Oct 06, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biological Sciences, General, A.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Areas of Study (A-Z)

What makes biology exciting is its diversity. A biologist might gather field samples for environmental impact statements, develop cancer therapies, or manipulate genes. Biologists unravel the mystery of living organisms, from biomolecules to ecosystems.

You can focus in one of several core areas leading to careers in health care, research, business, and teaching. Additionally, you can apply your biological knowledge to careers outside the traditional, such as science writing or environmental law. All biology majors need to develop these basic skills:

  1. Ability to work with biological information, analyzing it from different angles.
  2. Ability to find information using a variety of methods and critically evaluate it.
  3. Ability to design, conduct, and communicate results of biological experiments.
  4. Ability to apply biology to environmental and societal issues.
  5. Ability to work as a professional in the scientific community.

In summary, biologists must integrate the technical skills and knowledge of a rapidly growing field with communication skills and an ability to analyze data. Western has designed a curriculum that prepares you to take your place as a successful 21st-century biologist in whichever path you choose.

A large proportion of biologists work in labs, in areas of research or industrial technology, or in health-related fields. Virtually all have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field. Still others use their undergraduate degree in biology as a foundation for professional training in such areas as agroecology, agronomy, animal biology, botany, zoology, and graduate studies in biological sciences.

Degree Requirements


Freshman Year - Fall Semester


Subtotal: 16-18


Freshman Year - Fall Semester Notes:

  • MATH 1400  or higher
  • In addition to ENGL 1010 , students may be required to also take ENGL 1011  (2 credits) due to placement, adding 2 additional credits to their graduation total.
  • Health and Human Activity: Students choose from a wide variety of OEAC and PEAC courses, plus the option of Topics; see advisor for details.
  • Any student placing into a math course higher than MATH 1400  shall have the corresponding number of credits as electives in their pathway; all course material will qualify (e.g. a student placing into Calculus I would have 6 credits of electives in their pathway in lieu of MATH 1400  & MATH 1405 ).

Freshman Year - Spring Semester


Subtotal: 17


Freshman Year - Spring Semester Notes:

Subtotal: 17


Sophomore Year - Fall Semester Notes:

Sophomore Year - Spring Semester


Subtotal: 14


Sophomore Year - Spring Semester Notes:

  • US & Wyoming Constitution can be fulfilled by U.S. to 1865 (HIST 1211 ), U.S. From 1865 (HIST 1221 ), Wyoming History (HIST 1251 ) or American & Wyoming Government (POLS 1000 ).

Subtotal: 64-66

Total Credit Hours: 64-66


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Areas of Study (A-Z)