Program OverviewThrough coursework in the classroom, lab, and field as well as experience through research, internships, and study abroad our undergraduates gain the requisite knowledge and skills for careers in basic and applied research, education, health sciences, environmental sciences, science policy, government, business and the non-profit sector.
Students may earn a Biology BA with a General Biology Option. The Biology BS degree can be earned with one of 5 options: Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology (EEC), General Biology, Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD), Physiology, and Plant Biology. Minors in Paleo Biology and Marine Biology are also part of the curriculum offered to Undergraduates.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: General
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Molecular, Cellular, and Development
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Physiology
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Plant
Admission RequirementsAdmission is capacity constrained. Applications, accepted quarterly, are due the second Friday of autumn, winter, spring, and summer quarters, by 11:59 p.m. Applications received after the quarterly deadline are considered for the subsequent quarter.
Minimum requirements for consideration
- Matriculated student in good academic standing at UW Seattle.
- Minimum 2.0 grade in each of BIOL 180, BIOL 200, and BIOL 220; or in BIOL 240
- Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for any supporting chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology courses (or other courses that may apply to major requirements) completed at time of application.
- Personal statement: May include description of interest in biology, career goals, undergraduate research interests, degree interest (BA or BS), and any other information applicant believes is useful in evaluating the application.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Other factors include overall academic record and difficulty of other courses completed; time to degree set by UW Satisfactory Progress Policy, including frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades and number of repeated courses; relevant work and life experience; and record of honors.
Continuation PolicyAll students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology
Credential OverviewThe BA Degree with an Option in General Biology is designed for students who desire a breadth of training throughout their program of study. Compared to the BS degree, the BA does not require physics or a third quarter of organic chemistry. This is an ideal program for students wishing to get the scope of the biological sciences without some of the supporting science sequences.
Completion Requirements87-98 credits
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; or BIOL 240 (15 credits)
- One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences (15-23 credits)
- CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 221
- CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143), CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
- CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238
- CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 237, CHEM 238
- Physics: not required
- One of the following calculus/statistics sequences (9-10 credits)
- MATH 124 and MATH 125
- Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292
- Either BIOST 310, Q SCI 381 or STAT 311; Q SCI 482
- One approved calculus class and one approved statistics class; see adviser for approved lists.
- Genetics: either GENOME 361, GENOME 371, or BIOL 340/FISH 340 (3-5 credits)
- Natural history/biodiversity: one course selected from approved list (3 credits)
- 300- and 400-level courses, in addition to any 300-/400-level courses taken to fulfill requirements above. See department website for approved courses. (42 credits.)
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for courses applied toward major requirements
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
Credential OverviewThe Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation option is for students interested in the origins, maintenance, or conservation of biological diversity. This option prepares students with strong system level approaches to problem solving, and careers in natural resources and conservation. A strong quantitative background is emphasized, and courses serve to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and communication. It is a degree option that allows students to explore courses offered through the College of Environment and Arts and Sciences.
Recommended PreparationSuggested First- and Second-Year Courses: Students should concentrate on general chemistry and mathematics the first year, biology and organic chemistry the second year (see major requirements for specific courses). Transfer students: complete an entire sequence at one school if possible. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to complete the Areas of Knowledge requirement during the first two years.
Completion Requirements87-104 credits
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; or BIOL 240 (15 credits)
- One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences:
- CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221
- CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143), CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
- CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- One of the following two-quarter sequences of mathematics (calculus/statistics):
- MATH 124 and MATH 125
- Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292
- Either BIOST 310, Q SCI 381, or STAT 311; Q SCI 482
- One approved calculus class and one approved statistics class; see adviser for approved lists.
- Two quarters of physics: PHYS 114 and PHYS 115, or PHYS 121 and PHYS 122
- Genetics: either GENOME 361, GENOME 371, or BIOL 340/FISH 340.
- Natural history/biodiversity: one course selected from approved list (3 credits)
- Option Requirement: 300- and 400-level courses selected from list specific to this option. See department website for additional information. (34 credits)
*CHEM 162 is not required for this degree; however, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239 are required by many professional programs and graduate schools, and that sequence does require CHEM 162.
- Additional Degree Requirements:
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements, including required supporting courses (chemistry, physics, mathematics), introductory biology, and upper-division coursework. (A grade of 2.0 is not required in individual courses.)
- Minimum 15 credits of 400-level biology electives taken through the UW.
- Two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: General
Credential OverviewThe General Biology option emphasizes breadth of training in Biology. As the most flexible among the options leading to a Science degree in Biology, students have input in the composition of their degree by choosing from the wide range of electives available through several different departments.
Recommended PreparationSuggested First- and Second-Year Courses: Students should concentrate on general chemistry and mathematics the first year, biology and organic chemistry the second year (see major requirements for specific courses). Transfer students: complete an entire sequence at one school if possible. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to complete the Areas of Knowledge requirement during the first two years.
Completion Requirements87-104 credits
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; or BIOL 240 (15 credits)
- One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences:
- CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221
- CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143), CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
- CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- One of the following two-quarter sequences of mathematics (calculus/statistics):
- MATH 124 and MATH 125
- Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292
- Either BIOST 310, Q SCI 381, or STAT 311; Q SCI 482
- One approved calculus class and one approved statistics class; see adviser for approved lists.
- Two quarters of physics: PHYS 114 and PHYS 115, or PHYS 121 and PHYS 122
- Genetics: either GENOME 361, GENOME 371, or BIOL 340/FISH 340.
- Natural history/biodiversity: one course selected from approved list (3 credits)
- Option Requirement: 300- and 400-level courses selected from list specific to this option. See department website for additional information. (34 credits)
*CHEM 162 is not required for this degree; however, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239 are required by many professional programs and graduate schools, and that sequence does require CHEM 162.
- Additional Degree Requirements:
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements, including required supporting courses (chemistry, physics, mathematics), introductory biology, and upper-division coursework. (A grade of 2.0 is not required in individual courses.)
- Minimum 15 credits of 400-level biology electives taken through the UW.
- Two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Molecular, Cellular, and Development
Credential OverviewThe Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology option is for students seeking undergraduate training in the molecular, genetic, and cellular basis of life. These topics assist students in understanding the complex biological processes that underlie cellular function, disease processes, and embryonic development.
Recommended PreparationSuggested First- and Second-Year Courses: Students should concentrate on general chemistry and mathematics the first year, biology and organic chemistry the second year (see major requirements for specific courses). Transfer students: complete an entire sequence at one school if possible. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to complete the Areas of Inquiry requirement during the first two years.
Completion Requirements90-104 credits
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; or BIOL 240 (15 credits)
- One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences (18-27 credits):
- CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143), CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
- CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- One of the following two-quarter sequences of mathematics (calculus/statistics) (9-10 credits):
- MATH 124 and MATH 125
- Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292
- Either BIOST 310, Q SCI 381, or STAT 311; Q SCI 482
- One approved calculus class and one approved statistics class; see adviser for approved lists.
- Two quarters of physics (8-10 credits): PHYS 114 and PHYS 115, or PHYS 121 and PHYS 122
- Genetics (3-5 credits): either GENOME 361, GENOME 371, or FISH 340/BIOL 340.
- Natural history/biodiversity (3 credits): one course selected from approved list
- Breadth (3 credits): one course selected from approved list
- Option Requirement (31 credits): 300- and 400-level courses selected from list specific to this option. See department website for additional information.
*CHEM 162 is not required for this degree; however, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239 are required by many professional programs and graduate schools, and that sequence does require CHEM 162. - Additional Degree Requirements:
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements, including required supporting courses (chemistry, physics, mathematics), introductory biology, and upper-division coursework. (A grade of 2.0 is not required in individual courses.)
- Minimum 15 credits of 300- or 400-level biology electives taken through UW Seattle
- Two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
- Minimum 15 credits of 400-level BIOL courses
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Physiology
Credential OverviewThe Physiology option emphasizes physiological processes from cellular to organismal levels. This is an attractive option for students interested in the internal processes of both animals and plants in relation to the systems and components that create a working living organism.
Recommended PreparationSuggested First- and Second-Year Courses: Students should concentrate on general chemistry and mathematics the first year, biology and organic chemistry the second year (see major requirements for specific courses). Transfer students: complete an entire sequence at one school if possible. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to complete the Areas of Knowledge requirement during the first two years.
Completion Requirements87-104 credits
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; or BIOL 240 (15 credits)
- One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences (15-27 credits):
- CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221
- CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143), CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
- CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- One of the following two-quarter sequences of mathematics (calculus/statistics) (9-10 credits):
- MATH 124 and MATH 125
- Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292
- Either BIOST 310, Q SCI 381, or STAT 311; Q SCI 482
- One approved calculus class and one approved statistics class; see adviser for approved lists.
- Two quarters of physics (8-10 credits): PHYS 114 and PHYS 115, or PHYS 121 and PHYS 122
- Genetics (3-5 credits): either GENOME 361, GENOME 371, or FISH 340/BIOL 340.
- Natural history/biodiversity (3 credits): one course selected from approved list
- Breadth (3 credits): one course selected from approved list
- Option Requirement (31 credits): 300- and 400-level courses selected from list specific to this option. See department website for additional information.
*CHEM 162 is not required for this degree; however, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239 are required by many professional programs and graduate schools, and that sequence does require CHEM 162. - Additional Degree Requirements:
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements, including required supporting courses (chemistry, physics, mathematics), introductory biology, and upper-division coursework. (A grade of 2.0 is not required in individual courses.)
- Minimum 15 credits of 300- or 400-level biology electives taken through UW Seattle
- Two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
- Minimum 15 credits of 400-level BIOL courses
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology: Plant
Credential OverviewThe Plant Biology option provides students with strong and broad training in plant biology, ranging from the cellular, physiological and systematic levels to an ecological, horticultural, and restoration perspective on a macro level.
Recommended PreparationSuggested First- and Second-Year Courses: Students should concentrate on general chemistry and mathematics the first year, biology and organic chemistry the second year (see major requirements for specific courses). Transfer students: complete an entire sequence at one school if possible. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to complete the Areas of Knowledge requirement during the first two years.
Completion Requirements87-104 credits
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; or BIOL 240 (15 credits)
- One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences:
- CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221
- CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143), CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
- CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239
- One of the following two-quarter sequences of mathematics (calculus/statistics):
- MATH 124 and MATH 125
- Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292
- Either BIOST 310, Q SCI 381, or STAT 311; Q SCI 482
- One approved calculus class and one approved statistics class; see adviser for approved lists.
- Two quarters of physics: PHYS 114 and PHYS 115, or PHYS 121 and PHYS 122
- Genetics: either GENOME 361, GENOME 371, or BIOL 340/FISH 340.
- Natural history/biodiversity: one course selected from approved list (3 credits)
- Option Requirement: 300- and 400-level courses selected from list specific to this option. See department website for additional information. (34 credits)
*CHEM 162 is not required for this degree; however, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, and CHEM 239 are required by many professional programs and graduate schools, and that sequence does require CHEM 162.
- Additional Degree Requirements:
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements, including required supporting courses (chemistry, physics, mathematics), introductory biology, and upper-division coursework. (A grade of 2.0 is not required in individual courses.)
- Minimum 15 credits of 400-level biology electives taken through the UW.
- Two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
Program OverviewPaleobiology at UW, which began in 1907, has undergone significant expansion in recent years. The program now includes ten faculty with research interests ranging from the earliest evidence of life on Earth to the Permian-Triassic extinction, origin of mammals, mid-Cenozoic ‘greenhouse’ to ‘icehouse’ transition, and Neogene expansion of grasslands. We integrate new analytical approaches, such as stable isotope geochemistry and 3D visualization, with field explorations to Washington’s many locales as well as far-off sites in places like India, Antarctica, and Peru. On campus, the paleontological collections of the Burke Museum boast microfossils and invertebrate, plant, and vertebrate fossils from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Paleobiology
Completion RequirementsMinimum 30 credits
- BIOL 354
- Electives: Two from the paleobiology core content area and one from each of the three other content areas, selected from approved courses available on the paleobiology website.
- BIOL 483
- Integrative experience in paleobiology: Minimum 3 credits from one of BIOL 475 or BIOL 499, ESS 499 or BIO A 499, at the discretion of the instructor
- Remaining credits from any of the above or BIO A 389, BIO A 491, or an approved elective
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses presented for the minor
- Minimum 18 credits from outside the student's major.
- Minimum 15 credits completed through the UW.