Biology
BIOL – Biology course descriptions
Faculty
James Shriver (chair), Russell Benedict, Anya Butt, Ellen Du Pré, Nicole Palenske Ladner, Lee Macomber, Paulina Mena, Kristin Siewert, Paul Weihe
Statement of philosophy
Advances in such critical areas as the environment, genetics and medicine clearly show that biology is one of the most dynamic disciplines of our time; perhaps the only certainty is that no one knows which of its many facets will become important next. It is also clear that very few undergraduates enter college with a final decision on their ultimate vocational preference. The philosophy of the biology program reflects both of these realities by offering our students a strong foundation in biology without over-specialization. We emphasize an intellectual approach rooted in the college’s liberal arts tradition. The biology faculty use the framework of biology to develop the kinds of abilities that will serve students well no matter what paths their lives take: to think critically, analytically and independently; to communicate effectively; to search for an original approach; to solve problems efficiently; to achieve and maintain intellectual curiosity; and to demonstrate an understanding of human impact on the global environment. The result has been graduates who meet with success no matter where their life choices take them.
Student research in biology
The biology program is committed to fostering student research. In addition to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment in the Vermeer Science Center, the College maintains the 80-acre Carlson-Kuyper Biology Field Station on Lake Red Rock.
Study abroad opportunities
For decades, the biology program has been at the forefront of promoting study abroad experiences and the Natural Sciences department will work with biology majors so they can obtain the benefit of an international study experience and still graduate in four years.
1Biology Major Requirements (43 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
BIOL 130 Diversity of Life with Lab (4)
BIOL 131 Introduction to Cells with Lab (4)
BIOL 221 Genetics and Evolution with Lab (4)
BIOL 229 Ecology and Evolution with Lab (4)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4)
MATH 215 Applied Statistics (4) or MATH 105 Introduction to Statistics (4) - Complete an additional 15 credits from the following:
BIOL 210 Epidemiology (3)
BIOL 310 Tropical Ecology (3-4)
BIOL 315 Aquatic Toxicology (4)
BIOL 320 Evolution with Discussion Lab (4)
BIOL 321 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab (4)
BIOL 324 Field Botany with Lab (4)
BIOL 335 Functional Histology with Lab(4)
BIOL 341 Human Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 342 Mammalogy with Lab (4)
BIOL 343 Ornithology with Lab (4)
BIOL 345 Limnology with Lab (4)
BIOL 350 Conservation Biology and Ecology of Iowa (4)
BIOL 360 Human Anatomy with Lab (4)
BIOL 361 Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 364 Molecular Biology (3)
CHEM 351 Biochemistry with Lab (4)
GEOG 320 Principles of GIS with Lab (3)
Biology Minor Requirements (19-20 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
BIOL 130 Diversity of Life with Lab (4)
BIOL 131 Introduction to Cells with Lab (4)
BIOL 221 Genetics and Evolution with Lab (4)
BIOL 229 Ecology and Evolution with Lab (4) - Complete one of the following:
BIOL 310 Tropical Ecology (3-4)
BIOL 315 Aquatic Toxicology with Lab (4)
BIOL 320 Evolution with Discussion Lab (4)
BIOL 321 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab (4)
BIOL 324 Field Botany with Lab (4)
BIOL 341 Human Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 342 Mammalogy with Lab (4)
BIOL 343 Ornithology with Lab (4)
BIOL 345 Limnology with Lab (4)
BIOL 350 Conservation Biology and Ecology of Iowa (4)
BIOL 360 Human Anatomy with Lab (4)
BIOL 361 Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 364 Molecular Biology (3)
CHEM 351 Biochemistry with Lab (4)