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Internships

Biology Internship (BIOL 494)

Students in the Biology Program are encouraged to seek out and participate in internships or jobs that have a clear biological science focus.  This supplements their academic course work at Iowa State University with "real world" experience that will make a student a more desirable and competitive applicant for post-graduate studies and future careers.  Participation in a biology-related internship, whether it is arranged with a government agency, non-profit organization, for-profit business, or other entity, counts as advanced biology credit when a BIOL 494 is arranged in conjunction with the experience.  

In order to arrange a BIOL 494, students must first identify and secure an internship.  The internship must have a biological science focus, and may be paid or unpaid.  After securing the internship, the student must then identify a faculty or staff member who will serve as their BIOL 494 instructor.  The potential instructor will assess the nature of the internship and determine if it qualifies for BIOL 494 credit.  Instructors are typically faculty members in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) or the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology (GDCB).  Students may wish to consult with their academic advisor or Biology Student Services staff for assistance in identifying a BIOL 494 instructor.    

Requirements

BIOL 494 courses are taken for 1 to 2 credits, typically in the fall following a summer internship experience.   The BIOL 494 course is repeatable, but only 6 credits may be applied as advanced biology coursework*, and no more than 9 may be applied towards graduation.  The number of credits received depends on the activities agreed upon by the BIOL 494 instructor and the student.

* A maximum of 7 credits total from BIOL 480, BIOL 481, BIOL 490, BIOL 491, BIOL 494, and BIOL 499 can be applied towards advanced biology course requirements

Activities

1 credit. Students complete a daily journal documenting and reflecting on the activities of the internship experience.  They also develop an electronic poster related to the experience.  The poster theme is determined by the student and the instructor; the theme should be either a biological topic related to the internship, or a descriptive overview of the internship duties and experiences.

2 credits.  In addition to completing the journal and poster, students taking a BIOL 494 for 2 credits write a research paper (approximately 10 pages, with references) on a topic related to the internship.  The paper topic and format must be approved by the instructor.

Registration and Deadlines

A contract for the BIOL 494 internship must be completed and turned in to Dr. Warchola (Bessey 135) before the start of the internship.  As part of this contract, the student and Dr. Warchola (or other faculty instructor) will decide whether the course will be graded or taken satisfactory/fail.  The format and topics of the poster and journal, as well as deadlines for submission, are set by the BIOL 494 instructor in consultation with the student.  Students typically register for the BIOL 494 the semester immediately following the internship experience (i.e., for a summer internship experience, students register for BIOL 494 in the fall).

BIOL 494 Contract Form (PDF)

Biology Internship Checklist

  1. Identify and secure a suitable internship opportunity (often months before it starts)
  2. Identify a Biology faculty member to serve as the BIOL 494 instructor (generally Dr. Warchola)
  3. Sign a contract with the instructor specifying the number of credits, due dates, and so forth; turn this in to Dr. Warchola
  4. Participate in the internship experience, keeping a journal about it in the process
  5. Register for BIOL 494 during the semester immediately following the internship
  6. Satisfactorily complete the post-internship activities specified in the contract

Opportunities

Opportunities in Biology

A person’s college years can be one of the most exciting chapters in a life story, and a major reason for that is the sheer quantity of opportunities available to take advantage of.  The Biology Program encourages students to actively engage with campus activities beyond the classroom to learn new skills, make connections, and have fun!    

Learning Communities

For more than twenty years, the Biology Program has offered a learning community to engage incoming first-year students with our major and assist with college adjustment. Learn more about our Biology Education Success Team (BEST).

Students can be part of more than one learning community, and these communities may also be of interest to Biology majors:

Student Organizations

Iowa State University is home to hundreds of student organizations which provide opportunities for social engagement, professional development, and leadership experiences.  Students in the Biology Program can participate in our Biological Sciences Club to network with other Biology majors.  Other clubs of interest to many of our students include various pre-professional clubs (e.g., Pre-Medical Professions Club, Pre-Pharmacy Club, Pre-Veterinary Club), additional biology-related academic clubs (e.g., Genetics Club, Iowa State Environmental Science Club, Psychology Club), and various recreation clubs (e.g., Fishing Club, Martial Arts Club).

Field Trip Courses and Study Abroad

Field trip courses offered by the Biology Program provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about biology through hands-on experience.  These experiences may be within North America (BIOL 393) or international (BIOL 394), and count directly towards biology degree requirements as advanced coursework. We currently offer a couple trips in marine biology, an exploration of the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, and trips to Valencia, Spain. More information on our field trip courses and study abroad.

Internships

Biology students are encouraged to seek out and participate in internships that relate to their aspirations as budding biological scientists.  The Biology Program offers advanced biology credit for students who have such an experience and arrange a BIOL 494 course with a faculty or staff member.  More information about the BIOL 494 can be found here.  

Finding an internship can be a challenge, but there are several resources available to help.  Students can always talk with their advisor about opportunities they are aware of.  The following resources for internship hunting are suggested as well:

Iowa State University Resources
Career Fairs
Career Services - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Career Services - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
CyHire

Research

As a major research university, there are plenty of opportunities for students to engage in research during their undergraduate studies. Learn more about research opportunities in biology at Iowa State

Teaching

Being a skilled communicator is among the most employable qualities, and teaching experiences help cultivate such skills.  More information about teaching opportunities.

Scholarships

Many scholarships are available to assist students in paying for college. Scholarships are available for new incoming freshman and transfer students, as well as currently enrolled or continuing students.  Learn more about scholarship opportunities.

University Honors Program

Biology students with outstanding academic records may want to consider applying for the Honors Program if they are not already participants.  Honors students get to register for classes earlier, enroll in honors sections of courses, have a higher credit limit each semester, and have access to additional opportunities within the program.  Check out the Honors Program website for more information.