The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree provides students with a foundation that will enable them to pursue careers or graduate study in medicine, dentistry, health professions, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, ecology, biology, and biology education. The curriculum combines theory with hands-on experience that draws on the University of Washington Bothell's strengths: small classes; strong faculty-student mentorship; integrative, problem-based teaching approaches; and research and internship opportunities outside the classroom. Undergraduate research is an essential part of our degree program. Faculty and students utilize biology laboratory space designed specifically for research and conduct field studies on the North Creek Wetlands Restoration, which lies adjacent to our campus.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree provides students with a foundation that will enable them to pursue careers or graduate study in medicine, dentistry, health professions, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, ecology, biology, and biology education. The curriculum combines theory with hands-on experience that draws on the University of Washington Bothell’s strengths: small classes; strong faculty-student mentorship; integrative, problem-based teaching approaches; and research and internship opportunities outside the classroom. Undergraduate research is an essential part of our degree program.
Chemistry Series
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA required for Chemistry Series courses.
Introductory Biology
• B BIO 180 Introductory Biology I
• B BIO 200 Introductory Biology II
• B BIO 220 Introductory Biology III
Minimum 2.0 grade is required in each of the Introductory Biology courses
Required Courses — Complete all of the following:
Introductory Requirements
• B BIO 180 Introductory Biology I
• B BIO 200 Introductory Biology II
• B BIO 220 Introductory Biology III
Minimum 2.0 grade is required in each of the Introductory Biology courses
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA required for Chemistry Series courses.
Mathematics — Choose one course:
• STMATH 124 Calculus I
• B MATH 144 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences
Physics — Choose one set of courses:
• B PHYS 114/117 General Physics I w/ Lab and B PHYS 115/117 General Physics II w/ Lab
• B PHYS 121 Mechanics and B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism
Statistics — Choose one course - See approved list on the division webpage.
Biology Requirements:
• B BIO 360 Introduction to Genetics
• B BIO 466 Evolution
Ecology — Choose one course:
• BES 312 Ecology
• B BIO 471 Plant Ecology
Cell Biology — Choose one course:
• B BIO 370 Microbiology I
• B BIO 372 Stem Cells
• B BIO 380 Cell Biology
Physiology — Choose one course:
• B BIO 351 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I
• B BIO 352 Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II
Investigative Biology — Choose one course:
• B BIO 495 Investigative Biology
• Approved Undergraduate Research (B BIO 499)
• Approved Non-Credit Internship / Other Experience
Biology and Society — from the approved list of courses
Biology Electives — Choose 20 credits of coursework from at least two different categories. Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted.
Category A – Ecology/Diversity/Evolution – See approved list maintained on the division website
Category B – Cell/Molecular Biology – See approved list maintained on the division website
Category C – Physiology/Neurobiology – See approved list maintained on the division website
Other Electives - Do not count towards “two different categories” requirement – See approved list maintained on the division website
Additional Courses
• As needed to fulfill University General Education Requirements and to equal 180 credits.
If more than one course is taken from the list of courses that satisfy the Ecology, Cell Biology, or Physiology requirement, then the additional courses may be counted as Biology Electives. For example, if a student takes both Cell Biology and Microbiology, one can count toward the Cell Biology requirement, and the other as a B-category Biology Elective.
Some courses may be used to satisfy the Biology and Society requirement, or a Biology Elective requirement, but a single course cannot be used to satisfy both requirements. For example, BES 489 (Pacific Northwest Ecosystems) may count either as a Biology elective or as a Biology and Society course, but not both.
Major GPA
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for all courses applied toward requirements for the Biology major, including math, physics, chemistry, and biology courses, including upper-division electives required for the major. Minimum 2.0 grade is required in each of the Introductory Biology courses (B BIO180, B BIO200, and B BIO220).
The University of Washington Bothell Biology Minor offers students an opportunity to delve more deeply into this field through both classroom and laboratory experiences. Students complete the introductory biology sequence, then choose from upper-level electives to complete the minor. Many areas of study intersect with biology, from natural sciences (chemistry, physics, environmental science, climate science) to computer science, mathematics, engineering, and disciplines outside the STEM fields (business, education, ethics, environmental studies); the Biology Minor allows students majoring in these and other areas to explore biology, to better understand the connections between biology and their areas of study, and to prepare for careers that involve the biological sciences.
Required Courses (15 credits) — Complete all of the following:
• B BIO 180 (Introductory Biology I)
• B BIO 200 (Introductory Biology II)
• B BIO 220 (Introductory Biology III)
Elective Courses (20 credits)
Choose 20 credits of coursework from at least two different categories on the list of electives for the major (see previous page). Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted.
For the purposes of the Biology minor, Evolution (B BIO 466) is a Category A elective, and Introduction to Genetics (B BIO 360) is a Category B elective.
Neuroscience explores the molecular, cellular, and systems bases of neural function, as well as the neural basis of behavior and cognition. The Neuroscience Minor offers students an opportunity to delve more deeply into this exciting and multifaceted discipline, whether to supplement a degree in biology, computer science, or engineering; to expand their understanding of cutting-edge research that regularly appears in the news; or to ready themselves for a neuroscience-based graduate program or career. Students who complete a neuroscience program are also equipped for educational and employment opportunities in research, teaching, medicine, and allied health.
Required Courses (15 credits) — Complete all of the
following (minimum 2.0 grade required):
• B BIO 180 (Introductory Biology I)
• B BIO 200 (Introductory Biology II)
• B BIO 220 (Introductory Biology III)
Neuroscience is field that explores the molecular, cellular, and systems bases of neural function, as well as the neural basis of behavior and cognition. Students enrolling in the minor will be equipped a variety of opportunities in research, teaching, medicine, or allied health. The minor is designed to offer students an opportunity to delve deeply into this discipline, whether to supplement a degree in biology, computer science, or engineering; expand their understanding of cutting-edge research that regularly appears in the news; or ready themselves for a neuroscience-based graduate program or job. Students will learn to: -Understand core and advanced concepts in neuroscience (neurophysiology and cell signaling, behavioral neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, neurodevelopment, neural diseases, and advanced neurophysiology). - Assess and discuss contemporary neuroscience articles, research, technology, and clinical outcomes in a societal context.
Required Courses (15 credits) — Complete all of the following:
• B BIO 320 Behavioral Neuroscience
• B BIO 351 Anatomy and Physiology I
• B BIO 480 Neurobiology
Elective Courses (10 credits) — Choose two courses:
• B BIO 355 Behavioral Endocrinology
• B BIO 385 Animal Behavior
• B BIO 390 Diseases & Disorders of the Nervous System
• B BIO 394 Special Topics in Neuroscience
• BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology
• BIS 422 Clinical Psychology
• B BIO 499 Undergraduate Research in Biology (approved Neuroscience research only). Approved B PHYS 499 Research (1-5 credits, max. 10)