Biology

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.

Undergraduate Program

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

The Department of Biology offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biology.
• The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology. Students choose one of the following options: ecology, evolution, and conservation; general; molecular, cellular, and development; physiology; and plant.

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. An ideal degree for students wishing to double major in arts or humanities and in biology or who wish to design their own degree program.

The Bachelor of Science options are as follows:

1. Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. Emphasizes ecological and evolutionary processes and conservation biology. Relates these areas to systematics, the distribution and abundance of organisms, and environmental policy. Prepares students for graduate study in ecology and evolution, for professional schools that seek individuals with strong system-level approaches to problem solving, and for careers in natural resources and conservation.
2. General. Emphasizes breadth of training in biology. This is the most flexible program and offers a greater variety of advanced electives than other options. Attractive to students desiring K-12 teaching credentials or who otherwise wish to tailor their degree to their needs.
3. Molecular, Cellular, and Development. Designed for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, or developmental biology, as well as for candidates for professional schools such as medicine and dentistry.
4. Physiology. Emphasizes physiological processes from the cellular to the organismal levels, and across all groups of organisms. An attractive option for students interested in graduate and professional fields in animal and human physiology, medicine, and veterinary sciences.
5. Plant. Offers students both breadth and depth of training in the field of botany. Ideal for students desiring to enter graduate programs in botany or for those wishing to pursue careers in the plant biology or horticultural fields in state and federal agencies.

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.

Bachelor of Arts

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

Department Admission Requirements

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

Major Requirements

90 credits as follows:

1. Introductory biology, three to six quarters of chemistry, and mathematics are the same as required by the B.S., listed below. However, physics is not required and the remaining 36 upper-division elective credits may be chosen from any biology course or any courses on the electives lists from the six options for the BS degree.
2. Additional Degree Requirements.
   1. A minimum of 15 credits of 400-level biology electives must be taken at the UW.
   2. Minimum GPA requirements are the same as for a B.S.

Bachelor of Science

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.

Department Admission Requirements

BIOL 180 or BIOL 201 with a minimum grade of 2.5; or BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220 (or BIOL 201, BIOL 202, BIOL 203) with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 for the three courses. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, or equivalent. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for all courses which would apply toward major requirements (this includes all applicable chemistry, physics, mathematics, quantitative science, and introductory biological science courses).

Major Requirements

90 credits as follows:

1. For all options the following basic coursework is required:
   1. A one year sequence of introductory biology for majors (BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220)
   2. Three to six quarters of chemistry, covering general and organic chemistry: CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221; or CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 223, and CHEM 224; or CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162* and CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239
   3. Two quarters of mathematics (calculus or statistics): MATH 124 and MATH 125, or MATH 144 and MATH 145, or Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292, or Q SCI 381 (or STAT 311) and Q SCI 482
   4. Two quarters of physics: PHYS 114 and PHYS 115, or PHYS 121 and PHYS 122
   5. GENOME 371
   6. Natural history/biodiversity: one course selected from approved list (3 credits)
   7. Option Requirement: 300- and 400-level courses selected from lists specific to each option. See department Web site for additional information. (34 credits)

*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.

2. Additional Degree Requirements:
   1. A minimum GPA of 2.00 for all UW courses applied toward major requirements, including required supporting courses, introductory biology, and upper-division coursework. (A grade of 2.0 is not required in individual courses.)
   2. A minimum of 15 credits of 400-level biology electives must be taken at the UW.
   3. Two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses

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.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The department graduates between 350 and 400 students each year. Biology degrees are applicable to many different fields, depending upon student interests. Students in the program gain analytical and laboratory skills that prepare them for entry-level positions in a variety of biologically related areas, including, but not limited to, biotechnology, laboratory and/or field research support, health science support, wildlife biology, and ecology and conservation work with a variety of agencies, consulting firms, and research organizations in the northwest. Students may enter graduate programs that focus on some aspect of biological science (such as genetics, microbiology, immunology, ecology, environmental health, or cell and molecular biology), or enter a variety of professional programs, such as veterinary medicine, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory medicine, and nursing.
• Instructional and Research Facilities: The Department of Biology occupies 128,000 square feet in Hitchcock, Johnson, and Kincaid Halls. Extensive research laboratories, teaching laboratories, computer workstations, and support services are found throughout the department.

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.

• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Biology faculty welcome undergraduates into their research programs, often working closely with them. Approximately 40% of the 900 undergraduate Biology majors finish with undergraduate research experience.

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, the faculty in the College of Forest Resources, and the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences provide opportunities for biology majors to develop internships within these organizations. See adviser for ways to get credit for such experiences.

• Department Scholarships: Several scholarships are available, in a few cases to biology majors only. Most of these support students wishing to pursue an undergraduate research experience. They are competitive, sometimes highly so. They include:
  • Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Internship: approximately 20 per year for freshmen and 20 per year for juniors and seniors.
  • Friday Harbor Laboratory (FHL) Apprenticeships: $3,000 for one quarter, spring or autumn.
  • Mary Gates Scholarships: very competitive, across all science disciplines.
  • Herschel and Caryl Roman Scholarship: $2,500-$5,000 annually to one or two students who have an interest in genetics research.
  • Porath/Johnson Endowed Scholarship: one-year, $5,000 scholarship to an outstanding biology major.

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

• Student Organizations/Associations: Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, tribeta@u.washington.edu; Pre Med Society (Alpha Epsilon Delta), aed@u.washington.edu.