The Biology major is designed for students wishing to explore life science at multiple levels ranging from the molecular to the organismal to the ecosystem level. Departmental requirements include: General Biology (103-104), Biostatistics (345), General Chemistry (130-131), Organic Chemistry (250-251) and General or Classical Physics (121-122 or 131-132). Students must also select a minimum of seven other courses in Biology from among the following: 305, 315, 317, 319, 320, 323, 324, 325, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 344, 346, 347. Note: of the seven required courses, only one may be a non-lab course (e.g., 305, 330, 339, 344, 346).
To assist students in selecting a balance of courses from several academic areas, each Biology major is assigned a faculty advisor with whom a close advisee?advisor relationship must be developed. Scientific research is an important aspect of an education in science and each major is strongly recommended to replace one of the seven required courses with one of the following: (1) under the direction of a faculty member, participate in the Directed Research in Biology (BI421-422); (2) develop, with direction from the Internship Facilitator, an individual internship program (BI451 and/or 452); or (3) participate in the Washington Internship Program (BI450).
The Biology program seeks to develop in its majors organizational and communication skills, critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. Graduates of the program are well prepared to undertake advanced study in graduate, medical or dental school, or for a career in business or education. Science requirements for the Teacher Education Program are noted under the Natural Science Major. |