Biology
Biology is the study of all living things – how they reproduce, grow, and evolve and how they relate to each other and to their environment.Biologists examine the chemical and cellular basis of life and life's many levels of organization, from molecular to ecosystem. They also study inheritance, molecular genetics, the biology of populations, behavior, the flow of energy in living systems, and evolutionary and ecological relationships.
We will no longer accept Math 106 from Clark as a substitute for Math 140 or 171 for the B.S. Biology after January 1, 2009.
Bachelor of Science in Biology: Degree Plan
The degree plan is only a guide. You should always consult with an advisor when making academic plans.
Contact the Science Programs front desk to make an advising appointment: 360-546-9620.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | Spring Term | ||
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| Biol 106 Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology |
4 | Biol 107 Introductory Biology: Cell Biology & Genetics |
4 |
| Chem 105 Principles of Chemistry I |
4 | Chem 106 Principles of Chemistry II |
4 |
| GE 101 Introduction to University Learning Goals |
1 | Math 140 Calculus for Life Scientists |
4 |
| GE 110 World Civilizations I |
3 | GE 111 World Civilizations II |
3 |
| Engl 101 Introductory Writing |
3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Term | Spring Term | ||
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| Biol 301 Genetics |
4 | Biology Elective Biol, MBioS, or ES/RP (300-400 Level) |
6 |
| Chem 345 Organic Chemistry I |
4 | Intercultural Studies General Education Requirement |
3 |
| GE 105 Interdisciplinary Core I |
3 | GE 106 Interdisciplinary Core II |
3 |
| GE 303 Connecting to Research Across the Disciplines |
1 | Arts & Humanities General Education Requirement |
3 |
| Arts & Humanities or Social Science General Education Requirement |
3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Term | Spring Term | ||
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| Biol 372 [M] Ecology |
4 | MBioS 303 Biochemistry |
4 |
| Phys 101 General Physics I |
4 | Phys 102 General Physics II |
4 |
| Stat 412 Biometry |
3 | Biology Elective Biol, MBioS, or ES/RP (300-400 Level) |
4 |
| Arts & Humanities or Social Science General Education Requirement |
3 | Social Science General Education Requirement |
3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 15 |
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Term | Spring Term | ||
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| MBioS 401 Cell Biology |
3 | Biol 403 Evolution |
3 |
| Biology Elective Biol, MBioS, or ES/RP (300-400 Level) |
4 | Tier III Course General Education Requirement |
3 |
| GE 401 Connecting Learning to Life |
1 | Biology and/or General Electives | 10 |
| Arts & Humanities or Social Science General Education Requirement |
3 | ||
| General Elective | 4 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 16 |
Note: College of Science students must complete 2 yrs of high school foreign language or 1 full year of college-level foreign language.
Biology Minor (for non-science majors only)
Non-science majors may wish to pursue a minor in biology. This minor may be appropriate for students wishing to apply to pre-health professional programs, as it would allow a student to complete pre-requisite courses for admission to those advanced degrees. A student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology may not pursue a minor in biology.
Requirements:
A minor in biology requires a minimum of 20 hours in biology coursework including Biol 106, 107, 301 and 8 additional hours at the 300-level or above. No more than 2 hours in Biol 495, 496 or 499 may be included in the 20 hours. 10 credit hours must be earned in residence at WSU.
- Biol 106 Organismal Biology
- Biol 107 Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biol 301 Genetics
-
8 additional hours* (List of courses below is not comprehensive, check course schedule for availability)
- Biol 321: Animal Development
- Biol 322: Invertebrate Zoology
- Biol 350: Comparative Physiology
- Biol 372 Ecology [M]
- Biol 394: Medicine as a Career
- Biol 403 Evolutionary Biology
- Biol 407: Biology of Women
- Biol 413: Fish Ecology
- Biol 438: Animal Behavior
- Biol 456: Neuroethology
- Biol 492: Biology of Bats
- Biol 468: Conservation Ecology
* Must be 300 level or above. No more than 2 hours of Biol 495 or 499 may count towards the Minor requirements. Some courses may have additional pre-requisites.
Zoology Minor
The zoology minor provides a broad foundation in zoology and would be of interest to students seeking a well-rounded background for further professional studies, such as graduate or veterinary school. Physiological, anatomical, and behavioral studies of animals are emphasized.
Requirements
Minimum of 20 hours, twelve (12) of which must be upper division.
- Biol 106 Organismal Biology
- Biol 107 Cell and Molecular Biology
- One of the following:
- Biol 321 Principles of Animal Development
- Biol 322 Invertebrate Biology
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- Eight (8) additional hours of zoology-related courses (see advisor)
Questions about the website or degree plans:
Call (360) 546-9620 or Email us