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Biology

Undergraduate Programs

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, and a minor in biology.

Study in the Department of Biology prepares students for work in a wide variety of fields in educational institutions, government agencies, foundations, health care organizations, and businesses. Undergraduate programs prepare students for entry into research or service careers associated with private industry or government programs, and for primary and secondary teaching. They also prepare students for entry into advanced degree programs leading to careers in higher education and to independent research in a variety of biological fields, or for practice in health professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary medicine, medical technology, and physical therapy.

Bachelor of Science students choose one of six tracks. The Bachelor of Arts program and the comprehensive biology track in the Bachelor of Science provide highly diverse content. The remaining five B.S. tracks emphasize distinct areas: cell and developmental biology, evolutionary biology, genetics and biotechnology, neurobiology, and plant biology.

The B.A. and all six B.S. programs include a core curriculum consisting of the two-semester sequence 002:010 Principles of Biology I and 002:011 Principles of Biology II, 002:128 Fundamental Genetics, and 002:131 Evolution. Each program includes a total of 18-19 courses (63-70 s.h.) in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. All course work prepares students for advanced graduate and professional training in biology and related subjects.

The department offers 002:196 Honors Investigations and 002:199 Introduction to Research to acquaint undergraduate students with the nature of practicing scientists' work. Students associate with one of the department's research groups in experiments, discussion of current research, study of specialized topics, and attendance at research seminars. Admission to the University of Iowa Honors Program is required for 002:196 Honors Investigations. All students who are accepted by a Department of Biology faculty sponsor may take 002:199 Introduction to Research.

Students interested in field biology, zoology, or botany may take varied courses in these subjects offered during the summer at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, Lake Okoboji, Iowa.

Students who wish to count course work done at another institution toward requirements for a biology degree at Iowa should consult with their biology advisor.

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The Bachelor of Science in biology requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 63-70 s.h. (18 courses) of work for the major. It is divided into six tracks that emphasize the most dynamic and active areas in the biological sciences: cell and developmental biology, genetics and biotechnology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, plant biology, and comprehensive biology. Students who pursue the B.S. must complete requirements in the chemistry/physics/mathematics foundation, the biology core, and one of the six tracks. Students must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education Program.

CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS/MATHEMATICS FOUNDATION

All of these:

One of these sequences:

One of these:

One of these:

BIOLOGY CORE

Tracks for the Bachelor of Science

Students pursuing the B.S. must select a single track. Each track includes seven courses. Students who choose 002:196 Honors Investigations to fulfill a track requirement must complete a minimum of 6 s.h. in that course. Honors Investigations may be used to fulfill a requirement only in a single category in each track. If it is used to fulfill the investigative laboratory requirement, it cannot also be used to fulfill the elective requirement; if it is used to fulfill the elective requirement, it cannot also be used to fulfill the investigative laboratory requirement.

CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY TRACK

The cell and developmental biology track provides education in the structure and function of cells and in the principles of development as they apply to animals and plants.  This track is appropriate for students who wish to pursue graduate study in cellular and developmental biology, to prepare for professional study in medicine and other health-related fields, or to take positions in laboratories and companies engaged in cancer research and related fields.

Group 1 (Developmental Biology)

Both of these:

Group 2 (Biochemistry)

One of these:

Group 3 (Cellular Biology)

One of these:

Group 4 (Investigative Laboratory)

One of these:

Group 5 (Electives)

At least two courses, which may include any combination of courses not taken for Group 3 and/or 4 and/or courses from the following list:

EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY TRACK

The evolutionary biology track provides education in the principles of evolution as they apply to understanding diversity within and among species, from genomic, ecological, and historical perspectives.  This track is appropriate for students who wish to pursue graduate study in evolutionary biology and related fields or to take positions in laboratories utilizing population genetics or phylogenetic approaches such as forensics, fisheries, and human disease mapping.  

Group 1 (Evolution Core)

One of these:

One of these:

Group 2 (Biochemistry)

One of these:

Group 3 (Investigative Laboratory)

One of these:

Group 4 (Electives)

At least two courses, which may include any combination of courses not taken for Groups 1 and/or 3 and/or courses from the following list:

GENETICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY TRACK

The genetics and biotechnology track provides education in the key principles of transmission, maintenance, regulation, and manipulation of genes.  This track is appropriate for students who wish to pursue graduate study in fields related to genetics or to enter the modern biotechnology industry. It also provides excellent preparation for professional study in medicine and other health-related fields.

Group 1 (Genetics Core)

Both of these:

One of these:

Group 2 (Biochemistry)

One of these:

Group 3 (Investigative Laboratory)

One of these:

Group 4 (Electives)

At least two courses; may include any combination of courses not taken for Group 1; 099:130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II if 099:120 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I and 099:130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II are chosen from Group 2, and/or the course that has not been taken for Group 3, and/or courses from the following list:

NEUROBIOLOGY TRACK

The neurobiology track provides education in nervous system function at all levels, from molecular to systems biology.  This track is appropriate for students who wish to pursue graduate study in neurobiology and related areas, including psychology and the social sciences; to enter laboratories than study the therapeutic basis of neurological disorders; or to work in pharmaceutical companies. It also provides good preparation for professional study in medicine and other health-related fields.

Group 1 (Neurobiology Core)

All of these:

Group 2 (Biochemistry)

One of these:

Group 3 (Investigative Laboratory)

One of these:

Group 4 (Electives)

At least two courses, which may include any combination of a course not taken for Group 3 and/or courses from the following list:

PLANT BIOLOGY TRACK

The plant biology track provides education in how plants grow, how they have evolved, and how they interact with other organisms. This track is appropriate for students who wish to pursue graduate study in biology specializing in plants. It also is good preparation for positions in plant biotechnology companies that work in biofuels development, crop improvement, or CO₂ sequestration, or in agencies dedicated to the conservation of natural lands.

Group 1 (Plant Biology Core)

One of these:

One of these:

Group 2 (Biochemistry)

One of these:

Group 3 (Investigative Laboratory)

One of these:

Group 4 (Electives)

Students must take at least two courses, which may include 099:130 if 099:120 and 099:130 are chosen from group 2; and/or courses from the following list; and/or approved plant biology courses offered at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (students should consult their advisors). 

COMPREHENSIVE BIOLOGY TRACK 

Group 1 (Biochemistry)

One of these:

Group 2 (Molecular Biology)

Students must take at least one course, either 099:130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II if 099:120 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I and 099:130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II is chosen in group 1 or a course from the following list.

Group 3 (Cellular Biology)

At least one of these:

Group 4 (Developmental Biology)

At least one of these:

Group 5 (Organismal Physiology)

At least one of these:

Group 6 (Population Biology)

At least one of these:

Group 7 (Investigative Laboratory)

At least one of these:

Suggested First-Year Schedule

The following first-year schedule of science courses is recommended for students seeking either the B.S. or B.A. in biology.

First-Semester Science Courses

Second-Semester Science Courses

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

The Bachelor of Arts in biology requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 66-70 s.h. (19 courses) of work for the major. The B.A. is broadly based. It introduces students to key concepts in important areas of biology and, compared to the B.S., gives them more flexibility in choosing elective courses.

B.A. students must complete a chemistry/physics/math foundation; a biology core identical to that required for the B.S.; one course in each of three breadth menus; one course with a laboratory; and three elective courses, which may include one course in the history or philosophy of science. Students must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education Program. 

CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS/MATHEMATICS FOUNDATION

All of these:

One of these:

One of these sequences:

One of these:

One of these:

BIOLOGY CORE

BREADTH MENUS

At least one course from each of the following three breadth menus:

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Developmental Biology and Physiology

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

COURSE WITH A LABORATORY

One of these (must not have been used as a breadth menu course):

ELECTIVES

At least three courses, which may include any course chosen from a breadth menu or from the list of courses with a laboratory that has not been used to satisfy those requirements, any other 2-4 s.h. course numbered 100 or above offered by the Department of Biology, any approved advanced biology course taught at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (students consult their advisors), and/or any course(s) chosen from the following list:

One of the electives may be chosen from these:

In addition, students who have passed 004:121 Organic Chemistry I, 004:122 Organic Chemistry II, and 099:110 Biochemistry may use 099:110 Biochemistry as a biology elective.

Introduction to Research (002:199) for 3 s.h. may be counted only once toward the elective requirement for the B.A.

Suggested First-Year Schedule

The following first-year schedule of science courses is recommended for students seeking either the B.S. or B.A. in biology.

First-Semester Science Courses

Second-Semester Science Courses

Four-Year Graduation Plan

The following checkpoints list the minimum requirements students must complete by certain semesters in order to stay on the University's Four-Year Graduation Plan. (Courses in the major are those required to complete the major, exclusive of courses in the chemistry/physics/mathematics foundation.)

Bachelor of Science

Before the third semester begins: math through calculus I, 004:011 Principles of Chemistry I, 004:012 Principles of Chemistry II, 002:010 Principles of Biology I, and at least one-quarter of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the fifth semester begins: the courses listed above, plus 002:011 Principles of Biology II, 004:121 Organic Chemistry I, 22S:030 Statistical Methods and Computing or 22S:101 Biostatistics, two other courses in the major, and at least one-half of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the seventh semester begins: the courses listed above, 029:011 College Physics I and 029:012 College Physics II or equivalents, plus five or six more courses in the major, and at least three-quarters of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the eighth semester begins: the courses listed above, plus two or three more courses in the major

During the eighth semester: enrollment in all remaining course work in the major, all remaining General Education courses, and a sufficient number of semester hours to graduate

Bachelor of Arts

Before the third semester begins: math through calculus I, 004:011 Principles of Chemistry I, 004:012 Principles of Chemistry II, 002:010 Principles of Biology I, and at least one-quarter of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the fifth semester begins: the courses listed above, 002:011 Principles of Biology II, 004:121 Organic Chemistry I, 22S:030 Statistical Methods and Computing or 22S:101 Biostatistics, three other courses in the major, and at least one-half of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the seventh semester begins: the courses listed above, 029:011 College Physics I and 029:012 College Physics II or equivalents, plus five or six more courses in the major, and at least three-quarters of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the eighth semester begins: the courses listed above, plus two or three more courses in the major

During the eighth semester: enrollment in all remaining course work in the major, all remaining General Education courses, and a sufficient number of semester hours to graduate

Honors

Biology majors who are members of the University of Iowa Honors Program may enroll in the Honors Program in Biology, which gives talented students membership in a small, active group of undergraduates with common interests. Honors students gain an introduction to the pursuits of practicing scientists by associating with one of the department's research groups and participating in an independent research project guided by a faculty member (the research supervisor). Honors students write a thesis that should be based on an interesting biological problem, which is usually identified by the research supervisor. The thesis should clearly document that the student has acquired the necessary experimental skills to address specific questions and test specific hypotheses related to the research problem. Honors Seminar in Biology (002:198), or equivalent seminar, provides students with an ideal opportunity to improve their skills in seminar presentation and in writing scientific English. Throughout undergraduate residence, biology honors students may also take advantage of enrollment in honors sections of courses within the department and the college.

Membership in the University of Iowa Honors Program requires that students maintain a cumulative University of Iowa g.p.a. of at least 3.33. To graduate with honors in biology, students must complete the requirements for a B.S. or B.A. in biology with a g.p.a. of at least 3.33 in all course work in the biology major taken at The University of Iowa (including all biology courses and cognates in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, mathematics, and statistics). In addition, students must fulfill the following requirements: complete 2 s.h. in either 002:198 Honors Seminar in Biology or an advanced-level biology seminar course; complete a minimum of 6 s.h. (taken over two or more semesters) of 002:196 Honors Investigations; write a brief research proposal summarizing the background and goals of their proposed honors research; upon completion of their research, submit an acceptable honors thesis; and give a brief oral presentation of their research findings to other biology honors students.

Students pursuing a B.S. in biology may apply 6 s.h. of 002:196 Honors Investigations toward the investigative laboratory requirement in an appropriate track. Students pursuing a B.A. in biology may apply 6 s.h. of 002:196 Honors Investigations toward the elective laboratory course requirement and count the 2 s.h. earned in 002:198 Honors Seminar in Biology toward the elective requirement.

Biology majors interested in pursuing an honors degree should contact the biology honors advisor as early as possible, preferably in their sophomore or junior year, so that they may be matched with an appropriate lab.

Minor

The minor in biology requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in biology courses, including 12 s.h. in 100-level courses offered by the Department of Biology at The University of Iowa or in approved Iowa Lakeside Laboratory courses. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in the minor and in the 100-level courses. Course work in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. Students may not use transfer courses to satisfy the 100-level course requirement.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Biology offers a Master of Science, with and without thesis, and a Doctor of Philosophy in biology. The department emphasizes the Ph.D.

The department's graduate programs emphasize original research and the skills essential for publishing and communicating research findings to the biology community. They prepare students for careers in the academic research community, education, industry, and government.

Research programs in the department cover most areas of the biological sciences: cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology, and plant biology. Doctoral students who wish to specialize in one of four subtracks choose from cell and developmental biology, evolution, genetics, or neurobiology. For each track's requirements, see Graduate Programs on the Department of Biology web site.

When a new graduate student is admitted, he or she is assigned a temporary advisor. The student and advisor meet before registration to discuss the student's educational background and to formulate a study plan for the first year. Students may be advised to take specific course work to enhance their background in certain areas.

During the first year, students whose preparation in chemistry, genetics, mathematics, and physics does not meet the department's graduate entry requirements must remedy deficiencies by taking appropriate course work.

Minimum entry requirements are:

two semesters of organic chemistry or one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of biochemistry;

one semester of calculus;

two semesters of college physics; and

20 s.h. of course work in biology.

A student with a bachelor's degree outside the biological sciences may request modification of certain area requirements; the Graduate Affairs Committee decides whether portions of the requirements may be waived. Students also take 002:128 Fundamental Genetics during the first year, unless they are excused from this requirement by the Graduate Affairs Committee. After the first year, students are advised by their research sponsor and dissertation committee.

Master of Science

The Master of Science in biology requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit with thesis, and 34 s.h. of graduate credit without thesis. All M.S. students take a seminar (2 s.h.) with a substantial writing and oral presentation requirement and two advanced lecture-based courses in biology. Students receive academic credit for courses required for an M.S. or Ph.D. but not for courses taken to remedy undergraduate deficiencies.

Thesis students may count a maximum of 9 s.h. of research credit toward the degree. Remaining course work is tailored to the student's background and career goals and is selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee. The thesis is based on original research. After the thesis is accepted by the student's supervisor and advisory committee, the student must pass an oral examination based on the thesis research and on related subjects.

Nonthesis students must write a library research report for a maximum of 4 s.h. of credit. They may apply up to 8 s.h. of research credit toward the degree. The nonthesis program may include credit earned in biology or cognate sciences; course work is tailored to the student's background and career goals and is selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee.

On completion of the 34 s.h. and acceptance of the research report by the faculty sponsor, the student must pass a written examination covering the graduate program in biology, including the area of the research report.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in biology requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit.

The department expects new Ph.D. students to do research in three laboratories on a rotating basis during their first academic year (August-May). Students consult with their temporary advisors and with prospective faculty research sponsors before identifying their preferences for research rotations. They choose a permanent laboratory affiliation based on their rotations.

During the first academic year, students are required to enroll in the department's colloquium, which is based on a weekly Friday seminar series. In the second semester, the colloquium includes a discussion component based on the weekly seminar series. During the first two years, students must enroll in at least two advanced lecture courses, one seminar course (2 s.h.) that has a significant writing component, and a course on scientific writing designed for graduate students.

Additional formal course work and proficiency requirements for each Ph.D. student are determined by the dissertation committee on the basis of the student's background and current and prospective research interests. The dissertation committee also determines what portion of the formal course or proficiency requirements the student must complete before the comprehensive examination. In this examination, students must demonstrate knowledge of biology fundamentals and the analytic and synthetic skills necessary to become creative, independent scientists. Once they complete the course work and proficiency requirements and pass the comprehensive examination, students may be admitted to full candidacy for the Ph.D.

Students also must demonstrate teaching skills by assisting in instruction as teaching assistants for at least two semesters.

The program culminates in students' preparation of a dissertation based on original, independent research. Students must pass a final examination that covers the thesis and its specialized field before the Ph.D. is awarded.

Admission

Application materials for the graduate program must be sent both to the University's Office of Admissions and to the Department of Biology graduate admissions committee. Complete instructions are listed on the application form; contact the Department of Biology or visit its web site. Applicants should have official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution they have attended sent to both the Office of Admissions and the Department of Biology. They also should arrange to have official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing) sent to both offices. A valid B.S. or B.A. from an accredited institution is required.

Applicants whose first language is not English must score at least 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and have their score sent to the Office of Admissions. International applicants who received their degrees (either bachelor's or master's) from a U.S. institution are exempt from this requirement. All international students whose first language is not English are required to take an English proficiency exam when they first enroll for classes.

Successful applicants for graduate admission usually have a g.p.a. of at least 3.00 and score above 1200 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (combined verbal and quantitative). These criteria are general guidelines for the admissions committee, which also considers letters of recommendation, research experience, and other appropriate criteria.

The department recommends that applicants also take the Graduate Record Examination advanced biology test and submit their scores. Although most applicants have completed undergraduate programs in biology, the department also considers applicants with backgrounds in biophysics, botany, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and other related areas.

Applications should be submitted by February 1 and must include the GRE test scores. In order to meet the deadline, applicants must take the GRE in October or earlier. Late applications are considered as placement and funding permit.

Students applying for admission to the M.S. with thesis program in biology should have a bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences. Students with bachelor's degrees in other areas may need to register as nondegree students (A9 or G9) and make up the equivalent of the department's bachelor's degree program prior to consideration for admission. Nondegree students must complete chemistry, physics, and calculus requirements in addition to the biology courses listed in the undergraduate program. Nondegree students should consult the department's graduate program administrator before applying for admission.

The M.S. degree without thesis is an exit degree. Students are not permitted to enter as graduate students with this degree objective.

For more information, visit the Department of Biology web site.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College or the Graduate College section of the Catalog.

Financial Support

All graduate students making satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. receive stipend and full tuition support from non-University of Iowa fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships available through individual research grants administered by faculty members or by the University. First-year Ph.D. students are supported by department fellowships during the research rotation period.

Facilities

The department is housed in three contiguous buildings, with modern facilities and equipment for state-of-the-art research. A new research and teaching building was completed in spring 2000, and extensive renovation of the preexisting facilities was completed in spring 2004.

Facilities include the Keck Dynamic Image Analysis Facility, which couples sophisticated state-of-the-art microscopy and computerized motion analysis to permit three-dimensional real-time analysis of cell movement in vitro and in situ. The Carver Center for Comparative Genomics houses the department's DNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, functional genomics/microarray facilities, and informatics facilities.

A well-staffed microscopy and imaging facility, including access to a newly established confocal microscope, is available for teaching and research.

Two large greenhouses are used in plant research and education.

The department also houses animal-care facilities suitable for mice, rats, rabbits, Xenopus laevis, and zebra fish. These facilities are managed by the University's animal care unit, which is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. A central University facility provides assistance in the preparation of transgenic mice.

The department is also the home of the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, which is affiliated with the National Institute of Health. The hybridoma bank collects and distributes monoclonal antibodies that originate in laboratories all over the world. Its collection now contains more than 700 monoclonal antibodies that are distributed to users internationally for a modest fee.

In addition to department facilities, campuswide facilities include a DNA oligonucleotide synthesis and enzyme lab, oligopeptide synthesis and sequencing equipment, and mass- and NMR spectroscopy facilities. The Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing is available for growing large amounts of microorganisms (e.g., 100 liters) for use in protein isolation.

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory

The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory is a field station run cooperatively by The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa. Located on West Lake Okoboji, in northwestern Iowa, the laboratory affords excellent conditions for summer study in field biology, limnology, phycology, aquatic ecology, pollination biology, and plant taxonomy. It offers a wide variety of summer courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students should check with their advisors to determine whether specific courses may be counted toward requirements for graduation. See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (University College) in the Catalog or visit the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory web site.