Biology Major

At Washington College, we train our Biology students to be good, well-rounded scientists ready to pursue vocations or advanced degrees in biology-related fields. In their first course, our students are introduced to select key concepts for the major. Rather than inundate students with new terms, we introduce the important concepts first, giving students time to learn not only what they mean, but how they are applied. This provides a smoother transition into the subject for first-year students and allows more time for discussion, active learning, and use of the scientific method. Biology is intimately related to many disciplines outside of the sciences, and as part of the major students will gain an appreciation of the impact of biology on history and consider the many philosophical and ethical questions that have biological underpinnings.  

Through hands-on experiential learning, you will cultivate lab skills needed after graduation and learn how to research and think critically. Although it isn’t required, you may choose to pursue one of three areas of emphasis within the biology major:  

• cell/molecular biology and infectious disease,  
• ecology and evolution, or  
• physiology and organismal biology.  

In your final year of study, put all you’ve learned into practice by completing a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE), a self-driven research project with an emphasis on discovery-based learning. If you pursued an area of emphasis, your SCE will be designed with that focus in mind and will be advised by faculty specializing in those areas. 
 
Upper-level courses are capped at 16 students, giving you personal access to faculty who provide opportunities for professional and personal development and encourage you to reach your potential. You receive not only proper biological training but gain an appreciation of how biology interacts with aspects of life, society, and our planet. You will receive training in all aspects of being a scientist, from practical skills in the field and lab, to researching, writing, and presenting scientific findings. These experiences make you competitive and well-prepared for the work force or continued studies.  
 
There are opportunities to study abroad for one semester, a whole year, or even through a department-specific short-term study abroad course between semesters. Students completing a traditional semester abroad are encouraged to take distribution courses, but lab credits can be transferred. Short-term travel courses are offered once a year in either January or May/June, where students complete coursework while being immersed in another culture for two weeks, for instance, studying tropical ecology in Costa Rica or coral reef ecology in Bermuda. Our faculty are committed to innovative teaching, offering not only short-term study abroad opportunities, but also special topics courses to engage students outside of the regular offerings. It is also possible for our biology majors to double major in another subject that interest them. To learn more about our course offerings, please visit our course catalog.