D. Saunders, Head. T. Abebe, P. Berendzen, V. Berg, B. Bergquist, D. Brecheisen, E. Brown, M. Clayton, J. Demastes, K. Dhanwada, J. Gerrath, L. Jackson, J. Jurgenson, C. Lee, D. McClenahan, M. McDade, M. Myers, S. O'Kane, W. Olson, J. Ophus, K. Pontasch, O. Schwartz, R. Seager, A. Schwekendiek, M. Sliwinski, D. Smith, T. Spradling, J. Tamplin, C. Thurman, M. Walter, J. Weld, D. Wiens.
The Department of Biology offers the following undergraduate and graduate programs. Specific requirements for these programs are listed within this Department of Biology section in the following order:
Biology
Biology: Biomedical Emphasis
Biology: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis
Biology: Microbiology Emphasis
Biology: Plant Bioscience Emphasis
Biology-Teaching
Biotechnology
Combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. Program Biology
Biology
Biology-Teaching
Natural History Interpretation
Biotechnology
Ecosystem Management
Major programs are offered by the Department of Biology in two baccalaureate areas: the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for most students preparing for graduate study in biology. The Bachelor of Arts degree provides a choice among several tracks depending upon student interest and/or career plans.
Note: Students should submit their declaration of a biology major early in their college programs. This will permit them to plan their major courses with a department advisor to avoid future conflicts. Transfer students with previous courses in biology, zoology, or botany must have transfer courses evaluated to avoid duplication and possible loss of credit. Decisions regarding UNI major courses and transfer credits should be approved by the department head or advisor.
Majors
Minors
To graduate from UNI with a biology minor, students must have both a cumulative and a minor UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher, with a grade of C- (1.67) or higher in all courses that are applied to the minor.
The B.S. Biology major requires a minimum of 126 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 126 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Bachelor of Science Biology major is designed to prepare students for careers in areas which require a higher degree of concentration in subject matter and cognate areas, particularly advanced-level courses. This degree is especially appropriate for students planning graduate study. In order to ensure graduation within eight semesters, students should work with advisors early in their programs, as advanced planning for sequenced courses is very important.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
5-6 hours |
|
Cognate courses: |
|
Mathematics: 800:060 |
4 hours |
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048***; 860:120; 860:121; 860:123 |
16 hours |
8 hours |
|
Electives in biology#: (100-level or above, excluding 840:101) or 800:061 or 860:154 |
19-20 hours |
Total |
68 hours |
*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.
Emphasis-Honors Research
Students invited to do Honors Research will complete 4 credit hours of 840:190 (Undergraduate Research) and 1 credit hour of 840:191 (Senior Thesis). These hours may be applied to the elective hours of the major.Students invited to do Honors Research will complete 4 credit hours of 840:190 (Undergraduate Research) and 1 credit hour of 840:191 (Senior Thesis). These hours may be applied to the elective hours of the major.
The B.A. Biology major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This major provides a broad training in biology but allows different specializations through choice of electives. Students who select this major to prepare themselves for graduate study in the biological sciences should consult with their advisor for elective courses.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
Cognate Courses: |
|
4-5 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry:860:044 and 860:048***; 860:120 and |
12-13 hours |
| Earth Science: 870:031; 870:035 or Physics: 880:054; 880:056 | 8 hours |
Electives in biology#: (100-level or above, excluding 840:101) or 860:123 or 860:154 |
17-19 hours |
Total |
58 hours |
*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.
The B.A. Biology Major: Biomedical Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This major offers basic preparation to students for allopathic, osteopathic, chiropractic, pharmacy, physical therapy, dental, veterinary, optometric, podiatric and other health-related programs. In addition, it prepares students for graduate study in biomedical sciences, e.g., pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, physiology, cellular biology, and related areas. Students should seek advice and information early in their programs so that individual goals and specific additional requirements of some graduate and professional programs can be considered in curricular planning.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
Anatomy group: select one option from following list - 840:106; |
4 hours |
Physiology group: select one option from following list - 840:114 |
4 hours |
Cellular group: select one option from following list - 840:128; 840:146##; 840:150 |
4 hours |
Cognate Courses: |
|
4-5 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048***; 860:120; 860:121; 860:123 |
16 hours |
| Physics: (880:054; 880:056) | 8 hours |
Electives selected from the following (consult with advisor):
Biology: 840:102; 840:106; 840:114 and 840:115; 840:119; 840:122; 840:128; 840:131; 840;137 and 840:138; 840:142 or 840:148; 840:144; 840:146; 840:147; 840:150; 840:151; 840:152; 840:153; 840:157; 840:160; 840:164; 840:168; 840:170;
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:154 |
2-3 hours |
Total |
58 hours |
*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
## 840:146 cannot satisfy both requirements.
The B.A. Biology Major: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This emphasis provides training to students interested in organismal and/or ecological biology. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students who wish to specialize further may follow one of four separate tracks: Ecology, Applied Ecology, Botany, or Zoology. This emphasis is appropriate for students interested in a career with private and governmental organizations conducting endangered species recovery, ecological restoration, biological surveys, toxicity evaluations, environmental impact analyses, field research, museum or herbarium curation, or who wish to work in zoos, nature centers, museums, or botanical gardens. This emphasis also provides suitable background for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in ecology, animal behavior, systematics, conservation biology, environmental toxicology, population biology, and evolutionary biology. Field courses offered during the summer program at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory may be accepted for biology elective credit.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
Cognate courses: |
|
4-5 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048***; 860:063 or both 860:120 and 860:121 |
12-13 hours |
4 hours |
|
Electives: select from the following (consult with advisor): Biology#: 840:103; 840:106; 840:112; 840:114 and 840:115; 840:120; 840:122; 840:131; 840:137 and 840:138; 840:142; 840:143; 840:146; 840:154; 840:155; 840:157; 840:160; 840:164; 840:166; 840:167; 840;168; 840:170; 840:172; 840:174; 840:178; 840:179; 840:180; 840:185; 840:190; 840:198
|
21-23 hours |
Total |
58 hours |
*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.
The B.A. Biology Major: Microbiology Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This emphasis provides a broad overview of microbiology, including virology, microbial genetics, and general microbiology. It is excellent preparation for careers in microbiology in the health sciences or industry and for graduate training in microbiology and related fields.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
12 hours |
|
Cognate courses: |
|
4-5 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048***; 860:063, or 860:120 and 860:121 and 860:123**** |
12-16 hours |
Physics: 880:054 |
4 hours |
Electives: select from the following (consult with advisor): Biology#: 840:128; 840:147; 840:149; 840:150; 840:190
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:154 Physics: 880:056 |
6-11 hours |
Total |
58 hours |
*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
****Students seeking more depth and considering post-baccalaureate studies are advised to take the 860:120,
#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:190 will be accepted for biology elective credit.
The B.A. Biology Major: Plant Bioscience Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This emphasis provides training to students interested in plant bioscience. From the cell to the organismal level, students will be trained in traditional and molecular principles and techniques of plant anatomy, physiology and cell biology. This emphasis is appropriate for students interested in crop and timber improvement, nutritional enhancement, pharmaceutical production, horticulture, genetic engineering, and plant-based biotechnology which contributes to a wide array of industrial and research applications. Employment opportunities are in agricultural research, food production, and in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. This emphasis also provides a strong background for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in the plant biosciences, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, plant genetics, plant pathology and protection, plant developmental biology and others.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
16 hours |
|
Cognate courses: |
|
4-5 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044; 860:048***; 860:120; 860:123 |
14 hours |
Physics: 880:054 |
4 hours |
Electives: select from the following (consult with advisor): Biology: 840:103; 840:120; 840:128; 840:142; 840:144; 840:151; 840:152; 840:153; 840:157; 840:166; 840:168; 840:170; 840:171
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:154 |
4-5 hours |
Total |
58 hours |
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
The B.A. Biology-Teaching major requires a minimum of 131 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements , the Professional Education Requirements, and the following specified major requirements to complete the minimum of 131 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Biology Teaching major provides a broad education in biology. Along with professional education courses and student teaching, this curriculum is a sound preparation for teaching life science, biology, and other secondary science courses. This is an extended program requiring at least nine semesters; therefore, students should contact their advisors early in their program. This program is an excellent preparation for graduate work in biology or science education.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
Evolutionary Biology: 840:142 |
3 hours |
Plant group: select one option from following list - 840:120; 840:122; |
4 hours |
Animal group: select one option from following list - 840:106; |
4 hours |
Cellular group: select one option from following list - 840:128; |
4 hours |
Cognate courses: |
|
12 hours |
|
Earth Science: 870:035 |
4 hours |
Physics: 880:054 |
4 hours |
Methods: |
|
| Science and Science Education: 820:190; 820:196 | 5 hours |
| Biology: 840:193; 840:197 | 4 hours |
| Electives in biology#: (100-level or above, excluding 840:101) | 4 hours |
Total |
63 hours |
*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students who take 840:101 and 840:102 may substitute four hours of this credit for 840:114 and 840:115; if so,
neither 840:101 nor 840:102 can count as biology elective credit.
****Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology or chemistry electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 870:179, 840:185, 840:190, and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.
The B.A. Biotechnology major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This major is designed to provide educational training for employment in modern biotechnology fields in both the public and private sectors or for graduate school. Basic skills in recombinant DNA, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry are emphasized.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
Biology: 840:119; 840:153; two of the following - 840:121; 840:128; |
15 hours |
Cognate courses: |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048***; 860:063, or |
12-18 hours |
Electives: selected from the following list (approved by advisor): Computer Science: 810:165
Biology#: 840:114 and 840:115; 840:121; 840:122; 840:127; 840:128; 840:129; 840:137 and 840:138; 840:144; 840:146; 840:150;
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:121; 860:132; 860:155; 860:156
|
12-18 hours |
Total |
60 hours |
**840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
****Students seeking more depth and considering post-baccalaureate studies are advised to take the 860:120, 860:123, and 860:154 option.
#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:190 will be accepted for biology elective credit.
The B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. degree program is a five-year program offered on the thesis option only, leading to both the B.A./B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. This program prepares students for doctoral graduate studies in biology and it provides training for work as a biologist in academic, industrial, and government laboratories. Students interested in this program can declare their intent by the end of the junior year, provided they have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above. An Application for Admission to Graduate Study should be completed and the student=s interest in the Combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. Program in Biology indicated on the application itself. Application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
Once admitted to the program, undergraduate students (who are classified as seniors), may register for graduate credit as a senior, with the approval of the department head. The student presents a signed Student Request form (with appropriate signatures), when registering for graduate credit as a senior. Students earning this type of credit are classified as seniors but will pay graduate tuition for the semester hours for which they will receive graduate credit. The maximum tuition will be the full‑time graduate rate for the student's residence classification. The combined total of course credits, both undergraduate and graduate, may not exceed 15 hours in a semester or 8 hours in a summer session. Graduate work completed on the early admission basis will be counted as graduate credit only if the student actually earns the bachelor=s degree at the end of the semester or summer session in which the course work is taken. Actual admission to graduate study and classification as a graduate student commences the semester after the student has completed the baccalaureate.
Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.
Required: |
|
8 hours |
|
8 hours |
|
Electives in biology: (100-level, excluding 840:101, 840:179, 840:185, |
10-12 hours |
Total |
26-28 hours |
*Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Biology Minor-Teaching provides for second endorsement approval by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and requires first endorsement approval (major) in another science discipline or general science.
Required: |
|
15 hours |
|
8 hours |
|
Methods: |
|
5 hours |
|
Biology: 840:193 |
3 hours |
Total |
31 hours |
*840:100 and 840:140 are not required as prerequisites for 100-level courses.
**Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.
Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Natural History Interpretation minor provides students with interpretive techniques and opportunities to gain practical experience with interpretation and environmental education program development. This minor, taken with the Biology Major: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis or the Earth Science Major: Interpretive Naturalist Emphasis, comprises the Natural History Interpretation program. This program prepares students for employment as interpreters with park systems, nature centers, zoos, museums, planetariums, and other areas requiring natural history communication skills.
Required: |
|
Leisure, Youth and Human Services: 430:050 or 430:146 or 430:170 |
3 hours |
8 hours |
|
4-6 hours |
|
3-4 hours |
|
Total |
18-20 hours |
Students interested in enrolling in the program must complete an application and be admitted to the program. Applications should include three recommendations and transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credits. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
Successful completion of a final written comprehensive examination is required.
This major is available on the non-thesis option only. A minimum of 36 semester hours is required, including a 3-credit-hour research paper. A minimum of 15 semester hours of 200-level course work is required. This program is flexible and designed to allow students, working with their advisory committee, to tailor a program to fit student interests and aspirations in biology.
Required: |
|
200-level courses: 1 course in at least 3 of the 4 content areas (prerequisites vary) |
9 hours |
Biology: 840:202 |
4 hours |
Biology: 840:292 |
1 hours |
Research: 840:299 |
3 hours |
Electives: (100g or above) |
19 hours |
Total |
36 hours |
Content areas:
This major is available for students seeking an extensive research experience. Students interested in enrolling in the program must complete an application and be admitted to the program. Applications should include three recommendations and transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credits. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
This major is available on the thesis option only. A minimum of 32 semester hours is required, including a minimum of 21 hours of course work and a minimum of 9 hours of thesis research. A minimum of 18 hours of 200-level course work is required for the thesis option.
Students are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination in defense of their final thesis.
This program is flexible and designed to allow students, working with their advisory committee, to tailor a program to fit student interests and aspirations in biology.
Required: |
|
200-level courses (take one course in at least two of the content areas listed below - prerequisites vary) |
6 hours |
| Biology: 840:202 | 4 hours |
| Biology: 840:292 | 1 hours |
| Research: 840:299 | 9 hours |
| Electives: 100g or above (excluding 840:299) | 12 hours |
Total |
32 hours |
Content areas:
This P.S.M. degree prepares students for career opportunities in biotechnology-related businesses and industries. Emphasis is placed on combining molecular and genetic engineering skills with an understanding of business and includes an internship experience. Admission is restricted to students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher and a B.A. or B.S. in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline. Students must have taken an Introductory General Biology sequence, Genetics and one or more courses in Molecular Biology or equivalents to be considered.
Students interested in this program must submit a completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study and should contact the Department of Biology for any other admission requirements. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
This major is available on the non-thesis option only. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required. A minimum of 18 semester hours of 200-level course work is required.
Successful completion of an oral comprehensive examination is required.
Required: |
|
| Biology: 840:240; 840:280 | 6 hours |
Science and Science Education: |
|
| 820:209; 820:215 | 6 hours |
| 820:289 Seminar | 2 hours |
| 820:295 Internship | 4-6 hours |
| Electives* | 10-12 hours |
Total |
30 hours |
*Students having completed at least two courses in the First Tier or their equivalent, may select electives from the Second Tier.
First Tier
Biology: 840:121; 840:127; 840:129; 840:153.
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:154.
Second Tier
Biology: 840:128; 840:146; 840:150; 840:157.
This P.S.M. degree prepares students for career opportunities in conservation and restoration-related businesses, industries, and government agencies. Emphasis is placed on blending ecosystem analysis, management and restoration skills with an understanding of business and other organizational environments, and includes an internship experience. Admission is restricted to students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher and a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology or related field. Majors in Agriculture, Geography and other related applied disciplines must take or have taken an introductory biology sequence to be considered. To be admitted students must also have had an upper level course with significant plant taxonomy or systematics content, and an upper level Ecology course.
Students interested in this program must submit a completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study and should contact the Department of Biology for any other admission requirements. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
This major is available on the non-thesis option only. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required. A minimum of 18 semester hours of 200-level course work is required.
Successful completion of an oral comprehensive examination is required.
Required: |
|
| Biology: 840:180; 840:260; 840:280 | 10 hours |
Science and Science Education: |
|
| 820:209; 820:215 | 6 hours |
| 820:289 Seminar | 2 hours |
820:295 Internship |
4 hours |
Electives* |
8 hours |
Total |
30 hours |
*Students having completed at least one course in the First Tier or their equivalent, may select electives from the Second Tier.
First Tier
Biology: 840:105; 840:154; 840:167; 840:178; 840:157 or
Mathematics: 800:121.
Second Tier
Biology: 840:131; 840:155; 840:162; 840:164; 840:166.
Earth Science: 870:141.
Economics: 920:123.