Biology Major

Biology is the study of life, emphasizing the interrelationship of structures, organisms, and processes ranging from molecular to global. Biology majors study these interrelationships through a wide array of fascinating courses and research with faculty in the department who specialize in fields of genetics, molecular biology, animal and plant physiology, microbiology, virology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, evolution and ecology.

Seattle University is ideally situated for all of these fields. Seattle is a center for biotechnology and biomedical research, providing students the opportunity to work in front-line research and clinical labs. Nearby mountain ranges, old growth forest, lakes and rivers, as well as the marine environments of Puget Sound and the open coast serve as living laboratories. The Biology major appeals to students seeking to develop their analytical skills and embrace their curiosity. Many select this training as the most appropriate preparation for acceptance to schools in medicine, dentistry, etc., while others enter graduate programs leading to research careers. Some create interesting and unique careers by combining their Biology major with other interests, like writing, photography or law.

Requirements

In order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in biology, students must complete a minimum of 180 quarter credits with a cumulative and major/department grade point average of 2.00, including the following:

I. Core Curriculum Requirements

ENGL 110 - College Writing: Inquiry and Argument 5
PHIL 110 - Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking 5
ENGL 120 - Introduction to Literature 5
Fine Arts (one approved 5 credit course; see course descriptions ) (5)
PHIL 220 - Philosophy of the Human Person 5
Social Science I (5)
Social Science II (different discipline from Social Science I) (5)
Theology and Religious Studies I (200-299) (see course offerings ) (5)
Ethics (upper division) (5)
Theology and Religious Studies II (300-399) (see course offerings ) (5)
Interdisciplinary (3 to 5)
Senior Synthesis satisfied by BIOL 487 and BIOL 488

Choose one of the following two courses:

II. Major Requirements

43 total credits in biology, including:

BIOL 161 - Biology I: Molecular and Cellular Biology 4
BIOL 171 - Biology Lab I 1
BIOL 162 - Biology II: Evolution and Ecology 4
BIOL 172 - Biology Lab II 1
BIOL 163 - Biology III: Physiology & Development 4
BIOL 173 - Biology III Lab 1
BIOL Electives (not BIOL 101 ) (10)

Choose one of the following five courses:

Choose one of the following six courses:

Choose one of the following five courses:

Senior Synthesis:

III. Other Major Department Requirements

15 credits in chemistry, typically:

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I 4
CHEM 131 - General Chemistry Lab I 1
CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II 4
CHEM 132 - General Chemistry Lab II 1
CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III 4
CHEM 133 - General Chemistry Lab III 1
Other courses with approval of the Biology Department
Science elective (approved by department) (5)

Choose an option: (5 to 10)

Option a:

MATH 131 - Calculus for Life Sciences 5

Option b:

MATH 134 - Calculus I 5

Option c:

NOTE:

At least 10 credits of the 40 non-senior synthesis biology course credits must be from 300- or 400-level courses. Some of the course choices may require prerequisites beyond the minimal degree requirements. A maximum of 5 credits of directed and or independent study in biology can be counted toward the 10 credits of biology electives.