressed by my professors' dedication and passion, who deeply transformed my understanding of what it means to be a scientist and helped me discover the exquisite beauty and complexity of biological processes.
David Jacobson
Biology Alum
During my time at WWU I had the opportunity to do research in a field of interest to me. I worked closely with my professor to learn research skills and develop my scientific tool kit. These skills helped me get into a PhD program and propelled me forward towards a career in biology.
Will Bieker
Biology Alum
Student Experiences
Student Research & Internships
Many biology students pursue research opportunities with faculty, who specialize in such disciplines as marine biology, plant biology, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, evolution, development, and ecology. To peruse the current list of faculty and their research interests, please see the Biology website. Internships provide the opportunity to gain real world experience in industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Students can earn college credit for their internships with BIOL 496.
Facilities and resources
The 82,000 square-foot Biology Building features teaching labs and research labs equipped with up-to-date instrumentation for molecular, organismal, and ecological analyses, environmental control rooms, a seawater lab, image analysis labs, state-of-the-art microscopy facilities, and multimedia lecture halls. The department also maintains two greenhouses on campus that support teaching and research activities. Nearby, the Salish Sea and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges support a rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats that are frequently utilized for courses and individual projects that focus on organismal or ecological aspects of biology. Additionally, our marine biology program is enriched through our affiliation with Western's Shannon Point Marine Center near Anacortes, WA.
Discover What's Next
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