Biology

Find Your Path

At Blackburn, biology comes alive through hands-on labs and field experiences, where faculty teach each class, guide every adventure, and personally advise you toward your career goals.

Students are central to all research projects not to mention the Work Program positions where students can earn tuition credit from their campus job while learning their discipline first-hand. If you want to be a number, we are not for you BUT if you want to work directly with faculty to achieve your desired career path, explore below to be introduced to YOUR college experience!

Explore More

student on biology field study holding up discovered skeleton

Valuable Skills & Experiences

Graduate equipped with the expertise and skills to thrive in the next step of your career journey. If you are looking for any of the following, Blackburn Biology is for you!

Challenging coursework
Variety of lab experiences
Hands-on fieldwork
Experiences in a Vivarium, with bees, in our greenhouses, and on both public and private lands
Undergraduate research opportunities
Direct employment and experience in biology through our on-campus Work Program

Are you ready to discuss your goals, or do you have any questions about Blackburn biology?

The Blackburn Difference

student examines beehive tray covered in bees

Our Department

Biology majors at Blackburn learn directly from professors through interactive lectures and hands-on labs. Students gain real-world experience through fieldwork on and off campus, participate in research with faculty, and engage with unique campus resources like the Vivarium, Bee Program, and greenhouses.

Student get up-close experience with a snake in Blackburn's vivarium

Community Involvement

One of the most beloved traditions at Blackburn is Science Day, where regional students visit campus and experience a day of fun demonstrations and friendly competition. Students also bring our Vivarium on the road, introducing the public to our lizards, turtles, and snakes. We host beekeeping classes on campus for our community, and through our solar array, we educate our community on the importance of native pollinator plants for our local pollinator population and their impact on local agriculture.

Biology Community Connections

Dr. Samantha Kahl '04 leads a lab in the Blackburn Mahan Laboratory Wing

Facilities

Blackburn’s Biology Department features state-of-the-art indoor labs as well as access to more than 1,000 acres of land for hands-on experiences for our students. In addition, throughout your time at Blackburn, our faculty work side-by-side with students in the classroom, labs, outdoor learning environments, and while conducting research.

Biology Facilities

Student helps another student in science

Work Program

At Blackburn, students earn more than a degree; they graduate with real-world experience, in-demand skills, and a network of mentors through our one-of-a-kind Work Program. By integrating hands-on jobs with academic study, students take charge of their education and reduce the cost of their education. The result is a powerful and immersive experience that develops leaders, problem solvers, and career-ready professionals.

Work Program in Biology