Investigative Biology Requirement

All students in the Biology major must complete a biology-related research experience. Be sure to plan for your research early – at least two quarters (six months) in advance.

Please keep in mind:

  • You can take more than one of these options! Additional research credit can be applied towards the Upper Division Biology Electives of your degree.
  • BBIO 495 (Investigative Biology) can act as a great introduction before pursuing more in-depth research with BBIO 499.
  • A maximum of 10 research credits can be applied to Biology degree requirements. Research beyond 10 credits counts towards the 180-credit minimum to earn a degree, but fulfills no other requirements.
  • It’s possible that you will find other research opportunities that don’t fit neatly into these categories. If you find a research opportunity that seems like a good fit, contact the academic advisor for Biology.

Option 1: BBIO 495 (Investigative Biology)

BBIO 495 automatically fulfills the Investigative Biology requirement – no petition is required! There are at least two BBIO 495 courses offered every autumn, winter, and spring quarter, and usually one in summer. Space is limited to 12 students per course. You will present your research findings as a group at the School of STEM Research Symposium at the end of the quarter.

Each instructor has a different area of expertise. Visit the faculty profiles below to find out more about their research and for contact information:

Steps to complete this option

  1. Find an Investigative Biology course. Visit the time schedule as soon as it is posted for the quarter you want to take the course.
  2. Contact the instructor to ask for permission to join. Instructor email addresses are posted in the notes of each BBIO 495 section.
  3. Register for the course using MyPlan / MyUW. Once you have permission to join, the instructor will provide you with an add code so that you are able to register yourself.
  4. Present your research. Your instructor will arrange for your BBIO 495 class to present at the quarterly School of STEM research symposium.

Option 2: BBIO 499 (Undergrad Research)

You may complete 5 credits of BBIO 499 research to fulfill the requirement. Other research credit, such as BCHEM 499, can also be used as long as the project is biology-related. Many research faculty prefer that students spread these credits over two or more quarters.

Steps to complete this option:

  1. Find a research opportunity. Visit our Research & Internships page. Talk with instructors about their research projects, and if you agree to work together then you can move on to the next step.
  2. Register for the credit. Complete a BBIO 499 Request.
  3. Submit a petition to have the research count for the requirement. Complete an Investigative Biology Petition.
  4. Present your research. You must present your findings at the School of STEM Research Symposium or a similar event. You must have documentation of having presented if you do so elsewhere. Sign up for the STEM Research Symposium.

Option 3: Non-credit research experience

You may use 150 hours or more of a non-credit biology research experience to fulfill the requirement. This is usually an internship, volunteering, or other professional work. If you find a research opportunity, please talk with your academic advisor to see if it might work for the requirement.

Steps to complete this option:

  1. Find a research opportunity. Try searching for volunteer experiences, internships, or jobs at hospitals, clinics, biotechnology companies, environmental consulting firms, or government agencies. Check out our Bio & Chem Info Board and the UWB Handshake platform for regular updates on possible experiences. Ask your academic advisor if the experience might be a good fit for the requirement.
  2. Submit a petition to have the research count for the requirement. Complete an Investigative Biology Petition.
  3. Present your research. You must present your findings at the School of STEM Research Symposium. Sign up for the STEM Research Symposium.