Due to the increasing number of "FAQS", the topics of these questions have been arranged alphabetically by subject. Just click on the subject link to take you to the question and
answer in which you are interested.
How do
I declare the Biology Major?
Stop by the office for the Biology Major (445 Henry Mall, room 118). Office hours are 8:00-4:30,Monday-Friday. If you are declaring your major in CALS, you will need to fill out one additional form at the CALS student affairs office (116 AG Hall), after you come to the Biology Major Office. If you are declaring your major in L&S, you can fill out the necessary form at the Biology Major Office.
Why would
I want to declare the Biology Major?
If you are a student with broad interest in the biological sciences who wants to:
- Prepare for graduate study
- Prepare for professional studies (e.g. medical school, veterinaryschool, dentistry)
- Receive initial biological science education prior to choosing a more specialized major (e.g. biochemistry, zoology, molecular biology)
- Acquire a broad background in biology
Can I get
into a specialized program of biology (e.g. microbiology, genetics) from this major?
Yes, but you will need to file a form that allows this change to occur. You may also need to change the College where you are presently enrolled. If you are in the College of Letters and Science you may need to transfer to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, or vice versa depending on the location of the program you wish to pursue. Be sure to check with your advisor since requirements may differ from the Biology Major.
What courses
would be good to take because they satisfy requirements in both colleges?
Economics (ECON) 101 or Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAE) 215
**Either course satisfies a requirement in CALS for economics and in L&S a social science breadth requirement.
What are
language requirements I need to think about?
L&S requires the equivalent of 3 semesters (3 years in high school) of a foreign language. CALS requires 2 years (units) of foreign language in high school or its equivalent.
If you want retroactive credits for your high school language course, you need to take a specific course on campus and pass it with a "B" or better. If you plan to study abroad there are often very specific language requirements. Foreign language and retroactive credits for language count toward gradation in either college.
Can I declare
"Honors in the Major" for the Biology Major?
Yes, you may. Please see: Honors in the Major for CALS and Honors in the Major for L&S requirements.
Is there a
Biology Club for students within this major that I can join?
There presently is a Biology Club. If you are interested in being a part of the formation of this club, please go to the Beta Beta Beta website.
Can lab
courses completed in other departments (e.g. a 699 or 681-682 course in Neuroscience) count for my "Laboratory or Field Research Experience" Requirements for the Biology Major?
Yes, it is possible for these types of courses to count towards the requirement listed above. Please check your DARS report to see that the independent study or senior thesis is counting for requirement 6. If it is not, please see your Biology Advisor.
Can my research experience from Biology/Botany/Zoology 152 count for my Laboratory or Field Research Experience Requirement for the Biology Major?
No, your Laboratory or Field Research Experience must be taken after you have completed Introductory Biology (4/15/03)
If I have
to take a fourth Intermediate/Advanced course to fulfill my 13 credit minimum requirement, does the fourth course have to be from an area that I haven't already taken?
No, If you have taken your 3 first three Int/Adv Courses from three different areas, one being from A or B, and one being from C or D, the fourth course can be taken from any of the five topic areas, even from an area you've already taken.
What do I
do if I am in CALS and need to fulfill the Capstone Experience?
Please see the guidelines for CALS capstone linked here.
If I do not want to complete the Biocore sequence which courses should I take?
If you have taken Biocore/Biology 301-302, you should take Biology/Botany/Zoology 151 and a foundation course. You are also strongly encouraged to take a course in physiology (AHABS/An Sci 301, Botany 500, Physiology 335, Zoology 611-612). If you have taken Biocore/Biology 301-302 and 303-304, you should take Biology/Botany/Zoology 152. A foundation course is not required. Please consult with your advisor before choosing any of these options.
If I take a course
at another UW-Institution how will it transfer?
You can check the Transfer Information System (TIS) or go to the Admissions Office in the Red Gym 262-3961
Can extra lab
hours from my Intermediate/Advanced Courses Requirement count towards and /or fulfill my Laboratory or Field Research Experience Requirement?
No, The course/s you take to fulfill the Lab or Field Research Experience Requirements must be separate and beyond the lab hours taken for your Intermediate/Advanced Courses.
Can I take a course for Pass/Fail?
Yes, you may; however, it will not count towards your Breadth or Major requirements.
Who is my advisor?
Your advisor is listed under the Student Center in My UW. If your listed advisor is incorrect or if you would like to change advisors, please contact the Biology Major Office.
