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Program Options
Degree, Certificate or Diploma
Locations
Program Information
Looking to begin the road to the biological science field? The best place to start is Iowa Western, where the Biological Sciences study program can prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution.
You’ll acquire knowledge in natural and physical sciences in a very intimate classroom setting. The one-on-one interaction between instructors and students makes this program very attractive. There are a variety of class offerings and times, so you can pick the one that best fits your hectic schedule.
There are opportunities for class trips to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and wildlife refuges. There also are opportunities to gain experience from visits to Creighton University’s cadaver lab.
Job Outlook
This program is designed for students intending to transfer to a four-year institution upon completion.
What will you do
This program is designed for students intending to transfer on to a four-year institution upon completion of this two-year degree. Many biological scientists work in research and development, conducting basic research to increase our knowledge of living organisms, including animals, plants, and bacteria. Other biologists work in applied research, where they are responsible for developing new medicines, increasing crop yields, and improving our environment. In general, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is necessary to find employment. Advanced degrees such as a master’s degree or Ph.D are necessary to be considered for certain research positions.
Wages
- This program is designed for students intending to transfer to a four-year institution upon completion.
High school biology or BIO 105 Introduction to Biology, High school chemistry or CHM 122 Introduction to Chemistry | ||||
Recommended Course Sequence | ||||
First Semester | ||||
| ENG 105 - Composition I | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| BIO 112 - General Biology I 1 | 4.0 Credit(s) | |||
| MAT 121 - College Algebra | 4.0 Credit(s) | |||
| PHI 105 - Introduction to Ethics | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 14.0 Credits | ||||
Second Semester | ||||
| ENG 106 - Composition II | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| BIO 113 - General Biology II 1 | 4.0 Credit(s) | |||
| PSY 121 - Developmental Psychology | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| MAT 130 - Trigonometry | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 16.0 Credits | ||||
Third Semester | ||||
| SPC 112 - Public Speaking | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| CHM 166 - General Chemistry I 1 | 5.0 Credit(s) | |||
| ENV 111 - Environmental Science | 4.0 Credit(s) | |||
| MAT 211 - Calculus I 1 | 5.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 17.0 Credits | ||||
Fourth Semester | ||||
| ANT 105 - Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| BIO 186 - Microbiology 1 | 4.0 Credit(s) | |||
| CHM 176 - General Chemistry II 1 | 5.0 Credit(s) | |||
| PSY 241 - Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 15.0 Credits | ||||
Total Semester Hours Required: 62.0 | ||||
Notes:1Required courses for the program 2One elective must also satisfy the diversity requirement. | ||||
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Program Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the program students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of chemistry and the physiological properties of cells.
- Practice the principles of genetics and evolution.
- Analyze the relationship of classification and organization of living things.
- Demonstrate competency in the scientific laboratory.
- Explain how organisms maintain homeostasis.
Program Disclaimers
- Because career opportunities associated with this degree are so varied, salaries vary considerably as well. To explore careers and gather specific salary information, we encourage you to visit the following website: IHaveaPlanIowa