Biology – University of Washington

Department Overview

106 Kincaid

Biology is the broadly based study of living organisms and has become an increasingly dynamic and wide-ranging discipline. It may be approached by focus on cell and molecular processes, development, organismal physiology and morphology, natural history, evolution, conservation, or ecology. The aim is to elucidate general principles applicable to many different sorts of organisms rather than to concentrate on any particular taxonomic group. Biology is often interdisciplinary in nature and may involve aspects of biochemistry, botany, genetics, microbiology, zoology, and many other natural sciences.

Adviser 318 Hitchcock, Box 355320 206-543-9120 bioladv@uw.edu

The Department of Biology offers the following programs of study:

Designed for students desiring breadth of training, the Bachelor of Arts program does not require physics. Students do not select an emphasis, and hence have greater flexibility in upper-division biology electives.

The Bachelor of Science options are as follows:

Each of the above bachelor's degree programs in the biological sciences can be combined with Washington State requirements to prepare students to teach biology in public schools at the secondary level. See the Biology Teaching Program adviser for specific requirements.

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Same as for the Bachelor of Science degree as described below, except no physics or third quarter of organic chemistry is required.

Same as for the Bachelor of Science degree as described below.

90 credits as follows:

Suggested First- and Second-Year Courses: Students should concentrate on general chemistry and mathematics the first year, biology and organic chemistry the second year (see major requirements for specific courses). Transfer students: complete an entire sequence at one school if possible. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to complete the Areas of Knowledge requirement during the first two years.

Application to the BA and BS degree programs is competitive. Applications, accepted quarterly, are due the second Friday of autumn, winter, spring, and summer quarters, by 11:59 p.m. Applications received by the system after the quarterly deadline are considered for the subsequent quarter.

Minimum requirements for consideration:

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Other factors include overall academic record and difficulty of other courses completed; time to degree set by UW Satisfactory Progress Policy, including frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades and number of repeated courses; relevant work and life experience; and record of honors.

90 credits as follows for all options:

*CHEM 162 is not required for this degree; however, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239 are required by many professional programs and graduate schools, and that sequence does require CHEM 162.

Because of the differing specific requirements and choices for each option, it is extremely important for students to work closely with the Biology departmental advisers to insure completion of these 22-25 credits.

All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.

Along with the Departments of Anthropology and Earth and Space Sciences, the Department of Biology offers a minor in paleobiology. For more information on the minor, see its entry elsewhere in the General Catalog.

Specialized facilities include more than 16,000 square feet of greenhouse, seawater facilities, growth rooms, electron microscopes, and other specialized equipment. Undergraduates have access to most of these facilities, especially those engaged in undergraduate research.

Off campus, the internationally recognized Marine Research Station, Friday Harbor Laboratories, provides many opportunities for undergraduates, from courses to research apprenticeships.

UW proximity to such Seattle area organizations as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Swedish Hospital, numerous biotech companies, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Research Center, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Woodland Park Zoo, as well as the close ties of Biology faculty to Friday Harbor Laboratories and the faculty in the College of the Environment provide opportunities for biology majors to develop internships within these organizations. See adviser for ways to get credit for such experiences.

For qualifications, deadlines, and other details, see adviser or consult the Department of Biology website.

Graduate Program Coordinator 106 Kincaid Hall, Box 351800 206-685-8240 biolgrad@u.washington.edu

Department Overview

Undergraduate Program

Minor

Graduate Program

Time Schedule

Academic Planning Worksheet

Departmental Web Page

Departmental Faculty

Course Descriptions

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Biology - University of Washington