ACADEMICS
Biology
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Courses offered in the Biology Department allow students to choose from several areas of study, including preparation for graduate programs, careers in the health sciences, or industry or other areas in the biological sciences. Drake University’s biology program is notable for having a large number of new faculty actively engaged in research and a rich diversity of courses in traditional and modern areas of biology.
Students who earn a B.S. or B.A. degree in biology and who meet the entrance requirements may apply to schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy or other health related programs. Further opportunities include advanced study in graduate school or career positions with industry, government or private agencies in biologically related fields such as biotechnology and conservation biology.
FACULTY The Biology Department includes 10 full-time faculty; all have earned their doctoral degrees. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from introductory to advanced levels. Faculty areas of research include molecular and cellular biology, genetics, virology, kinesiology, plant sciences, animal physiology, microbiology, ecology and evolutionary biology.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION It is highly recommended that students take high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in preparation for a biology major. Students have the responsibility to develop their program of study and review it with their faculty adviser in biology.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees require a minimum of 32 credit hours in biology, which must include six courses having laboratory experiences, a course in calculus or computer science, and other specific requirements. The B.S. degree requires students to conduct significant research in the form of an undergraduate thesis.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR A biology minor requires completion of 20 credit hours in biology, of which at least three must be laboratory courses. A minimum grade-point average of 2.00 must be achieved, and credit/no-credit courses may not be used for the minor. The program for the biology minor must be approved by the chair of the Biology Department.
DRAKE CURRICULUM The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.
The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.
INTERNSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES The Department sponsors a weekly seminar series for biology majors. Speakers include scientists, faculty, students and professionals from the Midwest. Students may intern in clinical settings at local hospitals, as well as research experiences at Pioneer Hi-Bred and other local industries and institutions. Internships are also available at Des Moines Blank Park Zoo, state and city agencies, and local conservation organizations.
CAREER OPTIONS Biology graduates advance to schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, medical technology, and related health studies. Other opportunities include advanced studies in graduate school or career positions with industry, biotechnology, government or private agencies in biologically related fields, or in environmental science, marine science or conservation biology.
HONORS
- Fae M Shawhan Fine Forceps Award
- George C. Huff Freshman Biology Award
- Fae M. Shawhan Pre-Medical Award
- Luther Sherman Ross Award
- Frances Rogers Student Research Award
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES Superior students may be elected to the national honor society for biology, Beta Beta Beta, or the premedical honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta. Students with an interest in medicine may join the Drake Premedical Organization.
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