Why Study Biology at The College of Idaho?
Our biology majors and minors emphasize the breadth of experience but also allow students to pursue their own areas of interest within the field of biology. Small class sizes and the accessibility of The College of Idaho's biology faculty provide opportunities not usually found at larger colleges and universities.
Fieldwork and laboratory research are important components of the College's biology program. Students interested in health care or in laboratory research work closely with College professors to study a variety of topics ranging from human anatomy to molecular biology. Students are encouraged to participate in internships in their areas of interest; these open doors for career opportunities after graduation.
Career Opportunities for Biology Majors and Minors
Our alumni include the co-discoverer of vitamin B12 and many successful doctors, dentists, physical therapists, veterinarians, pharmacists, researchers, botanists, zoologists, professors, and scientists. Department graduates enjoy a high placement rate into graduate school, and many undergraduates get a head start on their research careers through grant-funded faculty-student research programs such as INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) and SWITCH (Southwest Idaho: The Comprehensive Herbaria).
Resources
Other resources available to our biology students include the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History and the Harold M. Tucker Herbarium. The department also has a variety of cooperative programs with the University of Idaho and Idaho State University in areas including resource management, nursing, and physical therapy.
Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History
The Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, located in the basement of Boone Hall, is the only natural history museum in the region encompassing southwestern Idaho, southeastern Oregon, and northern Nevada. As such, it is a tremendous resource for environmental and natural history education in the region. Learn more about the Museum here.
Harold M. Tucker Herbarium
The Harold M. Tucker Herbarium is located on the first floor of Boone Hall and serves as a primary resource for students interested in botany and environmental sciences. It is the oldest herbarium in Idaho. As of 2021, the herbarium contains about 60,000 vascular plant specimens, mostly from southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon, many of which were discovered and named by College faculty or students.