B.S. in Biology

Iowa State University is a major center for research and education in the biological sciences. With over 200 faculty in the life sciences, students have the opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s leaders in biological research and teaching and to participate in innovative, meaningful research projects that explore frontiers of biology. Few other universities have such a wealth of faculty expertise available to undergraduate students, making Iowa State’s Biology Program the logical choice for those who want to participate in a thriving academic community. The faculties of the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology jointly offer the undergraduate biology major. This high-quality academic program has the flexibility to accommodate a range of career goals while taking advantage of the university’s strengths in science and technology. A bachelor’s degree in biology provides excellent preparation for graduate study in biological disciplines ranging from the molecular to the ecological levels, and for entrance into various professional schools, such as human medicine, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. The major is well suited for those who plan to teach biology, who wish to enter government or industrial employment in health or environmental professions, or who prefer educational breadth as an end in itself. By working with our professional advisors, it is possible to design a unique program of study that will meet student needs and objectives. Students with special interests and aptitudes should consider combining biology with a minor or a second major in another subject, such as chemistry, environmental studies, journalism, mathematics, music, statistics, or many other subjects offered by the university. Customizing a Degree Biology encompasses an amazing diversity of disciplines and scales of study ranging from molecules to the biosphere. The biology major offers a rich variety of coursework addressing most of the areas of biology. The major’s curriculum requirements offer tremendous flexibility in creating an individualized program of study to facilitate achievement of a student’s career goals, while simultaneously assuring some exposure to all areas of biology and providing complementary knowledge from supporting courses in chemistry, physics, and mathstatistics. While flexibility is the hallmark of the biology major, the breadth of the field can also be challenging. Thus, in an effort to provide more guidance to students who desire such, the major also provides six advising tracks, or areas of specialization, for students who wish to focus on subfields of biology or who have specific career goals in mind. Course plans for each area of specialization are listed on the biology web site. The areas are: Pre-medical and Human Health Professions--This area emphasizes preparation for further study in medical school or allied human health professions such as dentistry, optometry, genetic counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nursing, chiropractic, and others. It also will prepare students for a broad range of careers in the biological sciences. Students are urged to determine the specific entrance requirements for the professional schools where they might study and to plan a program of study accordingly, in addition to following the basic plan. Pre-veterinary--An eventual degree in Veterinary Medicine can lead to a wide variety of careers, including private clinical practice in small animal medicine or agricultural animal production. But pre-veterinary students can also prepare themselves for careers in animal research, public health, laboratory animal medicine, food safety, regulatory medicine, and education. Specific requirements for entrance to the Iowa State Veterinary College or other schools should be consulted as programs of study are planned, in addition to following the basic plan.

High school GPA requirement: Equivalent to a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For more information on equivalency calculations. Core course requirements: Along with the GPA requirement, students must complete a minimum set of high school core courses, including four years of English (or their native language), three years of science with at least two years of laboratory science in biology, chemistry, and/or physics, three years of mathematics including algebra and geometry, and two years of social studies.