Degrees and Programs
The Biology Department has a broad, flexible curriculum. Courses focusing on human biology introduce scientific principles to non-science majors. If, however, you are a future biologist, you can enhance the core major with one or more optional concentrations: environmental biology, pre-health professions, or molecular biology.
We have one of the few cadaver labs in Iowa.
Future teachers can earn a teaching degree by majoring in Biology and Secondary Education.
Biology students in any program are eligible for election to Beta Beta Beta, the national honorary biology fraternity.
Read biology course descriptions here, or by downloading the St. Ambrose University Course Catalog.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology: 30 semester credits of biology, including BIOL 199, 200, 201, 300, 301, 303, 307, 348; CHEM 105, 106, 207, 209; MATH 151 or 171; STAT 213; one of the following: PHIL 207, 310, 311, THEO 110, or another course approved by the department.
Courses below are taken in addition to the major requirements, unless indicated otherwise.
Environmental Biology Concentration: BIOL 241 (also meets major requirement); BIOL 211 or 221 or 231; 310 or 321; 399, or 401 and 402; CHEM 333. Recommended: PHIL 311.
Molecular Biology Concentration: BIOL 211 (also meets major requirement), 330; BIOL 401 and 402, or CHEM 428 and 429; MATH 191; PHYS 203, 204 or PHYS 251, 253, 254; CHEM 208, 210, 319. Recommended: PHIL 207 or 310.
Biomedical Science Concentration (Pre-Health Professions): Eight hours from among the following: BIOL 202, 204, 211, 302, 304, 314, or 316; BIOL 399, or 401 and 402; CHEM 208 and 210, or 319; MATH 191; PHYS 203 and 204, or 251 and 253 and 254.
Concentration in Secondary Education: CHEM 110. Please consult the Education department for additional requirements.
Teaching Minor in Biology: 24 semester credits of biology including BIOL 103, 104, 348; at least two courses from BIOL 202, 211, 221, 231, 241; and enough 200- or higher-level electives in biology to complete the required 24 semester credits; CHEM 105; MATH 151.
Non-teaching minor in Biology: One course from each of the following categories: an introductory course: BIOL 101 or 199; an environmental biology course: BIOL 107, 109, 110, 310, or 321; and a human biology course: BIOL 106, 112, 115, or 202; with additional coursework to obtain a minimum of 15 credits in Biology.
