Biology Department

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Biology — the science of life — is dynamic and diverse. Each living thing is an amazingly complex system. From our bodies to the viruses that infect us, from vast oceans to minute bacteria, each interacts with other living things in complex ways. 

Biology majors at Seattle Pacific University graduate with a broad understanding of living organisms. Through immersion in scientific inquiry and problem solving, you’ll develop fundamental skills and knowledge for entering a wide range of careers, including those in medicine, environmental science, research, and teaching.

We offer five undergraduate biology majors. Each one benefits students with a robust program emphasizing hands-on research.

 

We offer three biology minors to complement your major and enriching your scientific frame of reference.

 

Our urban location near Seattle’s biotechnology hub offers you opportunities for mentors and internships. You can also perform research through our Summer Research Program and present your research findings at local conferences.

Biology News

Biology students win at the GNAC Indoor Track and Field Championships

Two Biology students excelled at the GNAC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Spokane, Washington. Hannah Chang (BS Physiology, 2026) won in the 60m hurdles race, and Annika Esvelt (BS Applied Human Biology, 2025) won in both the mile and the 3000m races. Annika also earned Women's Track Athlete of the Meet honors. Collectively, four members of SPU's team won five titles during the championships. Congratulations to Hannah and Annika!

Dr. Saif Al Ghais named to international academy

Dr. Saif Al Ghais, who earned his BS in Biology from SPU in 1985 and his PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Liverpool, was recently appointed a member of the International Academy of Advanced Technology and Engineering in China. Dr. Al Ghais is a marine biologist and currently the Director-General of the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Al Ghais, who was a classmate of Dr. Tim Nelson, SPU Professor of BIology, was last on campus in April 2013, when he gave a guest lecture on “Environmental Challenges and Sustainability in the Gulf Region.”

Dr. Wall-Scheffler is quoted in article about women hunters

A recent National Geographic article, "The graves of 'woman warriors' are changing what we know about ancient gender roles", included expert commentary from Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler, Professor of Biology. The National Geographic article focused on a recent research paper that described an ancient Hungarian burial site in which a woman was buried with a bow and arrowhead. Dr. Wall-Scheffler, who has documented evidence that prehistoric women were hunters, provided perspective on the roles of women as hunters and possibly warriors.

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The Seattle Pacific University campus in a 360 circular globe

Visit Eaton Hall

Visit the Eaton Hall lobby without leaving home through SPU’s new 360 Virtual Tour. You can also tour Eaton Hall’s lecture hall.

Biology

Welcome to Biology!

Dr. Tracie Delgado, professor of biology, brings us a few words of welcome and introduction as part of Orientation 2020.

Med School Acceptance Rates

Over the last five years, SPU premed students have achieved an average acceptance rate into medical school of 80 percent — far exceeding the 39 percent national average.