Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology/Anthropology, BS


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Combined major offered by the Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering and the Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

103-108 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.

Why Consider a Biology/Anthropology Major?

The Biology/Anthropology major concentrates on human biology and behavioral science. This major is most useful for those continuing on in applied health careers such as: Medicine, Osteopathy, Optometry, Dentistry, etc. It is also useful for Epidemiology, public health and graduate programs in Human Biology and Biological Anthropology.

 Contact Information

Anthropology Program Advisor
Arntzen Hall 316
360-650-4787

Biology Program Advisor
Jose Serrano-Moreno
Biology 331
360-650-3633
Jose.Serrano-Moreno@wwu.edu

Anthropology Program Advisor
MJ Mosher
Arntzen Hall 324
360-650-3614
M.J.Mosher@wwu.edu

 

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

 Sample Careers

Medical Doctor | Physician’s Assistant | Applied Health Professions | Museum Conservator | Forensic Anthropologist | Biological Anthropologist | Epidemiology and Public Health

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The Biology Department has a two-step process for admission into our degree programs. Phase I students are students who have declared their intent to major in biology and are in the process of completing the introductory biology (BIOL 204, 205, 206) and general chemistry (CHEM 121, 122, 123) series. Admission to Phase II is based on academic performance in the introductory courses. Students must achieve an average grade of 2.9 or higher in their introductory biology and general chemistry courses before they can advance to Phase II and begin taking upper-division coursework.

Biology Phase II status required for admission into 300- and 400-level biology courses for biology majors.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major courses.

Requirements


Basic Requirements:


Depth requirements:


Completion requirement:


Electives:


0-9 credits to make 103-108 total.

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