BS Biology in Cell and Developmental Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Iowa State University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biology – Cell and Developmental Biology track at Iowa State University provides a broad foundation in biological sciences while allowing students to tailor their studies toward cell biology and developmental biology, with strong preparation for biotechnology, medicine, graduate study and other life-science careers. The program combines core biology with advanced coursework such as genetics, molecular cell biology, developmental biology and cell biology, supported by opportunities for undergraduate research and other experiential learning.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build their biological foundation through BIOL 2110 Principles of Biology I, BIOL 2110L Principles of Biology Laboratory I, and BIOL 2120 Principles of Biology II with laboratory work, alongside introductory chemistry, mathematics and communication courses. BIOL 1100 Introduction to Biology and BIOL 1110 Opportunities in Biology introduce students to the discipline and potential career directions.

Second Year: Students move into more specialized biological concepts through BIOL 3130 Principles of Genetics, BIOL 3130L Genetics Laboratory, and BIOL 3140 Principles of Molecular Cell Biology. Chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics/statistics and advanced biology coursework complement this progression and establish the molecular and genetic foundation needed for later cell and developmental biology study.

Third Year: The curriculum expands into BIOL 3120 Ecology and BIOL 3150 Biological Evolution, while students begin selecting advanced biology courses and complete physics. For students focusing on cellular and molecular biology, Iowa State recommends advanced courses including BIOL 4230 Developmental Biology, BIOL 4230L Developmental Biology Laboratory, and BIOL 4280 Cell Biology.

Fourth Year: Students complete additional advanced biology courses, including laboratory or field-based options, while refining their area of interest through electives and advanced study. The cellular and molecular pathway can incorporate subjects such as BIOL 3220 Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, BIOL 3280 Molecular and Cellular Biology of Human Disease, BIOL 4230 Developmental Biology, and BIOL 4280 Cell Biology, depending on the student's selected coursework.

Focus areas: Cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, human health, biotechnology, bioinformatics, neuroscience, ecology and evolution.

Learning outcomes: Understand biological principles and processes; apply scientific reasoning and evidence; analyze biological information; develop laboratory and research skills; communicate scientific findings; and use biological knowledge to address questions in areas such as health, biotechnology and the environment.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Program-specific professional accreditation is not stated on Iowa State University's official Biology B.S. pages. The program is jointly offered by the Departments of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology and Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

Reputation (employability rankings): Biological Sciences was ranked tied 44th among U.S. public universities and tied 80th overall in the 2023 U.S. News graduate-program rankings reported by Iowa State University. Separately, Iowa State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ranked No. 7 globally among 475 institutions in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Agriculture & Forestry, placing it in the top 4% worldwide; this is a college-level ranking rather than a specific ranking of the Biology B.S.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the B.S. in Biology – Cell and Developmental Biology track at Iowa State University can build practical skills through laboratory courses, faculty-led research and hands-on experiences in cellular, molecular and developmental biology. The University’s Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology (GDCB) gives undergraduates opportunities to work directly in research laboratories alongside faculty and graduate students, using professional research equipment and techniques. The cellular and molecular specialization specifically recommends Genetics Laboratory, Developmental Biology Laboratory, Techniques in Biochemical Research, Bioinformatic Analysis, and Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques, creating a strong laboratory and research-focused pathway.

Program-specific experiential opportunities include:

Undergraduate Research: Students can join biology research laboratories and earn academic credit through BIOL 2990 for introductory research or BIOL 4990 for more independent research; projects may involve laboratory or field research and require a final written, oral or poster presentation.
Cell & Developmental Research: The GDCB department conducts research in cellular biology, development and genome dynamics, providing opportunities to engage with research closely aligned with the track.
Developmental Biology Laboratory: BIOL 4230L – Developmental Biology Laboratory provides hands-on developmental biology training and is specifically recommended within the cellular and molecular pathway.
Molecular Biology Techniques: GDCB 5420 – Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques is a laboratory course that develops practical molecular-biology skills relevant to research.
Bioinformatics: BIOL 3220 – Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and BIOL 4440 – Bioinformatic Analysis allow students to incorporate computational approaches into their biological training.
Biochemical Research: BBMB 4110 – Techniques in Biochemical Research provides laboratory-based training in biochemical research methods.
Research Facilities: GDCB faculty conduct research across multiple facilities, giving students opportunities to participate in research involving cellular, developmental and molecular biology.
Research Techniques: Iowa State highlights undergraduate experiences involving techniques such as immunocytochemistry and cell culturing, with students working alongside researchers in faculty laboratories.
Internships: The cellular and molecular pathway recommends students pursue a related internship experience or independent study as part of their experiential learning.
Field Trips & Study Abroad: The Biology Program offers study-abroad field trips and international field experiences as additional experiential-learning opportunities.
Research Presentation: Students are encouraged to present research at local, regional and national conferences, developing scientific communication and professional networking skills.
Research Community: The Biology Program draws on 50+ biology faculty members across EEOB and GDCB, most of whom have research laboratories, giving undergraduates a broad range of potential research mentors.
Student Organizations: Students can complement laboratory learning through organizations such as the Biological Sciences Club, which features regular faculty speakers on life-science topics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biology with a Cellular and Molecular focus at Iowa State University gives students a strong foundation in genetics, developmental biology, cell biology, microbiology and related biological sciences. The program prepares graduates for laboratory and research employment while also providing a flexible foundation for graduate and professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, biotechnology and other health-related fields.

Career roles: Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Biotechnology Professional, Biological Scientist.
Career services: Iowa State's LAS Career Services supports students with résumé and CV preparation, cover letters, job and internship searches, interview preparation and job-offer evaluation; students can also use CyHire for full-time and internship opportunities.
Career fairs: Biology students can access the People to People Career Fair, Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Day, and Business, Industry and Technology Career Fair, providing opportunities to connect with employers.
Employment data: Iowa State's LAS Career Outcomes Database reports Biology graduates entering roles including Wildlife Monitoring Technician, Laboratory-related positions, Medical Assistant and other employment pathways, as well as continuing into graduate and professional programs.
Salary information: Iowa State publishes university-wide earnings information showing median annual earnings of $63,386 ten years after entering Iowa State for former students who received federal financial aid; this is university-wide data rather than a Biology-specific salary figure.
Industry connections: Iowa State's Biology and Genetics programs identify biotechnology, healthcare, food industries and research laboratories as employment areas, with Genetics alumni reported at organizations including Corteva Biosciences, Neogen Genomics, Integrated DNA Technologies, NewLink Genetics, Calyxt and Orion Genomics.
Research opportunities: Iowa State describes itself as a major research center in the biological sciences, with undergraduate students able to participate in innovative research projects and work with faculty conducting biological research.
Internships: Biology students are encouraged to pursue relevant internships, and qualifying experiences can be connected to advanced biology credit through BIOL 494.
Accreditation value: A specific professional accreditation for the undergraduate Biology major is not stated on the official Iowa State Biology program pages reviewed; therefore, no additional program-specific accreditation should be assumed.
Graduation outcomes: Recent Iowa State Biology graduates have progressed into employment, graduate study and professional programs including biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and teaching.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into graduate study in biology, molecular/cellular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences and related fields. The degree also provides preparation for professional programs such as medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy and veterinary medicine, with Iowa State's Biology program specifically designed to support graduate and professional-school pathways.