Why Study Biology and Chemistry?
Our programs emphasize interdisciplinary and hands-on learning - important tools in solving complex world problems.
This Path will prepare you with the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge to be successful in a wide range of careers: biology, chemistry, environmental science, medicine and health, education. Recent alums have been successful in pursuing their desired science careers, from being accepted to PhD and Master’s programs in biology and chemistry to working for a variety of state agencies like the Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources, and teaching the next generation of scientists as local school teachers.
Join the Integrated Biology and Chemistry Path
By joining this Path, you will receive advising opportunities specific to this Path.
Contact an Advisor to Get Started
Affiliate with the Integrated Biology and Chemistry Path
Follow this Path
The Integrated Biology and Chemistry Path offers programs each year at entry, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Exploratory level programs are a great way to get introduced to biology and chemistry as they integrate with some basic mathematics. Exploratory programs prepare students for entry level. Connect with faculty early to pick programs that meet you where you are.
Getting Started
Get involved with Integrated Biology and Chemistry
Whether you are a new student or just new to this Path, check out the New Student Handbook to learn how to get started at Evergreen and find your people on campus.
- Meet students and faculty in your Path by attending Path events
- Take a First-year program to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
- Get guidance on your academic journey and career goals by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Faculty member
- Get involved with the Science Support Center and consider a campus job specific to your Path
- Engage in campus culture by attending club meetings and campus events like lectures, films, and performances
Years 1 - 2
Try new things and explore all your options
- Take an entry level program associated with the Integrated Biology and Chemistry Path, this will prepare you for intermediate and advanced study later
- Consider a single-subject language course or taking a program with a language component to prepare you for global learning
- Stay in touch with your faculty and get support and mentorship by attending their office hours
Year 3
Dig deep and strengthen your connections
- Now that you have a few years under your belt, it’s time to take intermediate and intermediate-to-advanced level programs that incorporate individual projects and out-of-class experiences
- Consider registering for a Summer course or program or applying for a paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to gain advanced research experience in your fields of study
- Plan your final year by connecting with your faculty and Academic Advisor to plan your capstone, your final programs, and what you may need for careers or graduate school
Year 4
Finish strong and get ready for your next steps
- Take intermediate-to-advanced and advanced level programs focusing on your chosen field or discipline
- Consider applying for a paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to gain advanced research experience in your fields of study
- Design and complete your capstone with the support of your faculty
- Connect with your faculty and Academic Advisor to make plans for applying for jobs or graduate school
Capstone
A Capstone is a final project or experience, usually done in your final year, created to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in your chosen skill area.
Your capstone will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained at Evergreen and is a great way to showcase what you have learned in a way that matters to you. As an example, students can gain research experience by working on specific projects associated with faculty members’ expertise.
Capstone Design
Like everything else at Evergreen, your capstone experience is yours to customize. Capstones can take the form of an:
- Independent project
- Individual Study
- Internship
Planning Your Capstone
Your faculty will provide guidance on how best to blend subjects, academic and creative experiences, and your personal academic journey. Capstone opportunities are offered through various programs and experiences, some options are:
- Programs with a research or internship component
- Individual Study – complete an ILC or INT with a faculty member in your Path
- Multi-quarter programs offering capstone opportunities
Faculty Mentorship and Support
Faculty are always excited to talk about their fields and welcome students during their office hours to discuss your interests and answer questions about their Field of Study.
Faculty mentorship is a key piece of an Evergreen education. Your faculty are ready to support you not just through your course work, but through any experience you want to explore. Faculty act as mentors and advisors in many capacities and will be valuable resources throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We have a wide variety of faculty covering a range of disciplines ready to support you during your time at Evergreen.
Experiential Learning
Labs and Studios
Get hands-on experience in chemistry and biology labs where you’ll learn the collaborative and analytical skills professional scientists use every day. You'll have access to a variety of labs, including getting to use the local forest and shorelines as living laboratories to explore questions of biological diversity, organismal behavior, water quality, nitrogen cycling, and more.
Scientific Instruments
The independence and support you get as an undergrad scientist at Evergreen is a one-of-a-kind experience. In programs on this Path, you’ll learn to prepare and run your own samples and get to know advanced scientific instruments well enough to put them on your resume.
Graduating with skills in using these instruments will give you an edge over competition when applying for graduate schools, research opportunities, and jobs in the field.
Science Labs and Field Facilities
Forest and Beach
Evergreen’s campus is a living laboratory you can learn from every day. The campus forest is the perfect place to learn how to measure the forest ecosystem and how to manage and conserve vital natural areas.
Evergreen’s beach gives you amazing opportunities to get hands-on with marine biology and aquatic sciences. You’ll learn to identify and analyze marine life and gain an understanding of human impacts on the shorelines and oceans.
Individual Study and Internships
Faculty are passionate about helping you study what you’re most interested in. Sometimes that means letting you step out of the classroom for an independent experience such as internship or a learning contract of your own design.
Every year, Evergreen students take on life-changing internships with local organizations or government institutions. An opportunity like this could launch you into a career in the field where you can make a lasting impact on scientific work in Washington state and beyond.