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Biology (B.A.)

Biology is a rapidly growing scientific field. At Grand View we promote a learning environment of discovery, curiosity, and exploration. We offer a competitive program for students pursuing careers in the health sciences, graduate school, or industry. We offer a diverse array of courses and have the distinction of offering students the unique experience of learning anatomy using human cadavers.

View full Biology Program Playlist - YouTube

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs, Certificates

Program Type:

Major, Minor

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

Program Catalog Visit Apply Contact

Why Grand View?

Diverse curriculum that satisfies the admission requirements for both health-science and graduate programs
Faculty will work with you to balance academics and athletics, when necessary
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
Pre-professional advising by biology faculty

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 major in Biology is designed to prepare students for careers and post-baccalaureate study requiring specialization in biology. While many Biology majors continue their education in graduate school, others find excellent vocational opportunities in private and governmental laboratories, in health-related sales, and in education. To properly prepare our students for such vocational diversity, the major requires foundational courses in biology, allows students sufficient opportunity to choose electives in biology, and requires and recommends support courses in other scientific disciplines. In order to tailor a program of student that meets an individual student’s specific needs and interests, the student is expected to work closely with a faculty advisor.

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

Course Requirements (41-44 credits plus 7 prerequisite credits)

Prerequisites for courses for the major:

CHEM 111	General Chemistry I	4 credits
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 360	Genetics	4 credits
BIOL 450	Senior Seminar	2 credits
CHEM 112	General Chemistry II	4 credits

Take two courses from the following, one of which must be a lab course:

BIOL 209	Environmental Science	3 credits
BIOL 225	Plant Biology	4 credits
BIOL 256	Microbiology	4 credits
BIOL 285	Biotechnology	3 credits

Take a minimum of eleven credits from the following, 8 credits of which must be lab courses:

BIOL 310	Field Ecology	4 credits
BIOL 325	Plant Physiology	4 credits
BIOL 335	Physiology	4 credits
BIOL 380	Cell Biology	4 credits
BIOL 392	Independent Study	1-4 credits
BIOL 399	Internship	3 credits
BIOL 411	Histology	3 credits
BIOL 415	Molecular Biology	4 credits
BIOL 420	Gross Anatomy	4 credits
BIOL 425	Reproductive and Developmental Biology	3 credits
BIOL 430	Special Topics	1-4 credits
BIOL 444	Immunology	3 credits
BIOL 499	Research in Biology	1-3 credits

Choose one course from the following:

CHEM 321	Organic Chemistry I	5 credits
CHEM 322	Organic Chemistry II	5 credits
MATH 122	Trigonometry	3 credits
STAT 241	Principles of Statistics	4 credits
STAT 261	Applied Statistics	3 credits
PHIL 325	Bioethics	3 credits
PHYS 131	General Physics I	4 credits
PHYS 132	General Physics II	4 credits

These courses will be counted in computing the 2.20 GPA for the major.

Biology Minor

This minor is designed for students who desire to obtain an in-depth and well-rounded knowledge of Biology - the science of life and living organisms.

In conjunction with the student's major, the minor prepares students for entry to graduate school or professional school programs, as well as for technical or research careers with governmental agencies or industry. Majors complemented by this minor would include but not be limited to other life and physical sciences, engineering, and business.

Course Requirements

Prerequisites for the minor:

MATH 121	College Algebra	3 credits
CHEM 111	General Chemistry I	4 credits

Requirements for the minor:

BIOL 101	General Biology I	4 credits
BIOL 102	General Biology II	4 credits
CHEM 112	General Chemistry II	4 credits

Select three additional courses with at least two being at the 300 or 400 level, and two being laboratory courses:

BIOL 209	Environmental Science	3 credits
BIOL 225	Plant Biology	4 credits
BIOL 256	Microbiology	4 credits
BIOL 285	Biotechnology	3 credits
BIOL 310	Field Ecology	4 credits
BIOL 325	Plant Physiology	4 credits
BIOL 330	Reproductive / Developmental Biology	3 credits
BIOL 335	Physiology	4 credits
BIOL 360	Genetics	4 credits
BIOL 380	Cell Biology	4 credits
BIOL 410	Histology	4 credits
BIOL 415	Molecular Biology	4 credits
BIOL 420	Gross Anatomy	4 credits
BIOL 444	Immunology	3 credits

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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.