At Blackburn College biology majors will learn in state-of-the-art facilities while taught by a dedicated and award-winning faculty, and earn an educational foundation to lead to successful careers in the field of biology. Small class sizes and tight-knit student and faculty relationships mean that all biology majors at Blackburn College and provided the tools to thrive during their time at Blackburn and after. Biology majors will receive ample opportunity to put their learning to practical use, through field work, research, and Work Program positions within the department.
The success of Blackburn’s biology program is clear. Most biology graduates have been accepted into the post-graduate program of their choice upon faculty recommendation.
Majors
- Biology–Environmental Track Biology
- Biology–General Track Environmental Studies
- Biology–Molecular Biology Track
- Biology–Pre-med & Other Health Prof. Track
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Secondary Science Education: Biology (9-12)
Minors
- Biology
- Environmental Studies
Hands-on Learning:
Our biology majors can take advantage of a number of opportunities to earn hands-on experience in real-world career settings while still an undergraduate. Off-campus Blackburn students have worked at Prairie Farms, Monsanto and the Department of Natural Resources.
The learning opportunities are also abundant on-campus. Work Program positions within the biology department include:
- Teaching Assistants
- Animal Laboratory Assistants
- Greenhouse Assistants
- Walnut Grove Forestry Project Assistants
Extra-Curricular Activities, Clubs and Organizations:
Being a biology major at Blackburn College isn’t all work and no play. Involvement in activities and clubs and organizations related to the field of biology will further your education, allow you to network with other biology students and professionals, and give back to the Blackburn and local communities through education and community outreach.
Clubs and Organizations include:
Pre-Health Professions Society
Environmental Science Club
Sustainability Club
Activities and Events include:
Science Day
Tree Planting Days
Volunteer Day
Trash Pick Up Day
Facilities:
The Marvin and Ingrid Mahan Science Laboratory Wing: Completed in 2008, the Mahan Science Laboratory Wing is a state-of-the-art, 28,000 square foot learning facility. The wing includes faculty officers, seven teaching laboratories for biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and a water analysis lab. It is a state-of-the-art, 28,000 square foot facility with seven teaching laboratories for biology, chemistry, and biochemistry and a water analysis lab. The building also contains a conference room and specimen display room. The Mahan Wing is one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rated buildings in central Illinois bespeaking its environmentally conscious design.
F.W. Olin Science Building and Alumni Hall: Constructed by Blackburn College students, Olin and Alumni Halls house the two primary science lecture spaces, animal laboratories, and two newly renovated greenhouses. The recently renovated lecture hall contains state-of-the-art electronic teaching aids and data/communication ports at each seat. Olin Hall also contains a science publication laboratory, substantial laboratory equipment, and boasts the largest square-footage of laboratories in the country.
Walnut Grove: Blackburn’s Walnut Grove is 2.6 plot of land located on the north edge of campus containing over 1,000 walnut trees. In the years following, the walnut grove project has been expanded at an off-campus location to over 1,000 and 25,000 walnut trees. The Mahan Forestry Project is spearheaded by Dr. James Bray, Professor of Biology, and maintained by Blackburn biology students and community volunteers.
Faculty Members:
