Majors and Minors
The Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology (GDCB) considers undergraduate education to be a cornerstone of the university, and is a major participant in the development and offering of four world-class interdepartmental undergraduate majors: biology, genetics, integrated health sciences, and bioinformatics and computational biology. Please visit GDCB teaching excellence to learn more about GDCB faculty involvement in the department's teaching mission. See information below to learn more about each undergraduate major.
Interdepartmental Undergraduate Majors and Minors
Biology
Iowa State University is great place to study biology. With over 200 faculty who are biologists, biology students have the opportunity to learn from research and educational leaders in all fields of the biological sciences. To complement the outstanding biology academic program, students are also encouraged to become involved in biology through a number of activities, including the BEST learning community, international field trips, attending summer biological field stations to take courses or do research, doing research with faculty members on campus, or joining student clubs.
GDCB and Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (EEOB) offer the Biology major.
Genetics
Iowa State University has a long history of world-class research and education in genetics, making it one of the premier institutions for students to study genetics. Genetics is the scientific study of heredity, the understanding of which is fundamental to all the biological sciences. The interdepartmental Genetics program offers a full range of instruction in all aspects of the genetics, from the molecular genetics of microorganisms to population genetics.
GDCB is one of three departments, along with EEOB and Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB), to offer the undergraduate Genetics major.
Integrated Health Sciences
Iowa State's new Bachelor of Science degree in integrated health sciences prepares students for futures in health care. Students study health and wellness from all angles, completing core coursework in life sciences, behavior and social sciences, data sciences, health studies, and the humanities. Students also choose from one of five specialized focus areas to pursue their unique interests in health:
- Science of health and disease
- Human health and nutrition
- Data science and health studies
- Public policy, ethics, communications, and human health
- Behavioral and mental health studies
This major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health care's real-world complexities.
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Demand for individuals trained in bioinformatics and computational biology has exploded in recent years as huge amounts of data have been created through the advances of genome sequencing. Iowa State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences now offers a B.S. program in bioinformatics and computational biology (BCBio) that will prepare students for careers at the interfaces of biological, informational and computational sciences.
GDCB is one of three departments, along with Computer Science and Mathematics, offering this undergraduate major in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCBio).
Preparing for Medical or Other Professional Schools?
Our program is a great option if you're considering pre-med, veterinary, or other professional schools. Many GDCB graduates move on to begin remarkable medical careers! Check out our Career Planning page for more information on career outlooks and GDCB alums.