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PhD Training,  Built on Curiosity

UW Biology’s PhD program prepares scholars for impactful careers in research, teaching, and policy. With strengths in cell biology, ecology, evolution, neuroscience, and quantitative biology, our graduates lead across academia, industry, and beyond.

Graduate Program
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Research Without Boundaries

From molecules to ecosystems, from cell development to climate change, and from Puget Sound to labs worldwide—our research breadth is unmatched, and our collaborations stretch across UW and beyond. 

Explore Research
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An Inclusive Community

We’re building an equitable, accessible department where diverse perspectives spark better science and where every student can thrive.

DEI Commitment
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Largest Major, Many Paths

As UW’s largest major, Biology offers more than courses. It’s a collaborative community, where students explore at scales from cells to ecosystems, join real research, and connect with peers and faculty who share their curiosity.

Undergraduate Programs
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Living Laboratory for All

The UW Biology Greenhouse is home to research, teaching, and discovery, where students and faculty study a stunning collection of plants up close. With open hours for the public, it’s also a vibrant community resource.

Visit the Greenhouse
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Your Classroom, Everywhere

Study alpine, forest, coastal, and urban systems, often in the same week. From Puget Sound to Mt. Rainier to Friday Harbor Labs, field learning is in our DNA.

Fieldwork

Welcome to the
Department of Biology

Discover where curiosity can take you

In UW Biology, undergraduates join faculty labs, dive into fieldwork across the Pacific Northwest, and explore research spanning health, ecology, evolution, climate change, and neuroscience. Nearly half of our majors do hands-on research, preparing for careers in medicine, conservation, biotech, education, and policy. With diverse and inspiring classes, world-class mentors, and unmatched research opportunities, Biology opens pathways to career success and real-world impact.

Our Mission

Explore With Us

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Research

Our discoveries contribute to a fundamental understanding of the natural world and have applications in fields ranging from the biomedical sciences to wildlife conservation.

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Learning

As a student in our department, you’ll receive close mentorship from faculty and work to solve problems as part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative team.

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Community

Our partnerships — across the UW and beyond — provide our students with internship opportunities with medical facilities, biotech companies, environmental organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies.

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Visit the UW Biology Greenhouse

For nearly 70 years, the Biology Greenhouse at the University of Washington has played a vital role in research and teaching. Whether focusing on plant-pollinator interactions, paleoclimatology, or other biological questions, our teaching collection has enhanced and inspired UW biological research. The Greenhouse operations support research and education activities of the Biology Department.

Public hours & Group Tours

More About the Greenhouse

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