You may ask, what is experiential learning?
The very best way to learn science is by actually doing science outside of a classroom environment. Our goal is for all of our biology students to participate in experiential learning. You don't really learn how to cook by watching the food network in your living room, you need to go to the kitchen and get hands-on experience. Our students have incredible opportunities to do science during their four years at Calvin.
On-Campus Research
In Calvin's biology department you'll do research alongside top-notch professors. In biology courses you do hands-on research using state-of-the-art technology. You may also work alongside your professors outside of the classroom—our faculty are frequently awarded major national grants to support new research initiatives with students.
Learn more about on-campus research opportunities »
Off-Campus Internships
80% of our majors participate in off-campus internships. You can get supervised practical experience in a career field that you are interested in. Your internship can be in the local area so you can continue taking classes, or you can go to an exciting location, like a national park, government agency, or business to do a paid internship during the summer. Internships provide real-world experiences in industrial or commercial organizations. You can receive course credit for your internship and it may lead to a great job after graduation.
Learn more about internship opportunities »
Off-Campus Programs
As a biology major at Calvin, you have the opportunity to take part in one of Calvin's 12 semester-long off-campus programs or numerous off-campus interim (three-week) courses. With the biology department's close associations with national and local research and environmental studies organizations, you may be able to study off-campus in other programs as well.
Learn more about off-campus programs »
Student Employment
Each semester the biology department employs 50 to 60 students in various positions. Paid work includes laboratory assistantships, research assistantships, biology Web writing, greenhouse and aquarium assisting and department hospitality work. Laboratory and research positions are particularly helpful for those with plans to go on to graduate school.
Learn more about student positions available »
Student Organizations
Serve, learn and participate with other students and faculty in the Biology Club, Pre-Med Club, Pre-Dental Club, the Environmental Stewardship Coalition and the International Health and Development Club.
Learn more about student organizations related to biology at Calvin »
