Program Overview

Introduction to the Biology/Anthropology, BS Program

The Biology/Anthropology combined major is offered by the Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering, and the Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This program enables students to develop an integrated conceptual foundation in biology and anthropology, as well as critical thinking skills, quantitative problem-solving abilities, leadership and team-building skills, and scientific research skills.

Program Description

Biology is the study of living organisms, with three primary goals: understanding biological systems, generating and disseminating reliable data, and developing a deep understanding of the natural world to inform solutions for humanity's challenges. The B.S. programs in Biology at Western Washington University are distinguished by small class sizes and direct engagement with dedicated faculty who prioritize student success.

Why Consider a Biology/Anthropology BS Major?

• Are you fascinated by human biology?
• Are you interested in the origins of modern humans?
• Would you like to study human biology within a cultural perspective?
• Are you interested in examining human biology from a comprehensive perspective?

The Biology/Anthropology combined major provides an integrated framework for understanding human biology, including foundational math, physics, chemistry, and biology courses, as well as introductory anthropology courses. This major prepares students for careers or further study in areas like forensic and biological anthropology and is well-suited for various health care careers.

Requirements (105-108 credits)

Foundational Coursework (90-92 credits)

Mathematics (5 credits)

• One course from:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus

Chemistry (19 credits)

• Complete one of the following series:
  • CHEM 161 - General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 162 - General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 163 - General Chemistry III
• or
  • CHEM 175 - General Chemistry I, Honors
  • CHEM 176 - General Chemistry II, Honors
  • CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors
• CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry

Physics (15 credits)

• Complete one of the following series:
  • PHYS 114 - Principles of Physics I
  • PHYS 115 - Principles of Physics II
  • PHYS 116 - Principles of Physics III
• or
  • PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
  • PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
  • PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III

Biology and Anthropology (51-53 credits)

• ANTH 201 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• ANTH 210 - Introduction to Archaeology
• ANTH 215 - Introductory Biological Anthropology
• BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity w/lab
• BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology w/lab
• BIOL 206 - Introduction to Organismal Biology w/lab
• BIOL 327 - Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
• BIOL 321 - Genetics
• One course from:
  • BIOL 325 - Ecology
  • ANTH 350 - The Ecology of Human Variation
• One course from:
  • BIOL 340 - Biostatistics
  • ANTH 335 - Quantitative Methods in Anthropology
• One course from:
  • BIOL 432 - Evolutionary Biology
  • ANTH 423 - Human Evolution

Depth Requirements (14-15 credits)

• BIOL 348 - Human Anatomy and Physiology w/lab
• BIOL 349 - Human Physiology w/lab
• One course from:
  • ANTH 308 - Hunter-Gatherer Societies in World Prehistory
  • ANTH 420 - Human Osteology and Forensic Anthropology
  • ANTH 422 - Nutritional Anthropology
  • ANTH 424 - Medical Anthropology
  • ANTH 426 - Human Genetics and Epigenetics for the 21st Century
  • BIOL 410 - Animal Behavior

Completion Requirement (1 credit)

• ANTH 496 - Portfolio Assembly

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The Biology/Anthropology, BS program at Western Washington University offers a unique combination of biological and anthropological studies, preparing students for a wide range of careers and further educational opportunities. With its emphasis on small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive curriculum, this program provides students with a well-rounded education in the fields of biology and anthropology.