Overview
Biological Research Opportunities Abound for Undergraduate and Graduate Students Enrolled at the University of Iowa
The Biology Department at University of Iowa (UI) offers both an undergraduate and graduate study option for students with varying backgrounds in education and real-life lab experience. The four-year undergraduate program includes an option for students to pursue an honors degree, as well as a chance to continue their education and research to include a master's or Ph.D. award.
In order to be considered for admission into the graduate program, a student's undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and past research experience are all considered. Advantages to choosing UI for their graduate program of study in biology include 32 full-time, tenure-track faculty members to assist and employ students in numerous groundbreaking studies currently underway on campus.
Students have the choice to pursue a 4- to 6-year Ph.D. program or a 2- to 3-year master's program, and have their choice of three labs in which they will spend their first-year laboratory rotations. Although independent research is a necessary component of graduate education and is thus supported and encouraged, students also learn by collaborating with faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and other students to make groundbreaking discoveries and contributions in the fields of cell and developmental biology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology, and plant biology.
Graduate Students in the Department of Biology May Choose One of Four Tracks of Study While Conducting Research
After being accepted into the graduate program in the Department of Biology, students may choose to focus on studies in the areas of cell and developmental biology, evolution, genetics, or neurobiology. Those students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in biology will work closely with faculty to determine the appropriate labs to choose for their rotations in regard to their interests and goals, and combine dedicated course work with research opportunities to complete their dissertations The Master of Science is available with or without a thesis, depending upon which program a graduate student chooses. Those choosing to write a thesis will conduct more research versus being required to take additional courses.
The graduate program at the University of Iowa is considered one of the best in the country due to the state-of-the-art technology and facilities employed there. The Biological Sciences Library is located on campus next to the two biology buildings, and graduate students flock there to find reference material, use the Internet access and computer labs, and find relevant abstracts and journals to supplement their research curricula.
Top-notch microscope systems are housed in the W. M. Keck Dynamic Image Analysis Facility and Carver Center for Imaging where scanning lasers, poster printers, and other equipment aid both students and faculty in conducting their research. Plant biology studies are typically carried out in the greenhouse facilities that are maintained by the students and at any one time contain multiple study subjects. Finally, published studies and groundbreaking discoveries occur in the Roy J. Carver Center for Comparative Genomics and DNA Sequencing Laboratory.
University of Iowa Graduates Take Advantage of Faculty and Research Positions, Making Newsworthy Discoveries
Upon graduation from the Department of Biology at The University of Iowa, Ph.D. recipients continue their research and/or teaching in academia, government, and in industry. Many alumni select and are placed in excellent post-doctoral positions in labs across the country, which lead to tenure-track positions in academia or senior scientist positions in government or privately sponsored institutes or industry. Prospective students are invited to visit the program's web site for current information on its research, graduate program, and post-graduation placement.
University of Iowa Students Break from Research to Enjoy Downtown Iowa City and Experience On-Campus Cultural Events
The University of Iowa (UI) is located in Iowa City, which has been ranked as one of the top U.S. cities in the Midwest by "USA Today," and named as one of "Kiplinger's Personal Finance" magazine's "Top Ten Smartest Cities." With an airport just twenty-five miles away, and cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis within 270 miles of campus, students have plenty of choices for weekend and vacation trips when they take a break from studying.
On campus, the bus system offers students free rides, making it easy to get around even when the weather is less than stellar. Some students prefer to head downtown between classes or in a break from research to have a cup of coffee or dinner, or tour one of the many local art galleries.
Famous attractions on the campus of UI include the Hancher Auditorium, which frequently features world-famous musicians, dancers, and live theater for easily accessible entertainment. The auditorium is part of the Iowa Center for the Arts, which also encompasses the Museum of Art. Here, students can access various cultural and educational programs throughout the year.
The Macbride Nature Recreation Area is only fifteen miles from campus and offers camping, hiking, skiing, and water sports for outdoor enthusiasts. Students also have the option of taking in a varsity game featuring one of UI's Big Ten teams.
