Biology Major

Are you interested in a Biology Major?

Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. Research is performed to gain a better understanding of fundamental life processes or to apply that understanding in developing new products or processes. Most specialize in one area of biology, such as botany (the study of plants) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms).

Many biological scientists work in research and development. Biological scientists who work in applied research or product development use knowledge gained by basic research to develop new drugs, treatments, and medical diagnostic tests; increase crop yields; and develop new biofuels.

Using a wide variety of equipment, scientists conduct research in laboratories, which may involve animals or plants. This is particularly true of botanists, physiologists, and zoologists. Some biological research also takes place outside the laboratory. For example, a botanist might do field research in tropical rain forests to see which plants grow there, or an ecologist might study how a forest area recovers after a fire. Some marine biologists also work outdoors, often on research vessels from which they study fish, plankton, or other marine organisms.
(Information from US Department of Labor.)

The Washington Plan for Biology Majors

Click here for the Washington Plan for Biology Majors (pdf file). This four-semester program guide will help you plan your freshmen and sophomore years at UW-WC.

For more information:

• See your advisor
• Visit the College Board website on Career planning
• Check out Transfer Information
• UW-WC's Science and Math Club