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Biology (B.S.)

Biology (Pre-Medical/Dental; Pre-Physician Assistant; Pre-Veterinary Medicine) Major

Biology is a rapidly growing scientific field. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Grand View University is intended for students interested in post-graduate studies in the allied health field. This program is designed to help students meet the admission requirements for medical, dental, physician assistant, podiatry and veterinary medicine school.

Students engaged in this program will be placed on an academic pathway that prepares them for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and others, such as the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).

Grand View's survey of recent Biology graduates shows acceptance rates to allied health graduate programs that exceed national acceptance rates:

Allied Health Program	National Acceptance Rate	Grand View Graduate Acceptance Rate
Medical School	41%	67%
Veterinary School	10%	100%
Physician Assistant School	32%	50%
Podiatry School	67%	100%
Physical Therapy School	32%	67%
Optometry School	74%	100%
Chiropractic School	N/A	100%
Dental School	6.1%	100%

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs, Pre-Professional Prep

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

Program Catalog Visit Apply Contact

View full Biology Program Playlist - YouTube

Why Grand View?

Diverse curriculum that satisfies the admission requirements for medical school and dental school
Faculty will work with you to balance academics and athletics, when necessary
We maintain a close connection with Des Moines University - a popular choice for students after Grand View
Specialty classes such as immunology, histology, and embryology
Gross anatomy with human cadaver dissections
Research opportunities, with access to state of the art research equipment
Expert advising for pre-medical/pre-dental students
A vocational seminar that helps students get into medical and dental school

Student Testimonial

Jori Avery

“Jori always takes the time to listen to my concerns and help develop a plan of action. She is knowledgeable and loves to share her wisdom. She was recently a student herself so she relates well to students here at GVU.” - Allyssa Angle

Program Details

The B.S. in Biology is designed for students seeking entry into a post-baccalaureate program focused on allied health including medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary medicine. Admission to these programs requires a broad foundation in the biological sciences and specialization in upper-level courses. Students complete courses that satisfy the requirements for the B.S. in Biology, satisfy the minimum requirements for entry to graduate schools and provide background to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Students are prepared for their advanced degree program applications with course-based informational sessions and one-on-one mentoring. The goal is to help the student prepare application materials, reflect upon their own individual vocation pathway in allied health, and practice interview skills. In addition, students will master advanced concepts and abilities to improve performance upon entry into such programs. To tailor a program of study that meets an individual student’s choice in post-baccalaureate program, the student is expected to work closely with a faculty advisor.

Graduates with a B.S. in Biology can also seek employment in various biology-related fields, such as technical, clinical and laboratorybased environments as a research technician or technologist, including within the field of medicine. Students in this program select from one of three pathways, but no more than one pathway.

Transfer credit for Biology courses must be taken within the last 10 years.

Course Requirements (53-68 credits, plus 3 prerequisite credits)

Prerequisite courses for the major:

MATH 121

College Algebra

3 credits

Requirements for the major:

BIOL 101	General Biology I	4 credits
BIOL 102	General Biology II	4 credits
BIOL 150	Careers in Biology	1 credit
BIOL 250	Journal Club	1 credit
BIOL 251	Pre-Medical/Dental Seminar	1 credit
BIOL 252	Pre-Medical/Dental Seminar	1 credit
BIOL 256	Microbiology	4 credits
BIOL 335	Physiology	4 credits
BIOL 360	Genetics	4 credits
BIOL 420	Gross Anatomy	4 credits
BIOL 450	Senior Seminar	2 credits
CHEM 111	General Chemistry I	4 credits
CHEM 112	General Chemistry II	4 credits
CHEM 321	Organic Chemistry I	5 credits
CHEM 351	Biochemistry	3 credits
STAT 241 or STAT 261	Principals of Statistics or Applied Statistics	4 credits or 3 credits

Take two courses from the following:

BIOL 140	Introduction to Nutrition	3 credits
BIOL 380	Cell Biology	4 credits
BIOL 411	Histology	3 credits
BIOL415	Molecular Biology	4 credits
BIOL 425	Reproductive and Developmental Biology	3 credits
BIOL 444	Immunology	3 credits
BIOL 499	Research in Biology	1-3 credits

Select a Pre-Professional Pathway

Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Pathway

PHYS 131 or PHYS 241	General Physics I or Classical Physics I	4 credits or 5 credits
PHYS 132 or PHYS 242	General Physics II or Classical Physics II	4 credits or 5 credits

Pre-Physician Assistant Pathway

No additional courses are needed!

Pre-Veterinary Medicine Pathway

PHYS 131 or
PHYS 241

General Physics I or
Classical Physics I

4 credits or
5 credits

ELINGS HALL VIRTUAL TOUR

Launch Elings Hall

STEM Honors Scholarship

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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JOBS ARE ON THE RISE

Many biological science specializations are on the rise, due to concerns ranging from health care to climate change. As communication and transportation advances bring the world's people closer together, the scientific community has expanded its efforts to deal with life-threatening diseases. Therefore, many new biology majors study genetics, immunology and endocrinology.

As humans live longer and remain physically active through more of their lives, biology majors can help meet the increased demand for qualified researchers and physicians.

RELEVANT RESEARCH AT GV

Grand View biology students receive academic training with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences, including opportunities to participate in undergraduate research projects.

The actual use of laboratory equipment and the completion of research projects provide students with meaningful and real-life experiences that enhance their future success.