A "Biology Unit" was recognized since the establishment of Jimma Institute of Health and Jimma College of Agriculture to offer introductory biology courses for premedical, paramedical and agricultural students. At departmental level, the Biology Department was established in 2000 with the establishment of the Faculty of Education at Jimma University. The department began to give training in B. Sc and B. Ed in 2001 and 2002 respectively. In addition it started the summer in-service program in B. Ed and extension program in diploma in the year 2002. The department accepts 120 new students every year. Currently the department has seven fulltime teaching staff. In the regular program there are 106 1st year students and 172 second year students. In the summer (in-service) program there are 85, 80 and 100 third, second and first year students respectively. In the extension program there are 90 degree and 90 diploma students.