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[accordion-item title=”How do I declare the Biology Major?” class=”bm-accordion”]You will need to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to declare the major. Appointments made via Scheduling Assistant must be scheduled at least 24 hrs in advance, and are generally limited to 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday.[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title=”Why would I want to declare the Biology Major?” class=”bm-accordion”]

If you are a student with broad interest in the biological sciences who wants to:

• Prepare for graduate study
• Prepare for professional studies (e.g. medical school, veterinary school, dentistry)
• Receive initial biological science education prior to choosing a more specialized major (e.g., biochemistry, zoology, molecular biology)
• Acquire a broad background in biology

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[accordion-item title=”Can I transfer into a specialized major (e.g., microbiology, genetics) from this major?” class=”bm-accordion”]

Yes, though you may also need to change your College affiliation. If you are in the College of Letters and Science you may need to transfer to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, or vice versa depending on the location of the program you wish to pursue. Be sure to check with your advisor since requirements will differ from the Biology Major.
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[accordion-item title=”What are language requirements I need to think about?” class=”bm-accordion”]
L&S requires the equivalent of 3 semesters (3 years in high school) of a foreign language. CALS requires 2 years (units) of foreign language in high school or its equivalent.

If you want retroactive credits for your high school language course, you need to take a specific course on campus and pass it with a “B” or better. If you plan to study abroad there are often very specific language requirements. Foreign language and retroactive credits for language count toward gradation in either college.
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[accordion-item title=”Can I declare Honors in the Major?” class=”bm-accordion”]
Yes. Please see honors information.
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[accordion-item title=”Is there a Biology Club I can join?” class=”bm-accordion”]
There is a Biology Club, independent of the major. If you are interested in being a part of the club, please go to Beta Beta Beta.
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[accordion-item title=”Can department research/lab courses (e.g., a 699 or thesis courses) count for my Laboratory or Field Research Experience Requirement?” class=”bm-accordion”]
Yes, it may be possible for these types of courses to count towards the requirement listed above. Please check your DARS report to see that the independent study or senior thesis is counting for requirement 6. If it is not, please see your Biology Advisor.

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[accordion-item title=”Can my Biology/Botany/Zoology 152 research experience count for my Laboratory or Field Research Experience Requirement?” class=”bm-accordion”]
No, your Laboratory or Field Research Experience must be taken after you have completed Introductory Biology (4/15/03)
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[accordion-item title=”If I have to take a fourth Intermediate/Advanced course to fulfill my 13 credit minimum requirement, does the course have to be from an area that I haven’t already taken? ” class=”bm-accordion”]
No, if you have taken your 3 first three Int/Adv Courses from three different areas, one being from A or B, and one being from C or D, the fourth course can be taken from any of the five topic areas, even from an area you’ve already taken.

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[accordion-item title=”What do I do if I am in CALS and need to fulfill the Capstone Experience?  ” class=”bm-accordion”]
Please see capstone guidelines.
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[accordion-item title=”If I do not want to complete the Biocore sequence which courses should I take? (revised 12/14) ” class=”bm-accordion”]

• • If a student completed Biocore 381-382, the student should take Biology/Botany/Zoology 151 and a foundation course.
  • If a student completed Biocore 381-382 and 383-384, the student should take an Animal Physiology (e.g., Phys 335 or 435 or Dy Sci 373) or a Plant Physiology (e.g., Bot 500) course with the physiology course counting toward intro biology credits and not in the intermediate/advanced breadth category.  A foundation course is not required.
  • Previously:  If you have taken Biocore/Biology 301-302/381-382, you should take Biology/Botany/Zoology 151 and a foundation course. You are also strongly encouraged to take a course in physiology (AHABS/An Sci 301, Botany 500, Physiology 335, Zoology 611-612). If you have taken Biocore/Biology 301-302/381-382 and 303-304/383-384, you should take Biology/Botany/Zoology 152. A foundation course is not required. Please consult with your advisor before choosing any of these options.

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[accordion-item title=”What was the previous Biocore requirement?  ” class=”bm-accordion”]

Prior to Fall 2017, students were required to complete four lectures (Biocore 381, 383, 485, 487) and two of the three labs (Biocore 382, 384 or 486).  Students who completed all three labs could use 486 to fulfill the intermediate lab or field course requirement.

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[accordion-item title=”If I take a course at another UW-Institution how will it transfer? ” class=”bm-accordion”]

You can check the Transfer Information System (TIS) or go to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title=”Can I take a course for Pass/Fail? ” class=”bm-accordion”]
Yes. However, it will not count towards your Breadth or Major requirements.

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[accordion-item title=”Who is my advisor?” class=”bm-accordion”]
Your advisor(s) are listed under the Student Center and on your DARS reports. If your listed advisor is incorrect or if you would like to change advisors, please contact the Biology Major Office.

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