Course Number: INTEGSCI 100
Credits: 2
Fulfills Requirements:
- First-year seminar
- LAS elementary level
- Breadth, natural science
Prereqs/Requirements:
- First-year student or first-semester transfer student
Course Director: Cara Theisen, PhD
A first-year course focused on the core concepts in biology (evolution; transformation of energy and matter; information exchange and storage; structure and function; systems biology), professions in biology, and the foundational skills and knowledge needed for successful academic and post-graduate careers in biology.
In Exploring Biology you will:
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- Advance your skills and learn ways of thinking that will prepare you for success in future bioscience courses
- Gain new perspectives on broad topics and current research in biology
- Explore opportunities and careers that can come with a bioscience degree
- Pick up great tips and advice on how to get the most out of being a bioscience major
- Build community and meet new friends and mentors who share your interest in biology
- Fast-track getting connected to bioscience resources and networks at UW
Note: This is not an introductory biology course, but a topics course that also helps students to explore campus opportunities. It is typically taken before the introductory biology series and is most useful for students who benefit from additional support and guidance to successfully transition to the university.
Optional FIG Opportunity
Exploring Biology is part of the First-year Interest Groups (FIG) Program, which creates learning communities by connecting students who are enrolled in a cluster of classes together.
Student Testimonials
First-Year Students
“I learned about different aspects of biology, but also things about my campus and the resources that are available.”
“This course allows you to explore major biological themes and the different paths you could take if you continue to study biology or any other science.”
“The relationships that I built in the class are ones that I expect to keep in the future.”
“I learned skills which will be useful in other college courses.”
“I learned of the countless activities on campus and how to get involved. I met some very kind and interesting people.”
Transfer Students
“All the information we learned about where to go for help and how to find our paths overall helped me to better my education for next semester by considering classes that I would have never thought of before, and classes that would also look good on my resume or give me overall experience in the bio field.”
“I think the strengths of this class are the content and the scope that also aims to promote campus life.”
“I am now joining a lab next semester, which is something that I didn’t know I could do as a freshman.”
“[This course] gave me a couple of really good relationships with my classmates.”
Contact
Cara Theisen
Credentials: Ph.D.
Position title: Director of Professional Development in Teaching & Learning
Email:
chtheisen