We provide many different types of learning opportunities throughout our degree course.
Students enjoy small classes and plentiful research opportunities, have access to the Pacific Northwest's rich and varied aquatic habitats, and complete an independent senior research project on a subject of their choosing.
State-of-the-art facilities include wet laboratories and holding facilities for marine and freshwater organisms, molecular genetic and physiology labs, and field stations on the Olympic Peninsula and in Alaska.
Photo inset: Jonny Armstrong
Freshman year |
In your first year, you gain a firm grounding in the liberal arts and introductory science subjects from across the university. This grounding will give you a confident grasp of the breadth of scientific inquiry; historical, cultural and social contexts and a strong critical vocabulary. Subjects in this year include Introductory Biology, Chemistry and English. Students are introduced to key issues in Fish 101 “Water and Society”, and Fish 250 “Marine Biology”. |
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Sophomores |
In your second year, you continue to improve the breadth of your knowledge, and you also develop skills relevant to creative and rigorous research in the Aquatic Sciences. You start taking some of our core subject areas, including “Biology of Fishes” (Fish 310) and “Biology of Shellfishes” (Fish 311). |
Juniors |
In your third year, you gain in-depth knowledge in the aquatic sciences and further develop your skills in small lab and field classes. You will identify your preferred area of study by taking “flagship” courses that introduce students to three main subject areas; aquatic biology, conservation and management and ecology. These subjects provide the basis for advanced study at the senior level. You will also start planning your independent senior research project. You can opt to take summer field courses (for example, the Alaska salmon camps or the Friday Harbor labs) or seek Internship or Study Abroad opportunities. |
Seniors |
In your final year, you will solidify your knowledge in your interest areas, learn to integrate information across disciples, focus on intensive investigation in classes, and improve your ability to express yourself in speaking and writing. Students select from a wide range of subjects, and enjoy multiple opportunities to practice disciplinary skills in all our classes. Subjects are topical and relevant, and we use the latest experimental approaches and analyses. Senior Capstone Research is mentored by individual faculty, and students have several opportunities to implement their knowledge and skills. |