Research

Research

microscope reviewing a slide

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 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 Awards

Students may apply for the LAS Dean's High Impact Award for undergraduate research. 

https://las.iastate.edu/research/las-undergraduate-research/

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.  

Additional Opportunities

Teaching Opportunities

Students 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.