Independent projects take place in the context of core courses throughout all four years of school. Students often participate in faculty summer research projects as well. Field expeditions are a tradition of long standing. Deserts, forested mountains, volcanic areas, rivers, lakes and bird refuges are nearby. Many courses have field trips during regular laboratory sessions or on weekends to nearby desert, mountain, and lake habitats.
Class sizes are normally small.
Close student-faculty contact both in class and outside of class improves the learning process. The Winter Session is designed to provide a change of pace from the traditional two semester academic year. The six week session offers a unique opportunity for professors and students to explore areas of interest which may not be possible during the regular semester. During recent Winter Sessions, the Biology Department has offered field expeditions to Baja California, Mexico , Hawaii , New Zealand and Australia. The Department has also offered a number of specialized and experimental courses on campus.