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The Biology Department

Boletus mushrooms with the Biology Building in the background.

The Biology Department encompasses areas ranging from molecular biology to ecosystem ecology. This breadth is reflected in our curriculum and in faculty and student research. Our joint mission of teaching and research strongly complement each other and provide students with an educational experience of very high quality.

In support of the mission of Western Washington University and the College of Sciences and Engineering, the mission of the Biology Department is to provide an outstanding learning environment that integrates education, scholarship, and service in order to actively engage students in the biological sciences and foster their development as lifelong learners.

Incoming Students

Are you an incoming WWU student? Check out Incoming Biology Students to learn how to declare a Biology Major, the application process, and other helpful advising tips.

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Insect Collection Open House

outline of winged insect in a circle

Keep your eye out for the next Biology Department’s WWU Insect Collection Open House. Event dates will be posted here as soon as they are announced.

We have welcomed over 1,000 two-legged visitors to see the multi-legged, huge, showy insects from the tropics, as well as the amazing insect diversity that live tight here in the Pacific Northwest. 

These events are free, open to the public, and family friendly. 

Upcoming Seminars

May 13 2026
4:00pm BI 234

Topic: TBD

May 20 2026
4:00pm BI 234

Director of Whales, Ocean Wise, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Topics: Environmental DNA -- ecological genomics to study whales and whale ecology

This presentation will be on Zoom Link is unavailable at this time.

May 27 2026
4:00pm BI 234

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