Biology: Biomedical

NA On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Northern Iowa

Program Overview

The Biology: Biomedical, B.A. at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is designed for students preparing for medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, chiropractic, physical therapy, optometry, podiatry and other health-related professional programs. The 120-credit major combines biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics, mathematics and advanced biomedical coursework, while also providing preparation for graduate study in areas such as pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, physiology and cellular biology.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students build their scientific foundation through BIOL 2051 – General Biology: Organismal Diversity, BIOL 2052 – General Biology: Cell Structure and Function, and CHEM 1110/1120 – General Chemistry I and II. Mathematics and general education courses are taken alongside these subjects, establishing the biological and chemical knowledge needed for more advanced biomedical study.

Year 2:

Students progress into BIOL 3140 – Genetics and BIOL 3100 – Evolution, Ecology and the Nature of Science, while beginning CHEM 2210 – Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 2220 – Organic Chemistry II, followed by CHEM 2230 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory. This stage develops a stronger understanding of genetic processes, biological systems and the chemistry underlying health and life sciences.

Year 3:

The focus shifts toward human health and the physical sciences through BIOL 3101 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIOL 3102 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and PHYSICS 1511/1512 – General Physics I and II. These courses give students a deeper understanding of human structure, physiological function and physical principles relevant to biomedical and healthcare fields.

Year 4:

Students complete advanced Biomedical Emphasis electives at the 3000- and 4000-level, allowing them to tailor their studies to their professional interests. Available biology coursework includes areas such as Cancer and Emerging Infectious Diseases, General Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genomics, Genetic Technologies in Medicine, Immunology, Neurobiology, Virology and Biostatistics; students pursuing Honors Research can also complete BIOL 3190 – Undergraduate Research in Biology and BIOL 3191 – Senior Thesis.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical science, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, genomics, genetic technologies in medicine, cancer and infectious diseases, neurobiology, virology, developmental biology, biostatistics, chemistry and health-profession preparation.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop a strong foundation in biological and biomedical sciences, including human structure and function, genetics, cellular processes and disease-related biology, while building scientific reasoning, laboratory and research skills that support professional healthcare education and graduate study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Biology: Biomedical B.A. is structured specifically around preparation for professional health programs and includes many of the prerequisite courses commonly required by professional schools. UNI Biology is a member of the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions (NAAHP), giving the department access to resources that support students pursuing healthcare careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

UNI states that its Biology majors gain admission to medical school at rates seven times higher than the national average. The department also highlights partnerships with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Palmer Chiropractic School, Allen College and Des Moines University, supporting students interested in professional healthcare pathways.

UNI also reports that nearly half of Biology students participate in undergraduate research, with approximately half of Biology faculty journal publications including student coauthors, giving students opportunities to contribute to published research before graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology: Biomedical, B.A. at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) gives students substantial opportunities to apply biomedical concepts through laboratory work, faculty-mentored research, anatomy experiences and professional preparation. Students have access to specialized laboratory spaces and advanced equipment in McCollum Science Hall, while UNI’s Biology department also supports undergraduate research, internships and cooperative education. Nearly half of UNI Biology students participate in undergraduate research, and about half of Biology faculty journal publications include student coauthors.

Students can build practical and research skills through:

SynDaver anatomy laboratory: UNI is the first university in Iowa to use SynDavers, synthetic human cadavers, including Generation 3 SynDavers. These highly realistic models allow students in anatomy and physiology courses to study specific nerves, bones and muscles in detail.
Undergraduate research: BIOL 3190 – Undergraduate Research in Biology allows students to conduct research under the direct supervision of Biology faculty, based on a student research proposal and faculty agreement.
Honors research and senior thesis: Biomedical students selected for Honors Research complete four credits of BIOL 3190 – Undergraduate Research in Biology over at least two semesters and BIOL 3191 – Senior Thesis, giving them an extended faculty-guided research experience.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP): Biology students can participate in UNI's competitive 10-week SURP, where they work closely with a faculty mentor on research and receive compensation for their research work. Students present their projects as posters at the annual SURP Symposium.
Research publication opportunities: UNI reports that about half of Biology faculty journal publications include student coauthors, giving undergraduate researchers opportunities to contribute to published scientific work before graduation.
Cooperative education: BIOL 3179 – Cooperative Education provides an additional structured experiential-learning option and can be taken for 1–6 hours of credit.
Specialized biology laboratories: The Department of Biology in McCollum Science Hall contains dozens of specialized laboratory and instructional spaces equipped with advanced technology and equipment used for student learning and ongoing research.
Biomedical-focused coursework: Students gain practical exposure through courses including Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Cancer and Emerging Infectious Diseases, General Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genomics, Virology and Immunology.
Research facilities: The department's facilities include research-oriented spaces supporting biology research, while the UNI Biological Preserves provide an 88-acre complex of diverse habitats for biological study and engagement.
Faculty research: Students can work alongside Biology faculty on research spanning areas such as disease progression and other biological questions, gaining experience with scientific investigation and problem-solving.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology: Biomedical, B.A. at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is built as a pre-professional pathway for students pursuing medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, optometry, podiatry and other healthcare fields. UNI states that Biology majors gain admission to medical school at rates seven times higher than the national average, while the Biomedical major covers many or all prerequisite courses required by professional schools and provides dedicated advising throughout the process.

Typical career roles: Medical Researcher, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Genetic Counselor, Biomedical Research Assistant

Students can build their career and prepare for advanced study through:

Career and professional advising: Biomedical students receive dedicated advising to help them complete the prerequisite coursework required for their chosen professional school. UNI Biology is also a member of the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions (NAAHP), giving students access to additional health-profession advising resources.
Career services: UNI Career Services provides career planning and connects students with internships, field experiences, pre-professional employment and employers. UNI reports that 97% of 2025 graduates started a job, continued education or met their professional expectations within six months; the 2025 average starting salary was $57,056 across UNI graduates.
Healthcare partnerships: UNI Biology has established partnerships with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Palmer Chiropractic School, Allen College and Des Moines University, creating connections relevant to students pursuing professional healthcare education.
Research-to-career preparation: Nearly half of UNI Biology students participate in undergraduate research, working directly with professors on projects ranging from disease progression to other biological research. About half of Biology faculty journal publications include student coauthors, giving students opportunities to contribute to published research before graduation.
Professional networking: The UNI Pre-Medical Club provides professional networking, job-shadowing and employment opportunities and gives students access to admission staff from medical schools.
Graduation outcomes: UNI reports 97% first-destination success for the university's 2025 graduating class, with graduates entering employment, continuing education or meeting their professional expectations within six months. UNI also reports that more than 1,000 unique employers hire UNI graduates annually.
Long-term institutional value: UNI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), providing institutional accreditation for the university and its academic programs. The Biomedical B.A. itself is not presented by UNI as having a separate professional programmatic accreditation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A., students can progress into medical school, dental school, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic programs, physician assistant programs and other health-profession programs. Students interested in research can also pursue graduate study in areas such as biology, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, physiology, pathology or related fields; UNI itself offers an M.S. in Biology with research areas including anatomy and physiology and cell and molecular biology.