Do you want the best possible preparation for graduate school or a post-graduate professional program such as medicine or veterinary medicine?

Do you want recognition, beyond simply your GPA, of your abilities and the high level of effort you put into your studies? If the answer is yes to one or both of these questions, then you may belong in the Biology Honors Emphasis. This emphasis can be shaped to fit your area of interest and are built around the Cell-Physiology or Ecology-Evolution and Behavior emphases. You will pursue a more rigorous selection of courses (built with the prerequisites of graduate schools/professional schools in mind) and finish with a thesis based on a year-long research project (there is some flexibility in the required courses based on your area of interest). This emphasis does not have a minor. The Physical Sciences minor is essentially part of the emphasis. We developed this emphasis with two goals in mind:

1. To provide the best possible preparation for students interested in research or competitive professional programs.

2. To provide a challenging program that will highlight our best students so we can help them reach even their most ambitious goals.

To enter one of these emphases you need a 3.4 GPA and you need to maintain it throughout your degree. If you were to not be able to accomplish this, you would be moved to the emphasis of your choice and may be assigned the Physical Science minor.

If you are interested in the Honors Emphasis, you should discuss this with a faculty member that you would like to work with at this level. You should consider if you are able to meet the eligibility and whether this program would be a good fit for you. It is best to declare an Honors emphasis early in your time at UW-Whitewater so you can get through the course requirements expeditiously. For more information on this emphasis, please carefully read over the checklists available at these links:

Information for Students Currently Enrolled in an Honors Emphasis:

It is best to take a semester of Bio 498 (1 credit) and Bio 498R (1-2 credits) by your junior year in connection to this.

In your senior year, you will need to register in the usual way for your thesis, Biology 499. You should enroll for 1-2 credits of Biol 499 in your first semester of thesis work then for 1-2 credits in your second semester (note you may only have up to 6 credits of research/thesis count for your emphasis). In addition to working on your research project, you are required in your first thesis semester to produce a proposal. By the mid-point of the semester, you are required to turn in your proposal to your faculty mentor (instructor of the Bio 499 credits may differ, they are only managers of the assigned credits); your thesis mentor should have reviewed at least two drafts of your proposal by this point and you should have made the recommended revisions. Your proposal must then be formally approved by your mentor, and two additional faculty members chosen by you and your mentor. By the middle of your second thesis semester, you are required to submit your thesis to your mentor and two additional faculty members who will constitute your examination committee. As with your proposal, your mentor should have reviewed at least two drafts of your thesis prior to its submission to the committee. It is recommended that you get feedback on early drafts from your committee members also, in which case you should submit drafts to them some weeks before the final draft is due. You will orally defend your thesis in front of your examination committee during the exam period; you and your mentor are responsible for scheduling this defense.

Honors related opportunities and links:

Financial support for your research can be obtained from many places, including the Undergraduate Research Program and Biology Honor Society, all of which have supported our students in the past. Be sure not to miss grant deadlines!

Ecology Club

P.H.A.T Club

Biology students have opportunities for gaining practical experience in a variety of areas. They may participate in a field practicum through an intern program that earns up to 6 credits toward the degree. Paid internships are available with state, federal and private agencies in field or laboratory situations.

We also encourage students to develop new internship partnerships based on their interests. Please contact your advisor or the Biology department to discuss options.

When applying for an internship please fill out the Internship application form and return this form to the Biology Main Office (Upham 320) and the Departmental ADA will accept this application.  The form must be received before the start of the semester if the internship is requested for credit.  For more information, contact the Biology ADA.

Potential Internship Opportunities:

Health Care

• UHCS Internships
  - health internships here on campus
• Fort Hospital Emergency Department Internship
• Marshfield Clinic
• Medical College of Wisconsin Summer Program

General Lab Experience

• Abbott Labs Internships
• Covance
  - are recruiting UWW students for summer internships in Madison and elsewhere--you can apply online but should apply ASAP
• Kelly Scientific
  - scientific job placement service
• Standard Process Whole Food Supplements
  - new internship program and opportunities for research students

Conservation

• DNR Internship page
  - positions often appear in late winter and early spring
• Student Conservation Association
• The Nature Conservancy
• Wisconsin Wetlands Association
  - paid and unpaid internships in invasive species control
• Wisconsin Audubon Society
  - summer internships

Organismal

• Racine Zoo Internships
  - our students have had great experiences here--a wonderful program
• Milwaukee County Zoo
• Wisconsin Humane Society

University lab Experiences

• Madison Undergraduate Biology Summer Research Program
  - opportunities often appear in early spring.
• Plant Pathology, Madison
• NIH Summer Internships
  - summer internships in molecular and medical research, nationwide
• NSF REU sites
  - funded summer positions nationwide *Apply early*
• U Nevada Las Vegas Environmental Microbiology
  - a promising summer program that has specifically invited UWW students to apply; deadline March 2

Governmental

• Homeland Security
  - summer internships with homeland security (yes, really), Dec. 14 deadline
• U.S Department of Energy 

Miscellaneous

• Whitewater Career Services Internships page
• Washington Center
  - internships in DC, but the student pays a significant part of the cost
• American Institute of Biology
  - a student suggested this site after finding it very helpful

Visit the Biology office in Upham Hall for information on more internships.

An introduction to the Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology Emphasis

Biology Department - University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

UWW offers students in Wisconsin and surrounding states a unique opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology in collaboration with our sister institution, Deakin University, in Australia. UWW sends approximately 10-15 student each year to this program.

Basic curriculum

• 3 years at UWW – See Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology checklist
  • General Education
  • Foundation in Biology

While at Whitewater, students take courses that focus on various aspects in the fields of Ecology (including Aquatic Ecology), Organismal Biology, and Evolution. Much like the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior emphasis, many of the associated courses have indoor or outdoor laboratory components, which focus on the applied aspects of this profession. All students are required to take a “Field Methods In Ecology” course, which is team taught by Ecology Faculty and exposes them to various techniques used in ecological work. Available courses include “Aquatic Toxicology”, “Water Resource Management” and advanced Ecology courses. Students in this emphasis are not required to have a minor, as additional coursework is completed at Deakin University.

• 2 semesters at Deakin University – Typically after junior year
  • Students choose courses with consultation of program manager
  • Assortment of electives in a wide variety of subjects
  • Required to take Marine Invertebrates or Marine
  • Botany

Each Deakin class is 1 unit. Equivalent to 3 credits at UWW. Need 4 classes to maintain full-time status at UWW. This additional coursework focuses on aquatic biology (particularly related to marine ecosystems) over a wide range of topics from Fish and Marine Mammal Biology to aquaculture. Students in this emphasis are also strongly encouraged to take‐part in undergraduate research with faculty. Such endeavors have frequently resulted in professional presentations and publications. There are also very popular study abroad courses which travel to Yellowstone National Park and Ecuador (see links under “Trips”). Many students within this emphasis are active in the student Ecology Club, which frequently takes part in professional volunteer opportunities and trips to museums, zoological gardens and State Natural Areas. Please be sure to review the UWWhitewater/Deakin University Marine Biology Facebook page for more information.

How to prepare for going to Australia 

GPA requirement

UWW Biology requires 2.75/4.0 GPA to be accepted into the program. If a student falls below a 2.75 GPA an appeal can be made to a committee made up of UWW faculty (generally biology professors).  Deakin requires a 2.6/4.0 for international students.  Deakin has refused students below a 2.6 in the past.

Last semester at UWW

Each student must speak with the program manager (currently Dr. Bruce Eshelman) within the first 2 weeks. This meeting will begin the paperwork process required to attend Deakin University. Students also choose classes they will take at Deakin.

Cost of the program

Per unit cost - International students are charged for each unit of coursework they take. UWW students get a bit of a break on the cost.  Fees are reduced for each student depending on the number of students enrolled in Deakin that year.

Exchange rate – Students need to factor in the exchange rate of US Dollars to Australian Dollars. This is often the biggest factor determining total cost and recent history has shown this can vary up to ~10% over the course of a year.

Example tuition 2017-2018 – First semester Deakin Program fees $7,449.02 USD. Second semester estimated around $6,400 USD.  This is only tuition. We anticipate an increase for future semesters.

Example Room and Board – A recent student (2018-2019) received a quote of $10,608 AUD ($8,313 USD) for 12 months of room and board. Students usually live in campus dormitories during their time in Australia, but many students have chosen to live off campus. Meal plans are available, but the dorms have kitchenettes, so student can cook for themselves.

The following is a list of annual scholarships available to students majoring in Biology. Students with outstanding academic records are encouraged to review this list, fill out the appropriate application form(s) which are available via the links below, and submit the application to the Department of Biology. Selections are usually made in late February/early March with the award ceremony (Science/Mathematics Student Honors Reception) held in April. Recipients are expected to attend the ceremony. All scholarships are received upon registration the following fall and/or spring semester.​​

Application deadline for all awards is February 28 (If the 28th is a Saturday or Sunday, applications will be due that Monday)

Joseph & Madeline Chopp Scholarship

The Joseph and Madeline Chopp Scholarship offers incoming freshman and continuing Biology students tuition and research support. The scholarship, supported by generous gifts in memory of the former faculty member and his wife, rewards academic excellence while promoting hands-on research opportunities. Incoming Freshman must be full-time biology students with an overall high school GPA of 3.5 or better. Preference will be given to students who have received honors or awards in high school or have been active in community service projects. If incoming freshman recipients maintain full-time status, continue as biology majors, and achieve a 3.2 GPA they will be eligible for continuation of the Chopp award through their sophomore year.  Upperclassmen applicants must maintain full-time status for the period covered by the scholarship, have a 3.4 GPA or better while at UWW, demonstrate progress towards a degree as measured by an academic advisor within the Biology department, and participate in extracurricular professional development. They must also complete an essay as determined by the faculty of the Biology department indicating why they wish to study in this field. The upperclassmen award carries an additional funds to support undergraduate research projects.

J.A. Cummings Biology Scholarship

The Jack Cummings Biology Scholarship is made possible by Dr. John A. "Jack" Cummings' family. Professor Cummings, an UW-Whitewater alumnus served this university for 29 years from 1961 to 1990. Since quality teaching is the number one mission of this university, it is of paramount importance to attract talented and dedicated undergraduates into the teaching profession. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a capable and deserving biology student interested in the teaching profession and to reward academic excellence. The qualified candidate is 1) enrolled at UW-Whitewater as a Biology major and 2) a junior at the time of application. Preference will be given to those candidates who have dedicated themselves to pursue a career in teaching biology. In making their selection, the scholarship committee will consider a candidate's academic record, interest in teaching biology, personality, potential for success, and accomplishments. The award given to the top candidate is a scholarship for the following semester.

Y.W. Fok Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Joseph and Eva Fok dedicate this scholarship to the memory of Joe's father, Y.W. Fok. Joe Fok, a 1971 graduate of UW-Whitewater, was an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician in the Madison, Wisconsin area. The scholarship will be awarded to full-time UW-Whitewater sophomore, junior or senior students who are pursuing a major in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Geology/Geography). An overall academic GPA of 3.5 or above is required. Preference will be given to those who are active in organizations. The scholarship may be renewable, but must be applied for each academic year.

Willard Gross Memorial Scholarship

Contributions from the family, colleagues, friends, and students of Willard Gross have made this memorial scholarship possible. The scholarship commemorates the dedication Dr. Gross exhibited toward his students and the University from 1968 until his death in 1990. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a financial award to capable and deserving biology students and to encourage and reward academic excellence. Candidates must be enrolled at UW-Whitewater as Biology majors and must have junior status at the time of application. The scholarship committee will consider each candidate's scholarship, interest in pursuing a career in biology (specifically areas of ecology), personality, potential for success and need. The top candidate will receive funds to help with course expenses the following semester.

Dr. Dan and Jean Sable Scholarship

Dan and Jean Sable provide a scholarship for an outstanding biology student who is a member of Tri-Beta and is interested in pursuing a career in aquatic biology. Dr. Dan Sable taught in the Department of Biology for 31 years and served as departmental chair for three years. A generous gift makes possible a scholarship that may be applied to either undergraduate or graduate educational expenses.

Silver/Savage Literature, Writing and Science Scholarship

Information about this scholarship opportunity may be found here.

James S. and Susan R. Schlough Scholarship

This scholarship, established by James S. and Susan R. Schlough, is offered to UW-Whitewater junior and senior students majoring or minoring in Biology. Dr. Schlough is an emeritus professor of the Department of Biology having taught from 1965 until his retirement in 1995. During that time he served as chair of both the Biology and English Departments. He is also a member of the Science Alliance. The purpose of this merit scholarship is to promote undergraduate research in the biology. A 3.0 GPA is required as well as a faculty recommendation. Awardees will be selected by the Chair of the Department of Biology.

Donald J. Stevenson, MD. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, given in memory of Dr. Donald J. Stevenson, by his wife, Skye Stevenson, is awarded to a deserving junior or senior who is pursuing a degree in the medical sciences. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and demonstrate need. Dr. Stevenson earned his degree at UWW in 1936, in addition to participating in football, basketball and track. He earned a medical degree in 1943 from Northwestern Medical School, served in the Army Medical Corps during WWII, and then as a Pathologist for the Madison, WI General Hospital and as a Professor of Clinical Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP POSSIBILITIES

A.A. Upham Scholarship for Science

This scholarship is made possible by the late Ethel Upham, daughter of A.A. Upham, a former science teacher at the University. Her desire was that this scholarship would be used to encourage outstanding students to continue their studies at UW-Whitewater in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. When selecting the top candidate, the scholarship committee considers each candidate's academic record, professional goals, and relevant work experience. The A.A. Upham Scholarship usually includes a certificate and funds to help defray the cost of courses taken the following semester.

UW-Whitewater Foundations Scholarship for Outstanding Junior
from the College of Letters and Sciences

The UW-Whitewater Foundation would like to recognize one outstanding student from each college on an annual basis. Selection will be based on a GPA of 3.5 of more, involvement in college academic activities, student leadership, financial need, and potential for success in major area of study. The scholarship is dispersed equally between the fall and spring semesters of the student's senior year. Each department nominates one candidate to the committee.

Pisani Yellowstone Scholarship

The Pisani Yellowstone Scholarship was established by Ryan and Nicole Pisani. These former students, who met during the summer Yellowstone course, want to encourage others to experience this life-changing class. The award provided by the Pisanis' is matched by Motorola Mobility, Inc., Ryan's employer. Applicants must be science major, sophomore, junior or senior standing and enrolled in the summer Yellowstone course.

Dr. Dionne A. Harrell Scholarship

The Dionne A. Harrell Scholarship was established by Dr. Dionne A. Harrell ’93.  This scholarship shall be made only to students enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater who have an interest in attending veterinary school.  A preference will be given to students who are “first generation” college students and an ethnic minority.  Student must maintain an overall academic GPA of at least 3.0 The scholarship may be renewable, but must be applied for each academic year.

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology Major