FAQs

In most cases, we strongly prefer that students take the introductory BIO courses at UP because we find that the breadth and depth of AP biology courses vary greatly. For more information on how AP credits will apply to your course requirements at UP, please contact the associate dean for students office and speak to one of the program counselors.

Yes, it is possible to major in biology and another subject (double-major), but you will need to plan for this early so that you can take the appropriate course work to complete both sets of requirements.  Minoring in another subject as well as securing another degree are both possible, as well, but, similarly, require planning in advance to achieve.

However, the biology department strongly recommends that you consider a second major/degree and/or minor only when you feel you can excel in the additional course work while focusing on your biology studies.  For more information on additional majors, degrees, and/or minors, please contact the associate dean for students office.

The purpose of a capstone course is to provide a shared experience among students in the same major. In this course, students are given the opportunity to synthesize and reflect on what they have learned in the various biology courses that they have taken. Having this course be required of students in their senior year provides students with more course material to reflect upon. The biology department chose the Evolution course as the capstone due to the unifying theme of evolution for all the sub-disciplines of biology.

Yes, there are many internship opportunities available locally within the Portland metro area as well as nationally through research experience for undergraduates.  Some internships can even be completed for course credit.  If a student has a question about internships, they should contact Elizabeth Jones, internship coordinator, in the College's Advising Suite for more information and advising.

After the completion of upper-division coursework, students are able to pursue opportunities of working in a research lab.  Many faculty members incorporate their own research into their upper-division laboratory courses, allowing students to become familiar with some of the questions and techniques used in the research lab.  Students may then discuss enrolling in an independent research course with a specific faculty member.  Some research positions are available as full-time paid positions in the summer.  For more information on working in a research lab, please be in contact with the biology department specific faculty member.

The Biology Club is the student organization that organizes social and service-oriented events throughout the year including BBQs, friendly competitions against the Chemistry Club, and the annual pancreatic cancer walk (Purple Stride) at the Oregon Zoo.  Membership is open to all UP students, so long as they attend the meetings.  For more information on joining the Biology club, please contact Dr. Laurie Dizney.

No, at UP there is no separate major for pre-medical studies, and being a biology major is not a requirement for pursuing a future in the health/medical field after graduation. For more information on preparing for a career in the health/medical field, please see the Pre-Professional Student Resources page.

There are a variety of elements, in addition to desired coursework, that medical schools consider when admitting students.  Depending on the field of interest, the requirements and recommended coursework can vary.  Our Pre-Health advisors have compiled a reference worksheet for general pre-requisite courses.  You can find them on the Pre-Professional Student Resources page.