- Combined major offered by the Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering and the Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Introduction
Biology is the study of living organisms. As scientists, biologists have three goals: (1) understanding biological systems, (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 challenges facing humanity. The B.S. programs in Biology enable you 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.
WWU Biology is distinguished by small class sizes and direct engagement with dedicated faculty who chose to come to our department because of its student-centered approach to education – we greatly care about your success. Here, you will be part of a student-centered, inclusive, welcoming, and engaging learning community, with access to experiential and place-based learning. For example, through upper-level laboratory courses and research experiences, you can access state-of-the-art research instrumentation, and explore the diversity of nearby habitats, from the Salish Sea to the Cascade Mountains.
Why Consider a Biology/Anthropology BS major?
- Are you fascinated by human biology?
- Are you interested in the origins of modern humans?
- Would you like to study human biology within a cultural perspective?
- Are you interested in examining human biology from a more comprehensive perspective?
The Biology/Anthropology combined major provides an integrated framework for understanding human biology. This major includes the same foundational math, physics, chemistry, and biology courses as the Biology major. It also includes introductory anthropology courses, to prepare you to take upper-level coursework in both Anthropology and Biology and explore topics related to genetics, human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, medicine, nutrition, and forensic anthropology. A diploma granted under this concentration will indicate “Bachelor of Science;” official transcripts will indicate Biology/Anthropology.
This joint degree is good preparation for careers or further study in areas like forensic and biological anthropology. The Biology/Anthropology major also is well suited to prepare you for various health care careers. To see how this major fulfils requirements for admission to training programs in various health careers, see Health Professions and health professions advising.
Student Resources
Department website: Biology
Contact information: Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly, Biology 315, 360-650-6165, biologyadvising@wwu.edu
Academic advising: Admitted and/or current students must meet with an academic advisor.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Declaration form: Student Academic Declaration and Change Form
Admission and Declaration Process
Admission to the Biology Major is based upon an application procedure that considers prior academic performance (specifically GPA in prerequisite courses) and student responses to focused prompts.
Pre-major Declaration
Students who have been formally admitted into Western may declare a biology pre-major at any time by filling out the Student Academic Declaration and Change Form. Pre-majors are assigned to biology faculty advisors in their area of interest and may expect to be notified regularly via email regarding opportunities for general advising, course registration information, application deadlines, and scholarships.
Application to the Major
Students are eligible to apply to the Biology Major when they have completed BIOL 204, BIOL 205, CHEM 161/175, and CHEM 162/176 with grades of C- or higher. Application involves submitting a completed application form, including responding to prompts about the applicant’s experience, motivation, and goals. See the Biology Department’s website for more details, including information about application prompts, application deadlines, review timeline, and reapplication limits. The Biology Department’s website also has information specific to transfer students interested in applying for admission to the Biology Major, such as application eligibility and transfer course equivalencies.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply to the major at the beginning of the quarter in which they are enrolled in BIOL 206 and/or CHEM 163/225 to ensure timely progress towards graduation. Admission to the major following a successful application is contingent on completing both BIOL 206 and CHEM 163/225 with a grade of C- or higher.
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. A GPA of 2.50 or above in major is required.
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