The Biology department offers opportunities throughout our curriculum for students to learn in and outside of the classroom. We are a student-centered department with a strong focus on teaching excellence.
Our introductory series: Biology 180, 200, and 220 serves over 3000 students per year. Even in our largest classes, we use modern, evidence-based techniques to make sure that students leave their first Biology classes prepared to learn at UW.
The majority of our faculty use active learning techniques where students learn through experience, discussion, and practice. Research from our own faculty shows that these practices help students retain information and apply what they learned in new contexts.
Tradition of Excellence in Biology Teaching
Our faculty are scientist-educators who study teaching and implement their findings in the classroom. University of Washington Biology has a rich tradition of discipline based education research (DBER). We use research to ensure that teaching practices are evidence-based and we continuously refine our teaching to support student learning and success.
Eighteen Biology faculty members have won the UW Distinguished Teaching Award given to the most outstanding educators at our University including these currently active faculty:
The BLT is a network of faculty, grad students and post-docs across the UW tri-campuses and greater Seattle region. BLT meets weekly to provide a forum to discuss effective teaching methods.
Members of the BLT meet to facilitate collaboration, exchange ideas and provide support.
Impact
Each year, we teach over 10,000 students
We graduate upwards of 500 students per year as Biology majors, and we are one of the largest departments at University of Washington!
In our upper division courses, we enroll 1176 Biology majors. Our majors have numerous opportunities to engage deeply with Biology. In the lab, lecture, and in the field, our students receive hands-on opportunities to understand Biology.
From hands-on exploration of local PNW flora and fauna to training in modern laboratory techniques, students gain a well-rounded biology experience. Our diverse faculty fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to pursue a wide range of interests.
More than a third of our students participate in original research with UW faculty members.
Outcome
Students become leaders and change makers after they graduate Biology. Students build expertise through hands-on research, internships, and coursework, preparing them to make connections between disciplines, leading to successful careers in a wide range of sectors.
UW Biology prepares graduates to go into careers such as: clinical and laboratory roles (physician, biochemist, microbiologist, laboratory researcher), field-based positions (wetlands biologist, fishery observer, environmental consultant), and communication and education careers (health communications specialist, science writer, educator), and more!
