Dec 13, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Minor


Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering

44 Credits

Introduction

Biology is the study of living organisms. As scientists, biologists have three goals: (1) understanding the structure and function of organisms, (2) generating and disseminating reliable data pertaining to biological systems, and (3) developing a deep understanding of the natural world that can inform solutions for the serious environmental, medical, and social concerns facing humanity.

Our goal as educators is to maintain intensive academic programs designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity and life-long critical thinking in students who pursue a liberal arts education in Biology.  All of the B.S. programs in Biology are designed for students who plan to pursue post-graduate study or professional careers in biology or teaching. We have designed these programs to enable students to develop an integrated conceptual foundation in biology, as well as critical thinking skills, quantitative problem-solving abilities, leadership and team-building skills, and scientific research skills.

Each B.S. program features a core curriculum at the 200-level and 300-level, plus one 400-level course in evolution. The primary differences between the emphases lie in the choices of additional upper-division lab and lecture courses that a student takes to 1) gain a depth of knowledge in a focal area, 2) have opportunities to integrate and apply that knowledge in various settings including the lab, the field, and discussions with others, and 3) develop skills and abilities that are tailored to particular interests and career paths.

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Merrill Peterson
Biology 315
360-650-3636
merrill.peterson@wwu.edu

Program Coordinators for Advising
Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly
Biology 315
360-650-6165
biologyadvising@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

 

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students must be eligible for Phase II status before they may declare a minor in biology. Admission to Phase II requires that a student have a minimum gpa of 2.9 in the introductory chemistry and biology courses (CHEM 121, 122, 123 and BIOL 204, 205 and 206). To declare, please see the declaration process section above or visit the department’s website.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements


  •   Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  •   Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  •   Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  • Choose one of the following series:

  •         Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  •         Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  •         Credits: 4 GUR: LSCI
  •        or

  •         Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  •         Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  •         Credits: 5 GUR: LSCI
  • 14 credits of upper-level courses

  • Any upper-level biology course, with the exception of BIOL 348, 349, 395, 444, 494, 495, 496 or 498, can be used to fulfill this requirement.

    Up to 6 upper-division credits may overlap and be applied to both the biology minor and the student’s major degree requirements.

  • Note: BIOL 245 and BIOL 348 may not be counted toward this minor.