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Department of Biological Sciences

About Us

The Biological Sciences are at the center of several important societal challenges, including ecological and environmental challenges, advancing our understanding of human health, and developing biotechnology. Our students learn directly from world-class faculty who bring their expertise into the classroom and invite students into active research programs. Through these experiences, students gain valuable skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication, along with a deepened appreciation for the living world and the scientific process that provides this understanding. A degree in Biological Sciences will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the workforce and as engaged citizens.

Biology Front Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm

What can I do as a Biology Major?

Biology Opportunities

Meet Our Faculty

Faculty Lists and Interests

Current and Prospective Students

Undergraduate Programs

Connect with us!

Faculty and Staff Contact Information

Students

For tutoring and study help, check out the Biology Learning Center! Visit the BLC

Visit our Undergraduate Programs page for information on scholarships, undergraduate internships/opportunities, and what you can do with a Biology major: Prospective/Undergraduate Students

Interested or current graduate student? View resources and information here:

Graduate Programs
Sampling at a Lost Lake in Oregon

The Boise Area from a Biologist’s Perspective

Five out of eight ecoregions in Idaho are within a day’s drive of Boise! Learn more about these geographically distinct areas that share similar environmental conditions, plants, animals, and ecosystems. Visit Boise State to see if it’s a good fit for you.

Support and Opportunities

Gain Practical Experience

Biology Internships offer students a valuable bridge between their academic studies and professional careers. By immersing themselves in real-world work environments, students can apply their theoretical knowledge, develop practical skills, and build lasing professional connections that will benefit them throughout their chosen field.

Student Resources

The Biology Learning Center (BLC) is a place where all students taking undergraduate biology courses at Boise State can receive guidance and tutoring on their biology lectures and laboratory assignments.

Academic Advising

Fall ’25 EEB Seminar

The theme for the fall semester EEB seminar series is “Local Talent and Opportunities”. The goal is to use the seminar to learn about new and existing research, training, and educational advances and opportunities. Speakers and discussions will serve to identify new reciprocal collaborations across campus and with external government and private partners. Speakers are chosen to provide our community with creative ways to continue to celebrate local talent and support research and workforce development through local partnerships.

Audience: Broad group of foundational and translational scientists and educators with interests in genomics, organismal biology, physiology, behavior, evolution, ecology, human decisions, social science, anthropology, environmental change, geoscience, and policy working across diverse taxa.

All seminars will be held in BGYM 219 unless otherwise noted.

Seminar Schedule

DateSpeaker & AffiliationSeminar TitleHost
Aug. 28Jen Forbey: Orientation to EEB seminar series (ecology, evolution, and behavior) – what, why and who (30 min); for students – review syllabus, expectations, assignments, assessmentCourse MasteryJen Forbey
Sept. 4Dr. Javier Ochoa-Reparaz: Tenure TalkUnraveling the Microbial Mystery of Multiple SclerosisEric Hayden
Sept. 11Zena Creek Ranch field course – Instructors, students, hostsPublic-Private Partnerships for Student-Centered Translation of Biology, Engineering, and Policy Knowledge into Action: Lessons from Zena Creek RanchJen Forbey
Sept. 18Dr. Jen Cruz: Tenure TalkAltered Predator-Prey Interactions in a Changing WorldEric Hayden
Sept. 25

Dr. Kevin Feris – Director School of the Environment
Boise State’s School of the EnvironmentEric Hayden
Oct. 2Steve Alsup, Birds of Prey NCA Partnership Jen Forbey
Oct. 9Dr. Kelly Arispe – Director of School of Digital Futures, BSUJen Forbey
Oct. 16Tate Mason, The Peregrine FundLocal Restoration to Support Global ConservationJen Forbey
Oct. 23Drs. Sven Buerki and Ian Robertson, BSUTenative: TRANSFORM project: Seed to SeedTBA
Oct. 30Emma Stammer (Treasure Valley Canopy Network), Daniel Roop (City of Boise), and Mari Rice (BSU)Tree-a-palooza: Opportunities for Socio-Ecological Research on Urban TreesTrevor Caughlin
Nov. 6Dr. Simona PicardiFitness consequences of movement behavior in wildlife populationsRebecca Thomas-Kuzilik
Nov. 13CancelledCancelledCancelled
Nov. 20Special SessionThinking Big about Human-Centered Research and EducationJen Forbey
Nov. 27Thanksgiving, No SeminarThanksgiving, No SeminarThanksgiving, No Seminar
Dec. 4Professional Development: Michelle Grek CRCATentative Topic: Project Management InitiativeJen Forbey
Dec. 11Not open to public: EEB student-centered discussion on EEB ProgramTrevor Caughlin and EEB Committee

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