Bachelor of Science in Biology Major

BS Biology
A bachelor of science degree in Biology prepares you for graduate studies or a professional career in biology. SPU’s Biology program emphasizes undergraduate research, which will give you a competitive edge. You may choose core and elective courses focused on botany, cellular and molecular biology, ecology, marine biology, physiology, or zoology, depending upon your interests and professional goals.

About the Bachelor of Science in Biology Major

As a Bachelor of Science in Biology major, you’ll focus on understanding humans, animals, and plants from a biological perspective. You’ll gain a solid foundation in research methodology while increasing your knowledge of the physiology, anthropology, and development of the life all around us.

Courses and Requirements

For a Bachelor of Science in Biology major, you will be required to take at least 104 credits, including at least 35 upper-division biology credits. Review all the bachelor of science in Biology courses and requirements, as well as a suggested course sequence.

In addition to the core and supporting requirements, 12 credits of biology elective courses are also required. You should discuss elective courses with your Biology faculty advisor. If you are interested in graduate school, you should consult with your advisor as to whether coursework beyond degree requirements (e.g., physics, MAT 1235) is appropriate.

As a part of either core requirements or electives, you are required to take a minimum of three credits of field biology courses, taught primarily in the field and emphasizing field methods. Also, as part of either the core requirements or electives, you must take at least one botany course (usually BIO 3453, 4415, or 4744).

An Undergraduate Research Project is required for graduation. You will collaborate with a faculty member on an investigation that requires a formal proposal (BIO 4978 Biological Research Proposal), and original research and presentation of results (BIO 4979). You are urged to begin your research as early as possible, as there is a three-credit minimum. No more than six credits of courses numbered from BIO 4900 through 4999 may be applied to this major.

 

To apply to the BS in Biology major, you must make a formal application through your Degree Status Check page in Banner.

Faculty Contact

Cara Wall-Scheffler

Professor and Co-Chair of Biology
PhD, University of Cambridge

Email: cwallsch@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2201
Office: Eaton 107

Jenny Tenlen

Associate Professor and Co-Chair of Biology
PhD, University of Washington

Email: tenlenj@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2007
Office: Eaton 113
First Generation student

Biology | Why I Teach

Why I Teach at SPU

Ryan Ferrer, Professor of Biology

“I’m drawn to SPU because students, faculty, and staff so regularly engage one another.  It is a joy being challenged intellectually and spiritually by those with whom I work.”