Summer 2026 Courses

Upper-Division and Graduate Courses

Upper-division and graduate courses are offered in two blocks. Block A courses run concurrently and typically meet the first half of each week; Block B courses run concurrently and typically meet the last half of each week. Thus, students may register for only one course in each block.

BLOCK A

You may take ONE of these Block A courses

• Marine Invertebrates (BIOL 463):
  • Course description: A study of the biology of selected groups of marine invertebrates.
  • Course Instructor:  David Cowles, PhD (Walla Walla University)
  • Credits: 5
• Cancer Biology (BIOL 421):
  • Course description: A study of the molecular, cellular, biochemical, and genetic basis of cancer. Topics will include the hallmarks of cancer, cell cycle, signal transduction, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, angiogenesis, genome integrity, programmed cell death, and metastasis. Primary research literature will be reviewed.
  • Course Instructor: David Lindsey, PhD (Walla Walla University)
  • Credits: 5
• Scientific Diving (SCDI 400):
  • Course description: This course meets the training and performance standards for scientific divers as prescribed by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Course includes safety training, underwater and surface search and rescue, emergency management, basic and advanced underwater scientific methodology, and small boat operations. Activities will occur in classroom, confined water, and open water settings. Will apply to marine biology or biology major electives. PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR ONLY
  • Course Instructor: Alan Verde, PhD (Maine Maritime Academy)
  • Credits: 5

BLOCK B

You may take ONE of these Block B courses:

• Introduction to Oceanography (BIOL 400):
  • Course description: An introduction to oceanography that explores how various scientific principles converge to govern ocean processes. Investigate the four main pillars of oceanography and how they intersect; 1) marine geology, which explores earth’s geologic history, the formation of our ocean basins, and sedimentary processes in the ocean, 2) physical oceanography, which explores the properties of water and how they relate to ocean processes including waves, tides, circulation, and climate, 3) chemical oceanography, which explores the chemistry of the oceans including the sources, sinks, and transport of dissolved materials, and 4) biological oceanography, which explores life in the oceans and how organisms are uniquely shaped by ocean processes. Explores human-ocean interactions including how the ocean impacts us (natural hazards, natural resources, climate modulation), and how our activities are changing the oceans. Will be delivered through lectures, lab experiments, and field trips to explore how oceanographic processes govern local phenomena in Puget Sound.
  • Course Instructor: Rose Hilmo, PhD (University of Tampa)
  • Credits: 5
• Ornithology (BIOL 400):
  • Course description: Study of birds of North America, with emphasis on physiology, identification, migration, and life histories.
  • Course Instructor: Brian Watkins, MS
  • Credits: 5

Upper-division students are required to take two courses during their first upper-division summer at Rosario.  A scholarship is available for WWU biology majors taking upper-division classes at Rosario. During subsequent summers upper-division students may take one course, provided they are actively participating in an academic activity (such as research or internship) during their non-course time; documentation of specific plans for the academic activity is required prior to acceptance.  Graduate students may take zero or one course during the summer, provided they are actively participating in an academic activity (such as research or internship) during their non-course time; documentation of specific plans for the academic activity is required prior to acceptance.