Bachelor of Science - Biology - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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 math/statistics.

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 five advising tracks, or areas of specialization, for students who wish to focus on subfields of biology or who have specific career goals in mind.  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.

Molecular and Cellular Biology - Students specializing in this field will explore the structure, function, and interactions of the molecules and sub-cellular features that make up living cells.  This area is particularly designed for those who plan to pursue a career in research in molecular or cell biology or in related areas such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, developmental biology, human medicine, or veterinary medicine.  Many students in this area will choose to go on to graduate school. 

Ecology and Conservation Biology - Ecologists examine the interactions and relationships that living organisms have with each other and their environment.  Conservation biologists study the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction and loss.  Students who choose this specialization may go on to work for a non-profit environmental group; an environmental consulting firm; a local, state, or federal agency; or other related organizations.  Many students in this area will choose to go on to graduate school.

Evolution and Biodiversity - This area provides students with a sound understanding of evolutionary principles and the biological patterns that result from evolutionary change. Students have the opportunity to explore, in depth, the biodiversity found within a wide range of groups of organisms.  Students who choose this specialization may go on to work for a non-profit environmental group; an environmental consulting firm; a local, state, or federal agency; or other related organizations.  Many students in this area will choose to go on to graduate school.