Major
	Biology (BA, BS) from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minor
	Biology
Four-year Graduation Plan
	Yes
Honors
	Yes
Teacher Licensure
	Yes
Links
	Web Site Courses General Catalog

If you enjoy science in general and life sciences in particular, consider biology as a major. It is good preparation for a wide variety of careers, including all of the health sciences, and for graduate study in fields such as evolution, genetics, and many more.

• Why Study Biology at Iowa?
• Course Work
• Learning Outside the Classroom
• Careers
• Scholarships

Why Study Biology at Iowa?
Biology is one of Iowa's most popular majors, with around 800 students. The major offers several options, including specialized tracks in leading research areas such as genetics, neurobiology, and evolution as well as comprehensive programs covering the major fields of biology.

You'll be able to choose an option that will help you prepare for one of many careers, from health science professional to researcher or administrator to secondary school teacher or college professor.

In addition to taking courses, you'll get acquainted with the work of practicing scientists through one of the department’s research groups. You'll participate in laboratory experiments, discuss current research, study specialized topics, and attend seminars.

You'll study with faculty members who are advancing knowledge in their specialized fields. They participate in a wide variety of research disciplines, including molecular genetics, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, plant sciences, and evolution.

You'll also have access to the department's online undergraduate personal academic scheduler, which will help you plan your degree program, including related science and math classes.

Course Work
Students majoring in biology earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Both degrees require a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including credit for the major: at least 66–70 s.h. for BA students and at least 63–70 s.h. for BS students.

The major for either the BA or BS will prepare you for work in several areas, including business, education, foundations, government, health care, and research. It'll also give you a solid foundation for graduate study in any number of fields.

The BA program requires a broad range of biology courses and offers flexibility. It's a good choice if you're interested in secondary school science teaching. The major for the BS offers more specialized study and is especially good preparation for research careers.

If you're planning to teach in secondary schools, you'll need to complete the College of Education's Teacher Education Program.

BA and BS students all take a common set of courses in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, but their remaining requirements are different.

Common Courses

• Principles of Chemistry I–II
• Organic Chemistry I
• Physics I–II
• One course in calculus
• One course in statistics
• Principles of Biology I–II
• Fundamental Genetics
• Evolution

Additional BA Requirements

If you're a BA student, you'll also take Organic Chemistry II or a course in biochemistry, one laboratory course, and one course in each of three breadth areas: molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology and physiology, and ecology and evolutionary biology. You'll also take three electives that you'll choose from courses offered by several departments.

Additional BS Requirements

If you're a BS student, you'll complete seven courses in one of six tracks.

The Cell and Developmental Biology Track examines structure and function of cells and principles of development related to animals and plants.

The Evolutionary Biology Track focuses on principles of evolution applied to understanding diversity with and among species.

The Genetics and Biotechnology Track looks at key principles of gene transmission, maintenance, regulation, and manipulation.

The Neurobiology Track teaches about nervous system function at all levels, from molecular to systems biology.

The Plant Biology Track looks at how plants grow, how they have evolved, and how they interact with other organisms.

The Comprehensive Biology Track provides a well-balanced introduction to all of the major fields of biology.

For More Details

See Biology in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in biology.

Learning Outside the Classroom
If you’re interested in field biology, you'll be able to use the facilities of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area nearby, and you'll have the option of taking summer courses at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, located on Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa. You'll also be able to arrange internships through the University's Pomerantz Career Center.

In addition, you might want to join BUGS, the organization for biology students.

Careers
Career opportunities in the biological sciences are expanding dramatically. Biology is at the heart of some of today’s biggest opportunities and challenges, such as developing products related to human health, understanding the relationships among the many species that inhabit Earth, and managing the environment.

The recent explosion of interest in biotechnology, including genome sequencing, stem-cell research, recombinant DNA studies, and nuclear cloning, offers career opportunities unheard of even 10 years ago.

The biology major also prepares students for any of the health-related professions, from physical therapy to medicine to dentistry.

Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.