Experiential Learning
Research Experience
Students often begin to work in research labs as early as the second semester of the freshmen year. Overall, about 80% of graduates obtain experience during their undergraduate career. These are some of the paths to obtaining research experience:
Freshmen research opportunity in gene editing
Any interested Genetics student may sign up for BIOL 423L (Developmental Biology Lab) taught in Spring semesters. This lab is overseen by Dr. Jeff Essner and involves gene-editing in zebrafish using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Students learn some bioinformatics, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA and RNA isolation, fluorescence microscopy and more. The lab gives 1 credit in the Advanced Science area (6 credit area). Taken as a freshman, it teaches skills that can be very useful in obtaining further research opportunities both on and off campus.
Freshmen Honors Research Projects
Freshman Honors students have the opportunity to participate in research for HON 290 credit. Many students continue to work in the lab in which they did their HON 290 coursework. Honors students are required to complete a capstone project before graduation.
College Research Scholarships
Some scholarships such as the Dean's Leadership Scholarship offered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences require a research component.
BCBIO 490 and 491 Research Credit
Students are encouraged to ask their faculty advisors and instructors about openings in their laboratories.
Students may earn BCBIO 490 credit for research work; typically 1 credit hour is awarded for 3 hours of lab work per week. Students generally earn 1-3 credits per semester.
Teaching Opportunities
Student who have performed well in coursework are sought after by departments to be Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders and Tutors. Genetics students often choose to be SI leaders for CHEM courses as a great way to review material before taking the MCAT exam. SI Leaders and Tutors are paid positions. Peer mentors also hold study sessions and reviews for the freshmen students.
Leadership Opportunities
Iowa State University has over 600 student organizations, all looking for participants and officers. Students also hold leadership positions in the Department of Residence, as Ambassadors for Colleges, as Cyclone Aides, and as Destination Iowa State Leaders.
Study Abroad Opportunities
There are numerous possibilities for study abroad. BCBIO majors who plan to take a semester or entire year studying abroad should plan ahead and work carefully with their academic advisor to be sure that courses will meet requirements here.