The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.
School of Biological Sciences
sbs.wsu.edu
Abelson 301
509-335-3553
Professor and Director, P. Carter (P); Professor and Associate Director of Graduate Program, H. Hellmann (P); Professor and Associate Director of Undergraduate Program, R.D. Evans (P); Professor and Associate Director of Research, A. Cousins (P); Professors, K. Beerman (P), J. Bishop (V), J. Brunner (P), J. Busch (P), A. Cavagnetto (P), E. Crespi (P), M. Knoblauch (P), C. Portfors (V), E. Roalson (P), C. Schultz (V), E. Schwartz (P), M. Skinner (P), A. Storfer (P), M. Tegeder (P), H. Watts (P); Associate Professors, T. Cheeke (TC), W. Dowd (P), M. Dybdahl (P), J. Pioviah-Scott (V), S. Porter (V); Assistant Professors, S. Rudman (V), J. Zambrano (P); Associate Professors, Career Track, D. Allison (P), N. Ankrah (P), M. Berger (V), L. Carloye (P), G. Gakhar (V), E. Johnson (P), K. McAteer (TC), L. Nelson (TC), S. Ritchie (P), E. Sweet (TC), D. Wilmington (V); Assistant Professors, Career Track, G. Cox (V), M. Jorgensen (P), Y. Liu (TC), D. Monk (P); Research Faculty, E. Nilsson (P); Professors Emeriti, R. A. Black, G. Edwards, L. Hufford, M. Ku, J. Larsen, R.N. Mack, J. Mallatt, A. McCubbin, D. Miller, D. Moffett, S. Moffett, C. Omoto, J. Paznokas, H. Schwabl, G. Thorgaard, E. Uribe, P. Verrell. Campus: (P) Pullman; (V) Vancouver; (TC) Tri-Cities.
The School of Biological Sciences offers training in molecular, cellular, organismal, ecology, and evolutionary biology. The School offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Biology and Zoology, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs in Biology and Plant Biology. The School also offers undergraduate minors in Zoology and Biology, and the Certificate in Quantitative Biology, provided in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics.
Facilities
There are modern facilities for study of molecular and genomics, cellular biology, genetics, plant and animal physiology, anatomy and ultrastructure, functional morphology, ecology, molecular systematics, behavior, ecology, environmental biology, and evolutionary biology. The University's location is conducive to field studies at sites such as the 325 hectare George E. Hudson Biological Preserve at Smoot Hill and nearby public lands. Special facilities include the Aquatics Phenomics Research Center, Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center, plant growth facilities, a laboratory for bioanalysis and biotechnology with facilities for genotyping, DNA sequencing, and genomics, the WSU Stable Isotope Core Facility for stable isotope analyses, and the collections of the Charles R. Conner Museum of Natural History and the Marion Ownbey Herbarium.
Cooperation with many other campus units extends research opportunities. Cooperative arrangements with faculty in units such as Molecular Biosciences, Animal Sciences, Environment, and the College of Veterinary Medicine are readily achieved.
Undergraduate Programs
Introductory biological sciences courses provide background in the concepts common to life sciences and an overview of the diversity of animals, plants, and microorganisms. Advanced biological sciences courses probe specific areas in depth. Undergraduate coursework in either biology or zoology prepares students to pursue career opportunities in ecology and environmental biology, laboratory research and biotechnology, human health, animal health and welfare, plant biology, entomology, education, and a variety of other biological specializations.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Biology, the Bachelor of Science in Zoology, or the Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology must fulfill the University and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements for graduation as described elsewhere in this catalog. Requirements for admission to the majors, University degree requirements, and the School and the individual degree option requirements can be found in the individual schedules of studies for the degree options.
We expect that students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Zoology will meet the following learning outcomes: (1) demonstrate understanding of fundamental biological concepts: terminology, functions, processes and principles; (2) demonstrate higher order thinking by synthesizing, summarizing, drawing conclusions and making arguments on biology topics and real world applications; (3) clearly communicate scientific research findings, concepts, and analysis, both orally and in writing; (4) evaluate and properly cite scientific sources; (5) formulate logical hypotheses, select methods, and clearly present quantitative findings from an experimental design; (6) analyze, interpret and display quantitative data and models to draw conclusions and explain limitations; (7) describe multiple well-developed perspectives on a single contemporary biological issue.
Biology
Seven options are available for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology: general biology, biology education, plant biology, ecology/evolutionary biology, entomology, pre-physical therapy/pre-occupational therapy/pre-physician assistant, and basic medical sciences. Each option includes a common core curriculum, plus additional specialized courses. The general biology option provides broad training in the life sciences, particularly for students seeking to continue in professional or graduate school. The biology education option is particularly suitable for students who would like to teach biology at the high school level. The plant biology option is available for students with a special interest in plants and serves students who would like careers in plant sciences or to pursue graduate studies. The ecology/evolutionary biology option provides a concentration on ecological and evolutionary biology to address interests in such fields as environmental and wildlife biology. The entomology option is available for students who wish to focus on insect biology. The pre-physical therapy/pre-occupational therapy/pre-physician assistant option is designed for students who would like to pursue studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or physician assistant programs. The basic medical sciences option supports students who aim for a career in the health fields, including professional training in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. This degree will help students to meet the requirements for admission to medical, dental, or pharmacy schools, or other health science professional programs. Students work with their academic advisor in the School of Biological Sciences to plan individual courses of study.
Human Biology
Human Biology is an explicitly interdisciplinary degree jointly administered by the Department of Anthropology and the School of Biological Sciences. The BA in Human Biology offers students an opportunity to explore how human biology influences and is influenced by the environment, cultural and social structures, and economic and political policies. Human Biology melds approaches and content from social and biological sciences to provide students with a synthetic understanding of the roles of culture, the dynamics of natural and social systems, and biological attributes responsible for shaping the human being. Our aim is to prepare students to be engaged, creative, insightful, and skillful in diverse professions that encompass the arenas of health and environmental sciences, societal support, and public policy that influence the welfare of humans.
Human Biology, BA (120 Credits)
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
ANTH 203 [DIVR] | 3 |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 101 or 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 107 | 4 |
CHEM 102 or 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
STAT 212 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
ANTH 260 | 4 |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Major Elective1,2 | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS], Humanities [HUM], or Social Sciences [SSCI]3 | 3 |
BIOLOGY 301 | 4 |
Human Behavior Requirement4 | 3 |
Science and Society Requirement5 | 3 |
Major Elective1,2 | 3 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Genetics and Evolution Requirement6 | 3 |
Human Behavior Requirement4 | 3 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Foreign Language, if needed, and/or Major Electives1,2,7 | 6 |
Second Term | Credits |
Genetics and Evolution Requirement6 | 3 |
Writing in the Major [M] course8 | 2-4 |
Foreign Language, if needed, and/or Major Electives1,2,7 | 9 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Human Cultural Diversity Requirement9 | 3 |
Integrative Capstone [CAPS]10 | 3 or 4 |
Writing in the Major [M] course | 2-4 |
Major Electives and/or Electives1,2,11 | 7 |
Second Term | Credits |
Major Electives and/or Electives1,2,11 | 15 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | Major Electives (18 credits) approved courses include: ANTH 301, 303, 304, 305, 330, 331, 340 [M], 380, 404, 405, 495, 498, 499; BIOLOGY 251 or 353, 315, 321 [M], 333, 340 [M], 354, 372, 476, 491, 495, 499; H D 220; MBIOS 303, 305, 405, 446; PSYCH 320, 361. 363; and any ANTH or BIOLOGY course listed in the Science and Society, Genetics and Evolution, Human Behavior, and Human Cultural Diversity modules that were not taken to satisfy the requirement in those areas. |
2 | A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S,F (ANTH 498, 499; BIOLOGY 491, 495, 499) may be used toward fulfilling Major Electives. |
3 | An additional [ARTS], [HUM], or [SSCI] is required by the College of Arts and Sciences. |
4 | Human Behavior Requirement (6 credits) approved courses include: ANTH 268, 381, 466; BIOLOGY 307, 438; PSYCH 230, 321, 324, 372. |
5 | Science and Society Requirement (3 credits) approved courses include: ANTH 309; BIOLOGY 330; PHIL 350, 365, 370; SOC 331, 332; SOE 390, 402, 444. |
6 | Genetics and Evolution Requirement (6 credits) approved courses include: ANTH 302, 463, 469; BIOLOGY 335, no more than one from BIOLOGY 395, 403, or 405; MBIOS 423. |
7 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
8 | [M] courses must be chosen from ANTH or BIOLOGY. |
9 | Human Cultural Diversity Requirement (3 credits) approved courses include: ANTH 201, 307, 316, 320, 327. |
10 | Integrated Capstone [CAPS] course must be chosen from either ANTH 464, 473 [M], 490 [M], BIOLOGY 401, 408, 473 [M], or 483 [M]. |
11 | Electives must include sufficient 300-400-level coursework to meet the University requirement of 40 credits of upper-division coursework. |
Zoology
Three options are available for the Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology: general zoology, pre-veterinary/animal care, and pre-medicine/pre-dentistry. Each of these options includes a core curriculum that provides a strong science foundation plus additional specialized courses taken in the program option. The flexible curriculum leading to a zoology degree meets the needs of students with various interests and goals. The general zoology option provides a broad, solid foundation in zoology. It is especially aimed at students desiring a well-rounded background for further professional studies or for entry into the workforce in areas such as wildlife biology or fisheries. The pre-medicine/pre-dentistry option is offered by the School of Biological Sciences as a course program designed to provide a solid academic foundation that successfully prepares the student for admission into medical, dental, or pharmacy school. The pre-veterinary/animal care option prepares students for careers involving animal care and maintenance in research institutions, zoos, aquaria, and clinics and for application to colleges of veterinary medicine.
Accelerated Pre-Vet Option in Zoology
The School of Biological Sciences has an academic track that can allow highly qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree within a seven-year span. Students can enroll in the undergraduate zoology program and complete all UCORE requirements, the necessary zoology core courses, and all veterinary medicine prerequisite coursework in a three-year period. The required prerequisites courses can be found on the WSU CVM website: https://dvm.vetmed.wsu.edu/admissions/prerequisites. Such students who are accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine DVM program after completing this three-year program will then be allowed to transfer credit back from their first year DVM curriculum to fulfill the requirements that will allow them to earn a BS in Zoology.
Interested students must be advised in the School of Biological Sciences. High scholastic achievement, along with demonstrated experience and interest in working with animals and within the veterinary profession, will be a few of the main criteria for inclusion. Interested students should contact the School of Biological Sciences no later than the first semester of the sophomore year. Students would then declare zoology with the pre-vet option as a major in the first semester of the sophomore year.
The procedures for application into the DVM program will be the same as those for all other applicants to the program excluding those applicants applying to the Early Acceptance Undergraduate Programs through the Honors College or Department of Animal Sciences. Students in this program are not given preferential consideration for admission into the DVM program. Participants who complete the three-year zoology program and are accepted into the DVM program during their junior year, will begin the veterinary medicine curriculum in their fourth year of study. These students would complete only the DVM curriculum from this point on, and credits from the first year of the DVM program will be used to fulfill the remaining requirements that will allow them to earn a BS in Zoology. If the student is not accepted into the DVM program or withdraws from it, they may continue to earn the BS in Zoology and may be eligible to apply to the College of Veterinary Medicine as a senior or following completion of the BS.
Transfer Students
Science courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated and credits accepted when possible. Inquiries should be directed to the Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs.
Graduate Programs
The school awards Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biology and Plant Biology at the graduate level. Faculty interests and research programs are diverse, including genomics, molecular and cellular biology, animal and plant physiology, various aspects of organismal biology of plants and animals, systematics, ecology, evolutionary biology, and biology education. A list of specific faculty interests can be obtained at https://sbs.wsu.edu/people/ or by writing to the school. Communication with faculty members prior to applying for the graduate program is strongly encouraged.
Preparation for Graduate Study in Biology and Plant Biology
Students with undergraduate majors in such fields as animal sciences, biology, botany, cell biology, environmental sciences, genetics, microbiology, natural resources, plant sciences, wildlife biology, and zoology may be prepared for graduate study in the School of Biological Sciences.
Students who complete Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in our program find careers as faculty in colleges and universities, conservation biologists and managers of natural resources, biologists and technicians for state and federal agencies, specialists in informatics, and scientists and laboratory technicians in biotechnology and other life sciences industries.
Schedules of Studies
Honors students complete the Honors College requirements which replace the UCORE requirements.
Biology - Basic Medical Sciences (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Electives2 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
CHEM 348 | 4 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Electives2 | 6 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives2,4 | 4 |
Electives | 1 |
Second Term | Credits |
CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303 | 3 or 4 |
Humanities [HUM]5 | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives2,4 | 4 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Electives2 | 12 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] or HONORS 450 | 3 |
Electives2 | 12 |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one of 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one of 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Students should consult with their advisor for additional courses in Physics or Statistics that may be required for entrance to a graduate or professional program. Must include sufficient 300-400-level courses to meet University Requirement of 40 credits of upper division coursework. |
3 | Program Option Courses (9 credits minimum required): Approved courses are BIOLOGY 251, 315, 321, 324, 333 350, 352, 353, 354, 393, 418; MBIOS 304, 305, 306, 401, 405, 413, 414, 423, 440, 442, 446; NEUROSCI 301, 403, 404, 430; PSYCH 372. Students should consult with their advisor as some professional schools require junior-level physiology or higher. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
5 | PHIL 365 [HUM] may be required for admission to some graduate and professional programs. |
Biology - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI]1 | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 1071 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 or 4 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Electives | 3 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives3 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives3 | 4 |
Electives | 3 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Program Option Course2,2,4 | 3 or 4 |
Electives | 9 |
Second Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course2,4 | 3 |
Electives | 9 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Ecology and Evolution Option requirements include one course from the Physiology Emphasis area (BIOLOGY 350 or BIOLOGY 420); 12 total credits from the Ecology Emphasis (BIOLOGY 330, 410, 462, 469, 483 [CAPS]) and the Evolution/Organismal Emphasis (BIOLOGY 322, 324, 332, 335, 408 [CAPS], 409, 412, 418, 423, 428, 432, 438). At least one course must be from the Ecology Emphasis and one course from the Evolution/Organismal Emphasis. |
3 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
4 | All biology majors must complete 21 semester credits of biological coursework including 15 upper-division credits, 6 of which must be a BIOLOGY prefix taken in residence at WSU. Approved courses include 200-400-level BIOLOGY courses except those used to fulfill BioCore requirements (BIOLOGY 106. 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405), and any courses approved by advisor. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework graded S/F may be used toward fulfilling departmental requirements or program options and must be approved by advisor. Coursework must include a total of two BIOLOGY [M] courses and sufficient 300-400-level coursework to meet the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. |
Biology - Education Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
Students completing this degree will earn a B.S. in Biology. In order to obtain teaching credentials in the State of Washington, students must complete additional requirements. Completion of the Master in Teaching (MIT) program at WSU will meet state certification requirements (for details, please see https://education.wsu.edu/graduate/mit/). A 3.0 is the minimum GPA for admission to the MIT program at WSU. Students obtaining Biology Education Option would also be competitive for other post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
ENGR 120 | 2 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
TCH LRN 301 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives2 | 0 - 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives2 | 3 or 4 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Electives | 3 or 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
TCH LRN 465 | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Electives | 6 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY/TCH LRN 430 | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
TCH LRN 467 [M] | 3 |
TCH LRN 470 | 3 |
Electives | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
BIOLOGY/TCH LRN 431 | 3 |
Program Option Course 3 | 3 or 4 |
PSYCH 105 [SSCI] | 3 |
Electives | 3 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
3 | Program Option Requirements include one Biology Plant course (BIOLOGY 332[M], 401[CAPS], 409, or 420) and one Biology Animal course (BIOLOGY 322[M], 324, 423, 428, 432[M], or 438[M]. To obtain an additional general science endorsement students need to pass a general science exam (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth and Space science). Students may consider taking one or more of the following courses to prepare them for general science endorsement exam: ASTRONOM 135, SOE 102, 210. |
Biology - Entomology Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
ENTOM 343 | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 or 4 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives3 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives3 | 4 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 |
Electives | 8 |
Second Term | Credits |
Program Option Course2 | 3 |
Electives | 12 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Entomology Option Requirements include one course from the Biochemistry Emphasis (CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303); one course from the Plant Biology Emphasis area (BIOLOGY 332 [M] or 420); one course from the Animal Biology Emphasis area (BIOLOGY 322, 350, or 418) and six credits from the Entomology Emphasis (any ENTOM-prefix, upper division courses, excluding ENTOM 343). |
3 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Biology - General Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 or 4 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Electives3 | 3 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives4 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option course or Electives | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives4 | 4 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Electives3 | 13 |
Second Term | Credits |
Program Option Course or Electives3 | 6 - 8 |
Electives3 | 9 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | General Biology Option Requirements include one course from the Biochemistry Emphasis (CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303); and one course from the Cell Biology Emphasis (BIOLOGY 352 or MBIOS 405). |
3 | General Biology Option Electives include a minimum of 15 credits of Biological Science selected in consultation with a biology advisor. These should include coursework to fulfill the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Biology - Plant Biology Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] 1 | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 1071 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Electives2 | 6 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives2,4 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives2,4 | 4 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Program Option Courses or Electives2,3 | 4 |
Electives2 | 9 |
Second Term | Credits |
Program Option Course3 | 4 |
Electives | 11 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Plant Biology Option Electives include a minimum of seven credits of Biological Science selected in consultation with a biology advisor. These should include coursework to fulfill the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. |
3 | Program Option Courses are BIOLOGY 332[M], 409, 420, and BIOLOGY 462 or 469. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Biology - Pre-Physical Therapy / Pre-Occupational Therapy / Pre-Physician Assistant Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
SOC 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 251 or 353 | 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Program Option Course1,2,3,4 | 3 |
PSYCH 105 | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore5 | 3 or 4 |
PHIL 365 [HUM] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 315 or 354 | 4 |
Foreign Language, or Program Option Course1,2,3,4,6 | 3 or 4 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option Course1,2,3,4 | 2 - 4 |
PSYCH 333 | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore5 | 3 or 4 |
Program Option Course1,2,3,4 | 3 |
Foreign Language, or Electives6 | 8 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
ENGLISH 402 [WRTG] | 3 |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course, or Electives1,2,3,4 | 9 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore5 | 3 |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
Program Option Course, or Electives1,2,3,4 | 7 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | Pre-Occupational Therapy Program emphasis (13 credits) includes ANTH 203, BIOLOGY 220, BIOLOGY 393 [M], COM 102, H D 101. |
2 | Pre-Physical Therapy Program emphasis (8-9 credits) includes BIOLOGY 393 [M] or 490 [M], KINES 380 or BIOLOGY 350 or BIOLOGY 352, PSYCH 361 or H D 101. |
3 | Pre-Physician Assistant Program emphasis (14-15 credits) includes CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303, MBIOS 304 or 306, MBIOS 305, PSYCH 361 or H D 101. |
4 | Pre-Physical Therapy / Pre-Occupational Therapy / Pre-Physician Assistant Program emphasis courses should be selected in consultation with a biology advisor and include coursework to fulfill the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. Approved program electives include CHEM 370, KINES 380, MBIOS 303, 304, 305, 306, PHIL 365, and 200-400-level BIOLOGY courses except those used to fulfill core requirements, and any courses approved by advisor. |
5 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
6 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Zoology - Accelerated Pre-Veterinary Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
For more information about the Accelerated Pre-Vet Option program contact the School of Biological Sciences.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 321 [M] or BIOLOGY 322 [M]2 | 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Foreign Language or Elective3 | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course: Development Emphasis; or Humanities [HUM] 2 | 4 or 3 |
Foreign Language or Elective3 | 3 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
VET MED 510 | 4 |
VET MED 5114 | 5 |
VET MED 513 | 4 |
VET MED 568 | 2 |
VET MED 586 | 1 |
Second Term | Credits |
VET MED 512 | 4 |
VET MED 5204 | 5 |
VET MED 521 | 3 |
VET MED 534 | 3 |
VET MED 545 | 3 |
VET MED 580 | 1 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Accelerated Pre-Vet Option Requirements include one course from the Development Emphasis area (BIOLOGY 321 or 322). |
3 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
4 | Accelerated Pre-Vet Option requirements fulfill Anatomy option requirement (VET MED 511) and Physiology option requirement (VET MED 520) toward the Zoology degree. |
Zoology - General Option (119 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Electives | 6 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Program Option or Electives3 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives3,4 | 4 |
Electives3 | 6 |
Second Term | Credits |
Program Option or Electives3 | 6 |
Foreign Language or Electives3,4 | 4 |
Electives3 | 6 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Zoology General Program Option requirements include two courses from the Anatomy/Invertebrate biology emphasis (BIOLOGY 321, 322 or 324 and 428) and one course from the Physiology emphasis (BIOLOGY 350 or 353). |
3 | General Zoology Program Option Elective requirements include a minimum of 9 credits of Biological Science selected in consultation with a biology advisor. These should include coursework to fulfill the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. Approved program electives include ANIM SCI 314; BIOLOGY 352, 393, 407, 410, 412, 418, 423, 428, 432, 438, 469, 486, 495; ENTOM 340, 343, 344, 448; MBIOS 303. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Zoology - Pre-Medicine/Pre-Dentistry Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course1 | 3 or 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
CHEM 348 | 4 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Electives | 5 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore2 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
MBIOS 303 (recommended) or CHEM 370 | 4 or 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives3 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
PHIL 365 [HUM] | 3 |
Program Option Courses1 | 7 or 8 |
Foreign Language or Electives3 | 3 or 4 |
Electives | 3 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore2 | 3 or 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
Program Option Course1 | 3 or 4 |
Electives | 6 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore2 | 4 or 3 |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course1 | 3 |
Electives | 3 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | Pre-Med/Pre-Dent Zoology Program Option Requirements include two courses from the Anatomy/Development Biology requirement (BIOLOGY 315, 321, or 324); two courses from the Microbiology/Invertebrate Biology requirement (MBIOS 305 and MBIO 304 or 306) or (MBIOS 305, or BIOLOGY 322, or BIOLOGY 418) and one course from the Physiology Requirement (BIOLOGY 353 and (352 or MBIOS 401)). |
2 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
3 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Zoology - Pre-Veterinary/Animal Care Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Program Option Electives3 | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
MBIOS 303 (recommended) or CHEM 370 | 4 or 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Program Option Elective3 | 3 |
Electives | 3 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 4 |
Program Option Courses or Electives2,3 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives4 | 4 |
Electives | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M} | 3 |
Program Option or Electives2,3,5 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives4 | 4 |
Electives | 6 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Pre-Vet/Animal Care Zoology Option Requirements include two courses from the Anatomy/Development Biology emphasis (BIOLOGY 315, 321, or 324); one course from the Physiology/Cell Biology emphasis (BIOLOGY 350 or 353). |
3 | Pre-Vet /Animal Zoology Option Electives include a minimum of 12 credits of Biological Science selected in consultation with a biology advisor. These should include coursework to fulfill the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. Approved program electives include BIOLOGY 352, 360, 393 [M], 412, 423, 428, 432, 438 [M], 495, CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303, MBIOS 304, 305, SOE 431. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
5 | Zoology, Pre-Veterinary/Animal Care Program Option electives should be selected in consultation with a biology advisor and must include 12 credits selected from BIOLOGY 352, 360, 393 [M], 412, 423, 428, 432, 438 [M], 495, CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303, 304, 305, SOE 431, or as approved by advisor. |
Minors
Zoology
A minor in zoology requires a minimum of 20 hours, including BIOLOGY 106, 107, and one of 321, 322, or 324; and 8 additional hours from the following courses: BIOLOGY 315, 330, 333, 335, 350, 352, 353, 354, 407, 410, 412, 418, 423, 428, 432, 438, 456, 475, 476, 486, 490, 491, 495, 496, 497, 499. No more than 2 hours of BIOLOGY 490, 491, 495, 496, 497, or 499 may be included in the 20 hours. The minor must include 9 credits earned at the 300-400-level in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. All coursework for the minor must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Biology
A minor in biology requires a minimum of 20 credits in BIOLOGY coursework including BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301 and 9 additional credits of BIOLOGY courses at the 300-level or above. No more than 2 credits in BIOLOGY 490, 491, 494, 495, 496, 497 or 499 may be included in the 20 credits. A minimum of 9 credits must be earned in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. All coursework for the minor must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students who major in biology or zoology cannot be granted a minor in biology.
Certificates
Certificate in Quantitative Biology
The certificate in Quantitative Biology requires 17 credits. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in each course and no P, F or S, F graded course work may be applied to the certificate.
Requirements:
- MATH/BIOLOGY 340
- 6 credits of mathematics (MATH 172 or higher) and/or statistics (300-400-level), of which 3 credits must be taken in residence at Washington State University
- 8 credits of 300-400-level life sciences courses selected in consultation with a biology advisor, of which 3 credits must be taken in residence at Washington State University
Courses
The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective. Courses showing two entries of the same number indicate that the course information is changing. The most recently approved version is shown first, followed by the older version, in gray, with its last-effective term preceding the course title. Courses shown in gray with only one entry of the course number are being discontinued. Course offerings by term can be accessed by clicking on the term links when viewing a specific campus catalog.
Biology (BIOLOGY)
101 [BSCI] Biology of Humans 3 The biology of good health and longevity; evaluation of lifestyle choices; consideration of each body system and the potential for disease and disorder. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
102 [BSCI] General Biology 4 (3-3) Enrollment not allowed if credit for BIOLOGY 105 already earned or if enrolled in BIOLOGY 105. Understanding current and future advances in biology as 'citizen scientists'. Lecture and laboratory; not for students majoring in the life sciences. Credit not allowed for students who have already completed BIOLOGY 105. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
103 Science and Scientific Thinking 1 (0-3) Exploring science as a tool for understanding nature using case studies, experimentation, and data analysis. Topics range from atoms to ecosystems including physiology, inheritance, and the carbon cycle. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences. Recommended for students with an ALEKS math placement score of less than 45%. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 103, SCIENCE 103.)
105 [BSCI] General Biology Laboratory 1 (0-3) Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Enrollment not allowed if credit for BIOLOGY 102 already earned or if enrolled in BIOLOGY 102. Understanding biology as a science and its effect on issues within society. Laboratory only. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
106 [BSCI] Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: One of the following -- a minimum ALEKS math placement score of 40%, MATH 100 with an S, MATH 101 with a C or better, MATH 103 or higher, BIOLOGY 103 with a C or better, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 120, or 3 credits of biology with a lab. One semester of a two semester sequence (BIOLOGY 106/107 or BIOLOGY 107/106) for science majors and pre-professional students. Biology of organisms; plants, animals, ecology and evolution.
107 [BSCI] Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics 4 (3-3) First or second semester of a one-year sequence (BIOLOGY 106/107 or BIOLOGY 107/106) for science majors and pre-professional students. Cell biology and genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recommended preparation: 2 credits 100-level CHEM or concurrent enrollment.
107 (Effective through Summer 2024) [BSCI] Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: Minimum 2 credits 100 level CHEM or concurrent enrollment. First or second semester of a one-year sequence (BIOLOGY 106/107 or BIOLOGY 107/106) for science majors and pre-professional students. Cell biology and genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
110 Biological Perspectives on Environmental Issues 3 Current case studies of human interaction with the environment exploring concepts in ecology, biodiversity, global chemical cycles, and climate change. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
111 [BSCI] Laboratory Experiments in Biology and Genetics 1 (0-3) Scientific method and its application to a diverse range of biology and genetics topics and research questions. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
120 [BSCI] Introductory Botany 4 (3-3) Introduction to plant science, highlighting certain aspects of plant biology and current research and how these relate to us all in the modern world. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
125 Genetics and Society 3 Genetic topics in media and daily life including human health, agriculture, ecology and forensics for the educated non-biologist. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
135 Animal Natural History 3 Identification, life history, habitat relations, ecology, behavior, and conservation of animals commonly found in the Pacific Northwest. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
140 [BSCI] Introduction to Nutritional Science 3 Information related to dietary sources of nutrients, their functions in the body, physiologic and environmental factors that govern nutrient requirements, and guidelines for optimal dietary patterns. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
150 [BSCI] Evolution 3 Basic principles and implications of Darwinian evolution. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
201 Contemporary Biology 1 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 101, 102, 106, 107, 120, or MBIOS 101. Biological information that provides a framework for understanding life processes; impact of biological information on human affairs.
210 Your Future in Life Sciences 2 Exploration of career options in biological sciences with faculty and outside speakers; guide to preparing resume and career plans. (Crosslisted course offered as SCIENCE 210, BIOLOGY 210.)
220 Medical Terminology 2 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 101, 102, 106, 107, or KINES 262. Terms and word constructions for health care occupations; format and function of medical records.
221 Exploring Health Careers 1 Introduction to human and animal health care careers. S, F grading.
225 Preparation for the Health Care Workplace 2 (1-3) Basic content and skills to prepare for health related internships.
251 Introductory Human Physiology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102, 106, or 107. Basic physiological processes in humans from the cellular to the organismal level. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 251 and 353.
298 Honors Biology for Non-Science Majors 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: Must be an Honors student. Understanding the natural world from a biological perspective for non-science majors.
298 (Effective through Fall 2024) [BSCI] Honors Biology for Non-Science Majors 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: Must be an Honors student. Understanding the natural world from a biological perspective for non-science majors.
301 General Genetics 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120; BIOLOGY 107. Principles of modern and classical genetics. (Crosslisted course offered as MBIOS 301, BIOLOGY 301.)
301 (Effective through Summer 2024) General Genetics 4 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120; BIOLOGY 107. Principles of modern and classical genetics. (Crosslisted course offered as MBIOS 301, BIOLOGY 301).
301 (Effective through Spring 2024) General Genetics 4 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120; BIOLOGY 107; CHEM 101 or 105; CHEM 102 or 106. Principles of modern and classical genetics. (Crosslisted course offered as MBIOS 301, BIOLOGY 301).
305 Evolutionary Biology and Diversity 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 107. Survey of evolutionary processes that influence adaptation, diversification, and the origins and history of biodiversity; applications of evolution in conservation, agriculture, and medicine.
307 [DIVR] Biology of Sex and Gender 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102 or 106. Biological basis of sex and its relationship to body function, women and health care, and the impact of social and cultural perspectives on the experience of being female. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 307, WGSS 307.)
307 (Effective through Summer 2024) [DIVR] Biology of Women 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102 or 106. Biological basis of sex and its relationship to body function, women and health care, and the impact of social and cultural perspectives on the experience of being female. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 307, WGSS 307.)
308 [BSCI] Marine Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; sophomore standing. Introduction to the marine environment including oceanic, near-shore and estuarine communities of organisms and their roles and interactions.
315 Gross and Microanatomy 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: At least 3 credits of BIOLOGY; sophomore standing; cumulative GPA 2.5 or better. Gross and microscopic anatomy of the human body. Recommended for pre-health care professionals only.
321 [M] Principles of Animal Development 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 107. Experimental analyses of development and descriptive and comparative examination of embryology; emphasis on the chordates. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 301 or MBIOS 301.
322 [M] Invertebrate Biology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Phylogenetic relationships, development, and functional ecology of the invertebrate animals.
324 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 4 (2-6) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Evolution of vertebrates and their organ systems; correlation of structural modification with function. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
330 Principles of Conservation 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102, 106, or 107. Conservation of major natural resources through a biological approach; philosophical, economic, and political aspects of important conservation issues.
332 [M] Systematic Botany 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120. Identification and classification of vascular plants with emphasis on the local flora.
333 [BSCI] Human Nutrition and Health 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102, 106, 107, 251, 315, or concurrent enrollment in BIOLOGY 251. Credit not granted for students who have already completed BIOLOGY 233 with a grade of C or above. Foundations in nutritional science and its relationship to human health through the application of fundamental principles of biology.
335 [M] Genome Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. Comparative analysis of genomes from bacteria to humans including methods for sequencing, genotyping, annotation of genomes, population genetics and evolution.
340 Introduction to Mathematical Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: MATH 140 with a C or better, or MATH 172 with a C or better, or MATH 182 with a C or better; BIOLOGY 101, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 106, or BIOLOGY 107. Mathematical biology and development of mathematical modeling for solutions to problems in the life sciences. (Crosslisted course offered as MATH 340, BIOLOGY 340.)
350 Comparative Physiology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 107; CHEM 345. Analysis of systems and integrative physiology with an emphasis on evolutionary adaptation among mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates.
352 Cells 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 107; CHEM 345. Diversity and processes at the cellular level; structure and function.
353 Advanced Human Physiology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 107. Function and control at the organ-organismic level with emphasis on mammals, including humans; emphasis on human health science applications. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 315 or 354. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 251 and 353.
354 Human Anatomy for Health Occupations 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 107; CHEM 102 or 345. Histology and anatomy of humans with non-cadaver-based laboratory utilizing preserved and histological specimens, models, and software.
360 Molecular Processes of Living Organisms 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 107. Exploration of fundamental molecular processes to encourage thinking beyond biological species in order to comprehend larger-scale biological issues and relevance for society.
370 [M] Ecology of Health and Disease 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; CHEM 102 or 105. Enrollment in BIOLOGY 370 not allowed if credit already earned for BIOLOGY 372. Ecology of species interactions in changing environments and how they influence human and animal health. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 370 and 372. Field trips may be required.
372 [M] General Ecology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; CHEM 102 or 105. Enrollment in BIOLOGY 372 not allowed if credit already earned for BIOLOGY 370. Relationship of organisms with physical and biotic components of their environment at the population, community, and ecosystem level. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 370 and 372. Field trips may be required.
390 Stream Monitoring 1 (0-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 101, 102, or 106; CHEM 101 or 105; junior standing. Principles and methods of water quality monitoring, including habitat assessment, water chemistry, and biological assessment. Field work and independent research required.
393 [M] Professional Communications in Biology 2 Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the major in Biology or Zoology. Literature investigation, oral presentation and written reports of selected topics in biology.
394 Medicine as a Career 2 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Current issues in medicine; ethical, financial, and personal aspects of medical practice. S, F grading.
395 Evolutionary Medicine 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. Enrollment not allowed if credit for BIOLOGY 403 or 405 already earned or if enrolled in either BIOLOGY 403 or 405. Modern medical issues from an evolutionary perspective, integrated with other biological fields in medical research; topics include disease diversity, immune function, the evolution of virulence, human disease management, cancer, obesity, and human mental and reproductive health issues and their management.
401 [CAPS] [M] Plants and People 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301, 305, 370, 372, 395, 403, 405, or MBIOS 301. Relationships between plants and people, especially cultural and economic applications of plants.
401 (Effective through Summer 2025) [CAPS] [M] Plants and People 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120; BIOLOGY 107; junior standing. Relationships between plants and people, especially cultural and economic applications of plants.
402 [CAPS] [M] Beneficial Microbes in Nature and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 305, 370, 372, 395, 403, or 405; junior standing. In-depth investigations of interdisciplinary topics addressing the importance of beneficial microbes to organisms, natural systems, and society from across the disciplines of microbiology, medicine, evolutionary ecology, and agricultural science.
402 (Effective through Fall 2024) [CAPS] [M] Beneficial Microbes in Nature and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372, 403, or 405; junior standing. In-depth investigations of interdisciplinary topics addressing the importance of beneficial microbes to organisms, natural systems, and society from across the disciplines of microbiology, medicine, evolutionary ecology, and agricultural science.
403 Evolutionary Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. The survey of evidence for evolution and operation of evolutionary processes that influence adaptation, diversification and speciation in organisms.
405 Principles of Organic Evolution 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. The evolutionary processes that influence adaptation, population differentiation, and speciation in organisms.
408 [CAPS] [M] Contemporary Genetics 3 Course Prerequisite: MBIOS / BIOLOGY 301 with a C or better; junior standing. Consideration of the state-of-the-art genetic technologies and their impact on society, environment and the economy.
409 Plant Anatomy 4 (2-6) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120. Developmental anatomy and morphology of vascular plants; economic forms. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 409 and BIOLOGY 509. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
410 Marine Ecology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. The ecology and conservation of marine organisms, communities, and ecosystems.
412 Biology of Fishes 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Evolution, identification, life history, and characteristics of important fish species.
418 Parasitology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102 or BIOLOGY 106; junior standing. Types of associations, life cycles, control, prevention, and modifications of parasites; examination of parasitic protozoa and helminths.
420 Plant Physiology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120. Water relations, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, and growth of plants. Recommended: Organic chemistry.
421 Plant Physiology Laboratory 1 (0-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 420 or concurrent enrollment. Laboratory for Biol 420.
423 Ornithology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Ecology, systematics, and evolution of birds. Field trips required include two Saturdays.
428 Mammalogy 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Ecology, systematics, and evolution of mammals.
430 Methods of Teaching Secondary Science I 3 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Application of learning and theory and philosophy and structure of science in teaching middle and secondary school science courses. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 430, MBIOS 480, TCH LRN 430.)
431 Methods of Teaching Secondary Science II 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 430, MBIOS 480, or TCH LRN 430; junior standing. Integration of assessment, curricular, and technological tools into instruction that aligns with learning theory and the philosophy/structure of science. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 431, MBIOS 481, TCH LRN 431.)
432 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 370, BIOLOGY 372, or SOE 300. Characteristics, evolution, and systematics; patterns of distribution; adaptive strategies; interactions between humans and amphibians and reptiles.
432 (Effective through Spring 2024) Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 372 or SOE 300. Characteristics, evolution, and systematics; patterns of distribution; adaptive strategies; interactions between humans and amphibians and reptiles.
438 Animal Behavior 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Biological study of animal behavior as viewed from genetic, developmental, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
438 (Effective through Fall 2024) Animal Behavior 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Biological study of animal behavior as viewed from ethological, genetic, developmental, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
438 (Effective through Summer 2024) [M] Animal Behavior 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Biological study of animal behavior as viewed from ethological, genetic, developmental, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
446 Mutualism and Symbiosis 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 305, 370, 372, 395, 403, or 405. Critical evaluation of the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of mutualism and symbiosis. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 446 and 546. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
446 (Effective through Fall 2024) Mutualism and Symbiosis 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372, 403, or 405. Critical evaluation of the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of mutualism and symbiosis. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 446 and 546. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
456 Neuroethology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301, MBIOS 303, or 300-level NEUROSCI course; STAT 412 or concurrent enrollment. Introduction to neural mechanisms underlying natural animal behaviors from the cellular level to the organismal level.
462 Community Ecology 3 Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Assembly, essential properties, levels of interactions, succession, and stability of natural communities; emphasizes an experimental approach to community investigation. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 372. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 462 and BIOLOGY 562. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
465 Field Stream Ecology 2 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372. Ecological roles of immature insects in different size streams; pattern changes along the stream continuum; other ecological characteristics.
469 [M] Ecosystem Ecology and Global Change 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 370 with a C or better or BIOLOGY 372 with a C or better. Historic and current factors controlling the function of ecosystems and their responses to natural and human caused global change. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 469 and 569. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
470 Diversity of Plants 3 Morphological, life history, and ecological diversity of major plant clades; emphasis on principles of homology, character transformation, and macroevolution.
473 [CAPS] [M] Evolution and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: ANTH 260 or BIOLOGY 301; junior standing. Survey of how the theory of evolution is used to better understand ourselves, the societies in which live, and the biological world on which we depend. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405 or concurrent enrollment. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 473, ANTH 473.)
473 (Effective through Fall 2024) [CAPS] [M] Evolution and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: ANTH 260 or BIOLOGY 301; junior standing. Survey of how the theory of evolution is used to better understand ourselves, the societies in which live, and the biological world on which we depend. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 405 or concurrent enrollment. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 473, ANTH 473.)
474 Computational Biology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301; MATH 140 or 171; STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311. Theory and current literature on a wide range of computational techniques used to address and solve problems in biology; a practical introduction to R/python as scientific languages useful in the solution of problems in biology.
475 Systems Biology of Reproduction 3 Current literature based course on systems biology with a molecular/epigenetic to physiological level understanding of cell, development, disease, and evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 475 and 575. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
476 Epigenetics and Systems Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. Current literature based course on epigenetics and systems biology with topics in environmental epigenetics, disease etiology, and role epigenetics in evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 476 and 576. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
480 [M] Writing in Biology 2 Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the major in Biology or Zoology. Discussion and practice in relating thinking and writing; popular and professional communication in biology.
483 [CAPS] [M] Organisms and Global Change 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 370, BIOLOGY 372, or SOE 300. Interaction between organisms and global change across scales of biology.
483 (Effective through Spring 2024) [CAPS] [M] Organisms and Global Change 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372; junior standing. Interaction between organisms and global change across scales of biology.
485 Biology of the Oceans 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372; junior standing. Interdisciplinary capstone course that explores the ocean world from molecules to ecosystems in the context of scientific discovery and society.
485 (Effective through Fall 2024) [CAPS] Biology of the Oceans 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372; junior standing. Interdisciplinary capstone course that explores the ocean world from molecules to ecosystems in the context of scientific discovery and society.
486 [M] Marine Invertebrate Communities 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Survey of marine invertebrates and their habitats. One-week field/lab course at a marine station.
489 [CAPS] [M] Synthesis and Communication of Independent Research 3 Course Prerequisite: By department permission only; 2 credits BIOLOGY 499; admitted to major in Biology or Zoology; junior standing. Integration of broad topics from biology and other science fields to inform scientific writing and presentation of independent research projects.
490 [M] Professional Seminar in Physical Therapy 2 Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Consideration of treatment modalities and health issues in physical therapy and related disciplines. A, S, F grading.
491 Clinical Experience V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Course Prerequisite: By instructor permission; BIOLOGY 106, 107, and 221; junior standing. Work experience in a clinical setting. S, F grading.
491 (Effective through Fall 2024) Clinical Experience V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 20 credits. Course Prerequisite: By department permission only; PSYCH 105; BIOLOGY 315; junior standing. Work experience under supervision of a qualified professional in a clinical setting. S, F grading.
492 Topics in Biology V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits.
494 Seminar in Mathematical Biology 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Course Prerequisite: MATH 140 with a C or better, or MATH 172 with a C or better, or MATH 182 with a C or better; BIOLOGY 101, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 106, or BIOLOGY 107. Oral presentation of research approaches, research results and literature review of mathematical biology including mathematical modeling of biological systems. (Crosslisted course offered as MATH 494, BIOLOGY 494.) Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students. S, F grading.
495 Internship in Biology, Botany, and Zoology V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Experience in work related to specific career interests. S, F grading.
496 [M] Special Problems and Reports V 1-4 Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent project with written project proposal, progress report, and final report required. S, F grading.
497 Instructional Practicum V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Academic traineeship in laboratory teaching and tutoring.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. S, F grading.
500 Seminar 1 May be repeated for credit. S, F grading.
501 Proposal Defense Seminar 2 Research proposal defense as part of the preliminary examination for candidacy in the Ph.D. program. S, F grading.
504 Experimental Methods in Molecular Biology 3 Advanced techniques and methods applicable to research in molecular biology.
509 Plant Anatomy 4 (2-6) Developmental anatomy and morphology of vascular plants; economic forms. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 409 and BIOLOGY 509. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
512 Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Development 3 Physiology of growth; metabolism during development and reproduction.
513 Plant Metabolism 3 Metabolic processes unique to plants, including the primary incorporation of nitrogen, sulfur, carbon dioxide and phosphate into bio-molecules. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
513 (Effective through Summer 2024) Plant Metabolism 3 Metabolic processes unique to plants, including the primary incorporation of nitrogen, sulfur, carbon dioxide and phosphate into bio-molecules.
514 Fish Genetics 2 Chromosomal, biochemical, quantitative, and ecological aspects of fish genetics with emphasis on applications to aquaculture and fish management. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
517 Stress Physiology of Plants 3 Temperature, light, salinity, water effects on physiological processes; mechanistic understanding of stress.
519 Introduction to Population Genetics 3 Survey of basic population and quantitative genetics. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
520 Conservation Genetics 2 Genetic studies and approaches relevant to efforts to conserve threatened and endangered populations of organisms.
521 Quantitative Genetics 3 Fundamentals of quantitative genetics; evolutionary quantitative genetics. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
531 Principles of Systematic Biology 3 Systematic theory; history and current views; approaches to phylogenetic analysis and classification.
533 Modern Methods in Phylogenetics 4 (2-6) Selecting, gathering, and analyzing morphological, cytological, molecular data for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies.
534 Modern Methods in Population Genomics 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 519. Problems and prospects of designing a study with genomic data: from raw data to demography and selection inferences.
537 Plant Cell Biology 3 Structure and function of plant cells including membrane biology, protein targeting and molecular signaling with emphasis on current research.
540 Stable Isotope Theory and Methods 3 Theory and practice of measuring stable isotope ratios of biologically important elements. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
544 Nitrogen Cycling in the Earth's Systems 3 Nitrogen dynamics in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems; nitrogen transformations in natural and managed systems and responses to human activities. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 544, SOIL SCI 544.)
545 Statistical Genomics 3 (2-3) Develop concepts and analytical skills for modern breeding by using Genome-Wide Association Study and genomic prediction in framework of mixed linear models and Bayesian approaches. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 474; MBIOS 478. (Crosslisted course offered as CROP SCI 545, ANIM SCI 545, BIOLOGY 545, HORT 545, PL P 545.) Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
546 Mutualism and Symbiosis 3 Critical evaluation of the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of mutualism and symbiosis. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 446 and 546. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
546 (Effective through Fall 2024) Mutualism and Symbiosis 3 Critical evaluation of the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of mutualism and symbiosis. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 446 and 546. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
548 Evolutionary Ecology of Populations 3 Evolutionary dynamics of natural populations and the co-evolution of species. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
549 Behavioral Ecology 3 Examination of animal behavior from evolutionary and ecological perspectives.
556 Biochemical Adaptation 3 Relationships between enzyme/macromolecule adaptation and animal performance.
559 Hormones, Brain and Behavior 3 Classical behavioral endocrinology from molecular to whole organisms, integrating evolutionary ecology, neuroethology and behavioral neuroendocrinology.
560 Plant Ecophysiology 3 Relationships of biotic and abiotic environment to plant distribution and evolution through study of physiological processes.
561 Environmental Physiology 3 Individual and evolutionary adaptations to changing environments with emphasis on recent literature.
562 Community Ecology 3 Assembly, essential properties, levels of interactions, succession, and stability of natural communities; emphasizes an experimental approach to community investigation. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 372. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 462 and BIOLOGY 562. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
563 Field Ecology 2 (0-6) Field implementation of descriptive and experimental techniques to quantify the structure, composition, and interactions within natural communities. Field trips required. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
564 Molecular Ecology and Phylogeography 3 Use of genetic markers for the study of ecological phenomena, including kinship, population structure, and phylogeography. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
565 Ecology and Evolution of Disease 3 Disease ecology and evolution with a focus on current literature. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 372; BIOLOGY 405. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
566 Mathematical Genetics 3 Mathematical approaches to population genetics and genome analysis; theories and statistical analyses of genetic parameters. Required preparation must include multivariate calculus, genetics, and statistics. (Crosslisted course offered as MATH 563, BIOLOGY 566.) Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
567 Ecological Restoration 3 Introduction to major issues in restoration ecology; major ecological dimensions of restoration.
568 Conservation Ecology 3 Diagnosis of endangered species, population viability analysis, invasive species ecology, landscape ecology and ecosystem management.
569 [M] Ecosystem Ecology and Global Change 3 Historic and current factors controlling the function of ecosystems and their responses to natural and human caused global change. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 469 and 569. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
570 Diversity of Plants 3 Morphological, life history, and ecological diversity of major plant clades; emphasis on principles of homology, character transformation, and macroevolution.
571 Quantitative Toolkit for Biologists 3 Course Prerequisite: STAT 512. Hands-on experience in the exploration, analysis, and interpretation of patterns in modern biological datasets.
572 Quantitative Methods and Statistics in Ecology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Philosophy and methods of formulating hypotheses as mathematical models and confronting them with data.
573 Ancient DNA 3 The prospects and problems associated with the study of ancient DNA are explored through reading and discussing primary literature.
575 Systems Biology of Reproduction 3 Current literature based course on systems biology with a molecular/epigenetic to physiological level understanding of cell, development, disease, and evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 475 and 575. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
576 Epigenetics and Systems Biology 3 Current literature based course on epigenetics and systems biology with topics in environmental epigenetics, disease etiology, and role epigenetics in evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 476 and 576. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
579 Mathematical Modeling in the Biological and Health Sciences 3 Techniques, theory, and current literature in mathematical modeling in the biological and health sciences, including computational simulation. (Course offered as BIOLOGY 579, MATH 579). Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
581 Comparative Biology of Social Traditions 3 Phylogenetic and modeling perspectives used to examine the evolution of social learning and cultural transmission in humans and other animals. (Crosslisted course offered as ANTH 581, BIOLOGY 581.)
582 Professional Communication in Biology - Grant Writing 2 Mechanics and style of publishing biological research and findings; adaptation of writing to various venues and audiences with emphasis on grant writing.
585 Professional Development and Training for College and University Teaching 2 Preparation for roles as teaching assistants and as instructors of undergraduate classroom education.
589 Advanced Topics in Biology V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Recent advances in biology.
591 Seminar in Molecular Plant Sciences 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. A cross-discipline seminar, including botany, crop and soils sciences, horticulture, plant pathology, and molecular plant sciences.
593 Seminar I 1 May be repeated for credit. Literature and problems.
597 Teaching Practicum V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Zoology laboratory teaching internship. S, F grading.
600 Special Projects or Independent Study V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent study, special projects, and/or internships. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor before enrolling in 600 credit, which cannot be used toward the core graded credits required for a graduate degree. S, F grading.
700 Master's Research, Thesis, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their master's research, thesis and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 700 credit. S, U grading.
702 Master's Special Problems, Directed Study and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research in special problems, directed study, and/or examination credit for students in a non-thesis master's degree program. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 702 credit. S, U grading.
800 Doctoral Research, Dissertation, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the Biology, Plant Biology, Botany, or Zoology PhD program. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their doctoral research, dissertation and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 800 credit. S, U grading.
Science (SCIENCE)
101 [PSCI] Integrated Science: Origins in the Natural World 4 (3-3) Interdisciplinary approach to science in the modern world for non-science majors. Field trip(s) may be required.
102 [BSCI] Integrated Science: Dynamic Systems in the Natural World 4 (3-3) Interdisciplinary approach to science in the modern world for non-science majors.
103 Science and Scientific Thinking 1 (0-3) Exploring science as a tool for understanding nature using case studies, experimentation, and data analysis. Topics range from atoms to ecosystems including physiology, inheritance, and the carbon cycle. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences. Recommended for students with an ALEKS math placement score of less than 45%. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 103, SCIENCE 103.)
210 Your Future in Life Sciences 2 Exploration of career options in biological sciences with faculty and outside speakers; guide to preparing resume and career plans. (Crosslisted course offered as SCIENCE 210, BIOLOGY 210.)
Electron Microscopy (E_MIC)
586 Special Projects in Electron Microscopy V 2 (0-6) to 3 (0-9) May be repeated for credit. Practical training in one or more areas of electron microscopy; TEM, SEM, ultramicrotomy, specimen processing; confocal fluorescent microscopy. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
587 Special Topics in Electron Microscopy 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students. S, F grading.
- Biological Sciences
Courses
- Biology
- Electron Microscopy
- Science
Schedules of Studies
- Biology - Basic Medical Sciences
- Biology - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Option
- Biology - Education Option
- Biology - Entomology Option
- Biology - General Option
- Biology - Plant Biology Option
- Biology - Pre-Physical Therapy / Pre-Occupational Therapy / Pre-Physician Assistant Option
- Zoology - Accelerated Pre-Veterinary Option
- Zoology - General Option
- Zoology - Pre-Medicine/Pre-Dentistry Option
- Zoology - Pre-Veterinary/Animal Care Option
Minors
- Biology
- Zoology
Certificates
- Certificate in Quantitative Biology