Welcome

The Department of Biological Sciences provides the biological component of the liberal arts education at Central Washington University. We promote student understanding of biological concepts relevant to the individual and to 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. Our teaching philosophy and facilities support a rich education experience with small class sizes, hands-on experience, regular interaction with expert 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 high-quality program for secondary biology educators.

Biology Office Contact Information

Biology Main Office
Science Building, Room 338
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7537
Phone: (509) 963-2731
Email: biology@cwu.edu

Interim Biology Chair
Jennifer Dechaine
Phone: (509) 963-2878
Email: dechaine@cwu.edu

Announcements

Science Seminar Series

Join us January 22nd at 4pm for a virtual presentation:

“A Dead Tree's Excellent Adventure: The Ecology of Dead Wood."
Ken Bevis, Stewardship Biologist, WA Dept. of Natural Resources

For information on this seminar, as well as upcoming and past seminars, see the Science Seminar Series webpage (formerly Natural Science Seminars)

Fred Hutchison Research Center's Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) [PDF OF INTERNSHIP FLYER ]

The program will run from Monday, June 14 – Friday, August 13, 2021.   An online application for the 2021 SURP is now available on the SURP website.

The application deadline is midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, January 8, 2021.  Letters of recommendation for up to two references are due by midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, January 15, 2021. 

Graduate Opportunities in Biology at CWU with the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project: Fish and Wildlife Connectivity in the Washington Cascade Range 

PDF of Winter 2021 Course Schedule for Biological Sciences and Craft Brewing

How to Contact the WSU-Spokane Medicine (M.D.), Pharmacy, and Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Programs

News Article on Craft Brewing Program

Science Seminar Series

Alumni Spotlight 

Connor Parrish (CWU Biology Masters alum) discusses a multi-agency project he is working on to rescue stranded bull trout.

Helen Lau, CWU Biology Masters alum, is featured in The Nature Conservancy video "WA Women and Climate Action".

CWU Biology alums, Anjanette Wilson, Brian Hiatt, Bud Taylor, and Shelley Lankford assist the State Department of Health, working to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Full Story

CWU Biology alums, William Meyer and Helen Lau, discuss an upcoming wetlands restoration partnership project of the Gold Creek Valley near Snoqualmie Pass.