Biology

Play a Role in Changing the World

We face enormous global problems — and expanding opportunities — especially in the areas of social, medical and environmental issues. Biologists have an important role to play, individually and as team members. Discover the many ways you, as a Central biology major, can make a positive impact on the future of humankind and our planet. At Central, we'll help prepare you for an extraordinary life of professional achievement and personal satisfaction.

Make Valuable Professional Connections

You’ll have countless opportunities to learn and meet leaders in the health field through the Heartland Global Health Consortium. Central is a founding member of the consortium, which consists of 10 Iowa-based institutions, collaborating on educational and research opportunities in global health.

Take Advantage of Rare Research Opportunities

You’ll conduct hands-on research with Central faculty members and others to gain early and significant experience in all levels of research, from hypothesis building to data analysis and communicating results at scientific meetings.

During summer breaks, the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research supports collaborative research projects with faculty and alumni, including topics like the impact of drought on prairie plants and the distribution of the endangered Indiana bat.

It’s experiences like these that take your college career to the next level — and get the attention of employers and graduate schools.

Learn in Nationally Recognized Facilities

Feel confident you are immersed in a progressive community. Central’s Vermeer Science Center was awarded the silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the United States Green Building Council, the first LEED-rated building in the state. Students have direct access to classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and presentation technology. Additionally, several parks and wildlife areas are within 10 minutes of campus, including Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake.

Off-Campus Experiences

Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.

Biology majors also have the chance to explore the tropic ecology of Central America with Central faculty.