- Combined major offered by the Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering and the Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering.
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/Mathematics BS major?
- Do you enjoy working with numbers?
- Do you like applying mathematics and data analysis to solving real-world problems?
- Are you intrigued by using models and simulations to understand complex phenomena?
Biology is an increasingly quantitative discipline, as computational power and biological datasets continue to grow. Mathematical models provide powerful tools for building a sophisticated understanding of complex biological phenomena. In this major, you will develop a strong background in biology along with a broadly applicable understanding of quantitative and computational approaches to problem-solving. You will gain skills that will prepare you to contribute to a wide range of fields such as biostatistics, biomathematics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, theoretical biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and molecular biology. A diploma granted under this concentration will indicate “Bachelor of Science;” official transcripts will indicate Biology/Mathematics.
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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