Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology Research

For both the B.S. and the B.A. in BCMB, undergraduate research or an internship is a requirement of the major. These experiences give students the opportunity to apply many of the concepts learned in courses to real-world research environments. Most research experiences are conducted with faculty from the Biology or Chemistry departments (for specific research interests, see department websites) in areas such as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics, cell biology, computational chemistry, genetics, organic chemistry, physiology, and virology. However, students have also conducted research with faculty from Environmental Science and Sustainability (ENSS), Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Pharmacy. For some students, research with faculty mentors may begin as early as the second semester of the freshman year. We have a hands-on philosophy, so our students are actively engaged in research, learning wet-lab and instrumental techniques as well as developing teamwork, communication, and critical-thinking skills through their research experiences. Students have been included as co-authors on scientific publications and have presented their work at regional, national, and even international conferences. Instead of undergraduate research, some students complete internships, predominantly in the Des Moines area (e.g., Pioneer and Des Moines University). Many of our students also participate in summer research at Drake through the DUSCI program or in summer REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) at other institutions across the United States.