Biodiversity and Evolution
Your Pathway to Becoming a Biologist
Biologists who specialize in studying the diversity of life uncover the histories of organisms and their characteristics through the lens of underlying evolutionary mechanisms. They develop a strong understanding of genetics, physiology, morphology, behavior, taxonomy, and systematics. Specialists may pursue a variety of careers in field or laboratory research in both the public and private sector while focusing on a group of organisms they are passionate about. Some biodiversity and evolution specialists may also work in education or in natural resource management.
Begin Your Adventure in Biology
Course Information
Recommended Courses
The core courses of the Biology Program and appropriate advanced courses provide solid foundation for students wishing to emphasize evolution and biodiversity in their program of study.
When planning advanced coursework, we recommend students take at least one course in each of these three areas (lab courses are denoted by • ):
Course # | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 4620 | Evolutionary Genetics | 3 |
BIOL 4650 | Macroevolution | 3 |
EEOB 5630 | Molecular Phylogenetics | 3 |
EEOB 5660 | Molecular Evolution | 3 |
EEOB 5670 | Empirical Population Genetics | 3 |
EEOB 5690 | Biogeography | 3 |
Course # | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
A ECL 3210 • | Fish Biology | 3 |
ANTHR 3070 • | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
BBMB 4300 | Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology | 3 |
BIOL 3640 | Invertebrate Biology | 3 to 4 |
BIOL 3650 • | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
BIOL 3660 • | Plant Systematics | 4 |
BIOL 4510 | Plant Evolution & Phylogeny | 4 |
BIOL 4570 & L • | Herpetology & Lab | 3 |
EEOB 5680 • | Advanced Systematics | 3 |
ENT 5760 • | Systematic Entomology | 5 |
Course # | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
A ECL 3660 • | Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates | 3 |
ANTHR 4380 | Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior | 3 |
B M S 3290 | Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | 3 |
BIOL 3360 | Ecolgical and Evolutionary Animal Physiology | 3 |
BIOL 3510 • | Comparative Chordate Anatomy | 5 |
BIOL 3540 & L • | Animal Behavior & Lab | 4 |
BIOL 3560 • | Dendrology | 4 |
BIOL 3570 | Biology of Plants | 3 |
BIOL 4140 | Life History and Reproductive Strategies | 3 |
BIOL 4340 | Endocrinology | 3 |
BIOL 4540 • | Plant Anatomy | 4 |
BIOL 4550 • | Bryophyte and Lichen Diversity | 3 |
BIOL 4560 • | Principles of Mycology | 3 |
BIOL 4580 & L • | Ornithology & Lab | 3 |
BIOL 4580 & L • | Mammalogy & Lab | 3 |
EEOB 5070 | Advanced Animal Behavior | 3 |
ENT 3700 • | Insect Biology | 3 |
ENT 4710 • | Insect Ecology | 3 |
NREM 3570 • | Midwestern Prairie Plants | 1 |
NREM 3580 • | Forest Herbaceous Layer | 1 |
Participating in experiential learning, such as an independent study course, related internship experience, and especially lab/field research is also advised. Many students specializing in this area pursue further education with a Masters or Ph.D.
Suggested Supporting Science Courses
Taking a single semester of general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics is suitable for most students interested in biodiversity and evolution. Students interested in molecular phylogenetics should take a full year of general chemistry, a full year of organic chemistry, and a more advanced biochemistry course. In addition to these courses, students should take at least one semester of statistics.
Opportunities at ISU
Biological Sciences Club (BSC)
The departmental club for Biology majors and anyone else interested in life science, the Biological Sciences Club features regular faculty speakers on a diverse range of life science topics.
Undergraduate Research Experience
Students in the Biology Program can engage in life science research and earn academic credit for the experience. Students will learn how to seek out these opportunities during orientation and they are also welcome to discuss this with their academic advisor.
Amphibian and Reptile Club
Students interested in herpetology can participate in the Amphibian and Reptile Club to meet, talk, and become involved in herpetology related activities.
Birding Club
A student organization for casual enjoyment of birds, the Birding Club makes a handful of field trips each year to observe birds in their habitats around the state.
Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife Club
The Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife (ZEW) Club is dedicated to providing students with an opportunity to learn about the care of zoo animals, exotic pets, and wildlife.