2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Biological Sciences Department
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Ellensburg
Science 338
509-963-2731
Fax: 509-963-2730
http://www.cwu.edu/~biology
See the Web site for how this program could be used for educational and career purposes.
Faculty and Staff
Chair
Paul James
Professors
Daniel D. Beck, Ph.D., physiological ecology and herpetology
David M. Darda, Ph.D., evolutionary vertebrate morphology, herpetology
Kristina A. Ernest, Ph.D., terrestrial and community ecology
Paul W. James, Ph.D., ecology and fisheries biology
Sheldon R. Johnson, Ph.D., zoophysiology, mammalogy (emeritus)
Robert E. Pacha, Ph.D., microbiology (emeritus)
Stamford D. Smith, Ph.D., entomology (emeritus,)
David L. Soltz, Ph.D., ecology and evolutionary biology
Lixing Sun, Ph.D., behavioral ecology and evolution
Associate Professors
Tom R. Cottrell, Ph.D., plant ecology
Holly C. Pinkart, Ph.D., microbiology, microbial ecology
Mary E. Poulson, Ph.D., plant physiology
Linda A. Raubeson, Ph.D., evolutionary biology and genetics
Assistant Professors
Lucinda Carnell, Ph.D., molecular behavioral genetics
Jason T. Irwin, Ph.D., animal physiology
James E. Johnson, Ph.D., mycology, systematics
Ian J. Quitadamo, Ph.D., science education, biotechnology
Daniel J. Selski, Ph.D., developmental neurobiology
Gabrielle Stryker, Ph.D., microbiology, immunology and parasitology
R. Steven Wagner, Ph.D., conservation genetics and herpetological science
Non-tenure Annual Contract
Lucy Bottcher, senior lecturer
Raymon A. Donahue, lecturer
Roberta L. Soltz, senior lecturer
Staff
Jonathan Betz, science instructional technician
Mary Bottcher, science instructional3 technician
Darlene Boykiw, office assistant
Lee Longmore, engineering technician
Jody Scheffelmaier, science instructional technician
Kariann Taylor, secretary
Jeff Wilcox, engineering technician
Department Information
The biological sciences department provides the biological component of the liberal arts education at the University. We promote student understanding of biological concepts relevant to the individual and society, and foster an appreciation of scientific inquiry. Evolution is the unifying theme of our curriculum. Our students obtain a broad education, covering a wide variety of biological disciplines. We focus on the student. Classes are small, facilitating hands-on experience, interactions with faculty and opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate research. We offer a full complement of competitive pre-professional programs, strong programs in regional field biology and a quality program for secondary biology educators
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to a biology major or minor, all students must:
- Meet with an advisor.
Advisors are normally assigned by the biology department upon admission to the major. However, it is highly recommended that a student talk with an advisor well before being admitted to the major. Any biology department faculty member may serve as an advisor. Please meet with your advisor as early in your academic career as possible to begin planning your program.
- Meet the entry-to-major qualifications listed below:
- Pass CHEM 181, 181LAB and CHEM 182, 182LAB (or be currently enrolled in CHEM 182)
- Pass BIOL 110, 111 and 112 (or equivalent)
- qualify for MATH 170
- Register with the department and be advised by departmental faculty
- Complete and file an application to the major by the beginning of the junior year.
A formal application to the biology major must be submitted with your advisor’s approval. The entry-to-major qualifications must be met and application should be made by the beginning of the junior year. Application forms can be obtained from the advisor, the department office or online at www.cwu.edu/~biology/forms/index.html.
- Complete and file a program of study by the end of the junior year
To graduate, each student must have on file in the biology department and in the registrar’s office, an official course of study. The course of study documents a student’s individual degree program and lists the required and elective courses necessary for successful program completion. It is prepared by the student in conjunction with his/her advisor and should be approved by the student, advisor, and department chair at least one year prior to graduation. Students should meet with their advisor regularly to discuss their progress. Course of study forms can be obtained from the advisor, the department office, or online at: www.ceu.edu/!biology/forms/index.html.
Student Scholarly Activities
The department is student oriented and provides a diversity of laboratory and field experiences. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities.
- Research activities: Students are encouraged to seek out a faculty member who is engaged in active research that complements the student’s career goals. Students who begin research early and continue it through their career in the department gain a better understanding of their profession and are more competitive in the job market or in graduate school admissions.
- Field program: The department believes in the importance of exposing students to biological field experiences. In addition to those provided by regular courses, the department offers summer field courses and trips to biologically interesting areas during breaks between quarters.
Student Organizations
Biology Club: All biology students are encouraged to join the Biology Club. This student-run organizaiton meets regularly to discuss adademic planning and career opportunities in biology. The club co-sponsors the bi-weekly Natural Science Seminar series, performs service activities and plans recreational outings. See their Web site at www.cwu.edu/~biology/biologyClub/biologyClub.html.
Beta Beta Beta: BBB is the undergraduate National Biological Sciences Honorary Society. Students maintaining a high grade point average (3.0 or higher) are encouraged to apply.
Various organizations for students interested in health professions (medicine, dentistry, etc.) are available to provide information, support and opportunities for service.
Fees
Laboratory fees are assessed for many of the department’s lab courses. These fees are used as partial support for purchasing lab materials or providing transportation costs.
Graduation Requirements
- You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 in your major.
- End-of-major assessment must be completed, usually in conjunction with BIOL 499S. This requirement helps to assess whether the department has fulfilled its instructional objectives and provides us with information that will enable us to continuously improve our programs and courses.
- Application for the bachelor’s degree must be filed by the second Friday of the quarter preceding the quarter in which the degree is to be received. Complete instructions and deadlines are available in Registrar Services.
Programs
ProgramsBachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceMinor
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