Student Experiences
Learn by doing
As an Iowa State biology major, you’ll learn by doing here. With access to the most hands-on learning opportunities of any of Iowa’s public universities, you can jump in immediately. Conduct water quality tests in the field, contribute to published biomedical research, tutor in the Biology Help Room, and so much more. Our faculty coordinator for experiential learning can help you get started.
Hands-on learning also creates community. Volunteer for our annual Meals from the Heartland event, connect with your professors over tea, coffee, and snacks during our FACUL-TEA events, or join a student club. You might also enjoy connecting with others through the University Honors Program.
Student clubs and organizations
Explore clubs like Pre-Med Club, Conservation Club, Biological Sciences Club, and more. Many clubs host guest lectures, do service projects, or offer career opportunities. For example, in Pre-Med Club, students might take practice MCAT tests together. Our students often participate in clubs outside of biology, too. From fun hobbies to sports, there are 800+ student organizations on campus.
Learning community
Make instant connections through the BEST (Biology Education Success Teams) learning community. We'll help you navigate your first year as you get to know other students, faculty, and staff. Upper-level peer mentors, known as BESTies, plan fun social events. They also help teach orientation courses and provide one-on-one support.
Undergraduate research
Here, you’ll learn from world-class researchers in biology, genetics, and biomedicine. Work in faculty labs, practice the latest research techniques, conduct paid undergraduate research, contribute to published papers, and more. You can even begin using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tools as early as your first semester. This is science with practice.
Teaching and tutoring
If you enjoy teaching or serving in leadership roles, you’ll find your fit here. You can teach as a tutor in the Biology Help Room, assist with lab courses as an undergraduate teaching assistant, or serve as an officer in a student club. Upper-level students in faculty lab groups can take on leadership roles and mentor new undergraduates.
Field trips and study abroad
Explore the tropical forest of Belize or snorkel one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Study abroad can include undergraduate research as you combine science and culture. As a biology major, you have flexibility to study abroad even if you are pre-med or pre-vet. Scholarships are also available.
Internships and job shadowing
Iowa State biology students regularly intern and job shadow. Locations include family medicine clinics, hospitals, wildlife rescue organizations, county conservation offices, medical examiners’ offices, biotechnology companies, pharmacies, and many other places.
Start Something at Iowa State
As a scientist, your curiosity makes you a natural innovator. You can build your innovation mindset and learn how to go from idea to impact with Iowa State’s innovation and entrepreneurship programs. Both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) offer a variety of experiences.