Biotechnology

Agricultural and Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computer Science Kinesiology and Health Biosystems Engineering and Molecular Biology Electrical and Computer Mathematics Agricultural Business and Biology Engineering Microbiology Economics Biomedical Sciences Entomology Philosophy and Religious Studies Agricultural Education and Studies Chemical and Biological Food Science and Human Physics and Astronomy Agronomy Engineering Nutrition Political Science Animal Ecology Chemistry Forestry Statistics Animal Science Civil, Construction, and Genetics Environmental Engineering Horticulture

Iowa State University has more than 100 majors that provide virtually unlimited academic opportunities. In this brochure you’ll find information about your specific area of interest and a family of related majors that you may want to explore during your adventure here at Iowa State. Please use the contact information listed inside and let us help you discover your passions, unlock your potential, and enjoy the adventure.

Preparing for a biotechnology career Working with the best faculty Working in the best facilities An Iowa State undergraduate degree with a More than 300 faculty members at Iowa Iowa State’s 235 general classrooms and 500 biotechnology emphasis is a solid foundation State University are involved in some teaching laboratories are among the best in the on which to build a career. If you decide to aspect of biotechnology teaching and world. The university’s information technology enter the workplace after earning your Iowa research. Their academic homes are in services have permanently equipped more State degree, you’ll find that an emphasis in the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, than 130 general classrooms to display output biotechnology attracts employers in industry, Engineering, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts from computers, videos, laser discs, and docu- government, and public health. You might be and Sciences, or Veterinary Medicine. ment cameras, as well as traditional media. part of a team researching and developing new In the classroom, Iowa State’s biotechnology Computer labs and wireless networking are and beneficial industrial products. You may faculty provide quality teaching supported by available to students throughout the campus. help find a cure for a devastating disease. the latest in instructional technology. You will A distributed computing environment will You could work to modify the genetic code learn from internationally recognized experts provide you with electronic mail and other of plants or animals to improve crop varieties who are skilled in helping students like you Internet services. and livestock breeds. You might work in a achieve their academic goals. Many academic In addition to hands-on experience in forensics laboratory to help solve crimes. Or departments sponsor student clubs where you well-equipped teaching laboratories, you can you might provide the scientific or ethi- can enjoy academic, career, and social opportu- learn how to operate state-of-the-art scientific cal expertise that government agencies and nities with other students and faculty who share instruments in more than a dozen instrumenta- legislative bodies need to help them guide the your interests. tion facilities. You’ll access the latest equipment direction of biotechnology research. available for research in cells, proteins, nucleic In the laboratory, you can obtain practical, acids, fermentation, microscopy, image analysis, Selecting the academic department for you hands-on experience to build your scientific nuclear magnetic resonance, animal gene transfer, When you choose to prepare for a biotechnology- expertise, increase your value to prospective and plant transformation. Many of the instru- related career at Iowa State, you have many employers, and help finance your education. mentation facilities that support biotechnology options. does not have Many biotechnology faculty welcome under- research offer free instruction to students. a major called biotechnology because many graduate students as members of their different kinds of careers involve biotechnol- interdisciplinary research teams. Paid ogy. Instead, you will select a major within an positions are available year-round. academic department, and then structure your degree program to emphasize biotechnology. Your major is the specialized area in which you will apply your biotechnology training. Making your career choice Iowa State University departments and programs that have undergraduate majors relating to biotechnology are listed below. For more information, please contact the department or program, or phone the Iowa State Office of Admissions at 800 262-3810.

Agricultural and Biosystems One of the options available to agricultural processing, bioreactor design, product separation, Engineering engineering majors is biosystems engineering. and bacterial treatment of agricultural and indus- Students in biosystems engineering learn how trial products. Improving the quality of surface and Department of Agricultural and to integrate the biological and physical sciences groundwater by chemical and biological treatment Biosystems Engineering with engineering science and design. Graduates has created new challenges. Agricultural engineers 102 Davidson Hall may work for companies involved with biofuels, trained in biosystems are needed for biological Ames, Iowa 50011 biotechnology, bioprocessing, bioenvironmental product research and development, processing Phone: 515 294-1434 engineering, food engineering, and related areas. and production operations, plant management, www.abe.iastate.edu There are opportunities for agricultural and and systems design. biosystems engineers who design systems for Students who choose the biosystems option take biological and chemical processing and production courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and of biomaterials. The expanding bioeconomy is cre- microbiology. They also are trained in engineering ating opportunities for agricultural and biosystems design and analysis focusing on living systems. engineers in biofuels and biorenewables. Career opportunities are in the areas of enzyme

Agricultural Business and Students who major in either agricultural busi- The Department of Economics offers a B.S. Economics ness or economics learn how to evaluate the degree program in agricultural business through business and economic aspects of biotechnology the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Department of Economics alternatives and issues from the perspectives a B.S. degree program in economics through the Undergraduate Programs Office of consumers, business firms, and governmen- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The mis- 174 Heady Hall tal agencies. Students also learn how to assess sion of the department is to provide high-quality Ames, Iowa 50011 market impacts of biotechnology alternatives and research, educational, extension, and interna- Phone: 515 294-5436 related policies, including such things as prices, tional programs in economics and agricultural E-mail: [email protected] costs, and benefits. This knowledge is useful in economics. Graduates pursue a wide variety of www.econ.iastate.edu developing business strategies and in formulating careers in private industry, business, government, governmental policies involving biotechnology. research organizations, or self-employment.

Agricultural Education Technology, agriculture, and a desire to help oth- a variety of careers in teaching, agribusiness, and Studies ers learn combine to make agricultural education extension, and other government agencies. a great career path. The agricultural education profession rates Department of Agricultural Education Students in agricultural education learn how Iowa State’s agricultural education and studies and Studies to teach and enhance learning about the latest department as one of the top departments of its 201 Curtiss Hall technologies in agriculture, including biotechnology, kind in the nation. Usually, more than 90 percent Ames, Iowa 50011 bioethics, global positioning, environmental sci- of the department’s students are employed by the Phone: 515 294-5872 ence, food technology, horticulture, and produc- time of graduation, and 98 percent are employed www.ageds.iastate.edu tion agriculture. Graduates are prepared for by six weeks after graduation.

Agronomy Agronomy applies biotechnology techniques to Students in agronomy have the opportunity to improve the products that we get from plants. work directly with research projects on campus These developments are improving the health and in the field. For example, agronomy students Department of Agronomy value of food, creating new biorenewable prod- have been involved with research that is using 1126 Agronomy Hall ucts, and protecting the food supply around the nanotechnology to insert genes, mapping the corn Ames, Iowa 50011 world. Through advancements in plant breeding, genome, and breeding low linolenic oil from soy- Phone: 515 294-3273 genetics, and other methods of biotechnology, beans. The agronomy department offers paid jobs E-mail: [email protected] agronomists are at the center of biotechnology that are flexible with your class schedule and are www.ImAnAgronomist.net and the bioeconomy. hands-on work experiences for your area of interest. Animal Ecology Animal ecology is one of two curricula in the Animal ecology provides options for students Department of Natural Resource Ecology and to specialize in wildlife, fisheries and aquatic Management that offer unique career opportunities science, or preveterinary and wildlife care studies. Department of Natural Resource for students interested in biotechnology (also see Graduates from these programs develop careers in Ecology and Management forestry). Animal ecology focuses on the relation- management of fish or wildlife, law enforcement, 339 Science II ships of animals with their environment, both liv- veterinary medicine, and conservation biology, Ames, Iowa 50011 ing and non-living components, in settings ranging among others. Developing both the knowledge Phone: 515 294-6148 from little human impact to human-dominated base in animal ecology and the biotechnology www.nrem.iastate.edu landscapes. Biotechnology plays a central role skills used to solve some important problems in many aspects of animal ecology, such as fish/ facing wild species today is an attractive combina- wildlife forensics at the domestic and interna- tion to potential employers. Qualified students are tional level, identifying and controlling emergent encouraged to participate in the Honors Program, diseases in fish and wildlife, managing for genetic which provides one of the best ways to individual- diversity in species of conservation concern, and ize their program of course work to achieve the determining taxonomic status as a basis for con- particular emphasis on biotechnology aspects of servation policy. animal ecology that they desire.

Animal Science Animal scientists provide services related to animal animal nutrition have laboratory-based programs production and animal products. Students in the that offer undergraduates biotechnology research animal science department learn how to provide experience. Specific areas of research include, Department of Animal Science services that are economical and consistent with but are not limited to, the molecular analysis 119 Kildee Hall consumer needs, animal well-being, resource con- of genes and gene products of biological and Ames, Iowa 50011 servation, and environmental protection. A degree economic importance in livestock, such as gene Phone: 515 294-3161 in animal science or dairy science also can prepare expression, gene function, gene mapping, pro- E-mail: [email protected] students for admission to professional schools, tein expression and function; the development of www.ans.iastate.edu such as veterinary medicine. biological and physiological methods to analyze For the animal science major interested in muscle; the study of nutritional modification to biotechnology, faculty members in animal breeding improve nutrient utilization; and the development and genetics, physiology of reproduction, muscle and use of gene transfer methods to improve live- biology, nutritional physiology, meat science, and stock characteristics.

Biochemistry, Biophysics, and The Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and opportunities for individual undergraduate research Molecular Biology Molecular Biology offers B.S. majors in biochemis- projects integrated into the professional research try, agricultural biochemistry, and biophysics, all programs of our faculty members. Training in Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, of which are appropriate to careers in biotech- these majors provides fundamental knowledge and Molecular Biology nological sciences. The three programs focus and experience that allow our graduates to function 1210 Molecular Biology Building on the explanations of life processes in terms of as scientific staff in the biotechnology industry Ames, Iowa 50011 fundamental chemical and physical principles. and to advance to graduate-level training leading Phone: 515 294-6116 The curricula include in-depth quantitative study to research director positions in biotechnology. E-mail: [email protected] in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, in addi- Some of the relevant biotechnology areas are www.bbmb.iastate.edu tion to biological sciences with special emphasis pharmaceuticals, plant genetic engineering, on the molecular level. Advanced, state-of-the-art animal health, and human medical research. laboratory training in biochemistry and molecular biology is a featured aspect of the majors, including

Biology Biology is the study of all aspects of life on this Undergraduate biology majors are encouraged planet. Biologists will learn about plants and ani- to work in some of the more than 200 biological mals, ecology and molecular biology, genetics and sciences laboratories on campus, to study at a Biology Program physiology, and biotechnology and evolution. marine research station, to take courses at the 103 Bessey Hall The biology program at Iowa State University Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, or to study the ecology Ames, Iowa 50011 provides a broad education in all aspects of modern of a foreign land. Biology majors are ideally Phone: 515 294-1064 biology. It also can serve as a basis for students suited for further graduate and professional E-mail: [email protected] interested in more specific areas like animal ecol- training; employment in health, agricultural, www.biology.iastate.edu ogy, biochemistry, botany, entomology, genetics, biotechnology, or environmental professions; microbiology, or zoology. and work in education. Biomedical Sciences The Department of Biomedical Sciences at Iowa biomedical sciences with option of focus on four State University studies anatomy, histology, specialties. These specialties are cell biology, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, and physiology, physiology and pharmacology, and Department of Biomedical Sciences pharmacology. It is a foundation subject that anatomy. DVM and graduate students conduct 2008 Veterinary Medicine includes the study of normal functions of mam- research in the areas of faculty specialties that Ames, Iowa 50011 malian animals. The department teaches under- include neuroscience, neurotoxicology, parasite Phone: 515 294-2440 graduate students who use the subject for furthering biology, and pharmacology. Graduate students of E-mail: [email protected] preprofessional and paraprofessional studies. the DVM program go into a wide range of careers, www.vetmed.iastate.edu/bms The department also teaches doctor of veterinary including veterinary practice. Graduate students medicine (DVM) students in the first three years frequently enter careers in research and teaching of their program. The graduate students study at other universities.

Chemical and Biological Chemical engineering is the study of the use of move into biotechnology. Chemical engineering Engineering chemical methods to make new materials, including students often take courses in biochemistry, micro- bulk chemicals and fuels, pharmaceuticals, biology, genetics, and food science, and nearly half Department of Chemical and construction materials, foodstuffs, synthetic tex- ultimately work in the biotechnology industry. Many Biological Engineering tiles, plastics, and advanced materials. Chemical graduate students and undergraduates also conduct 2114 Sweeney Hall engineers are skilled in chemistry, mathematics, and research within the department on biological topics Ames, Iowa 50011 physics, as well as in engineering subjects such as such as plant metabolic engineering, protein separa- Phone: 515 294-7643 fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, separations tions, secondary metabolite production, enzyme E-mail: [email protected] of chemical components, thermodynamics, reactor mutagenesis, modeling of enzyme structure and www.cbe.iastate.edu engineering, process control, and plant design. function, biorenewables, phytoremediation, drug Because chemical engineers have a thorough delivery, and biocompatible polymers. knowledge of chemistry, it is common for them to

Chemistry Chemistry is the study of the composition, struc- pharmaceutical chemist, forensic scientist, science ture, properties, and interactions of chemicals. writer, technical salesperson, product develop- Because chemicals are the basis of life, chemists ment chemist, or research worker. Opportunities Department of Chemistry study a wide range of topics. Some are intrigued exist for students to perform research with world- 1608 Gilman Hall by environmental problems such as global warming, renowned chemists. Many Iowa State chemistry Ames, Iowa 50011 ozone depletion, or acid rain. Some chemists work graduates are professors at noted universities and Phone: 515 294-6352 with other researchers to seek cures for diseases. colleges, researchers in well-known industrial E-mail: [email protected] Other chemists enjoy synthesizing laboratories, or leaders in world business and www.chem.iastate.edu new materials. Emerging areas include nanotech- commerce. Undergraduate chemistry majors nology and microanalytical instrumentation. may continue in graduate school or professional A chemistry degree from Iowa State can qualify studies related to biotechnology. you for a career as an environmental chemist,

Civil, Construction, and One of the options available to civil engineering ing find work in state and federal government, Environmental Engineering majors is environmental engineering. In the field such as the Environmental Protection Agency, of environmental engineering, students can be consulting companies, and national laboratories. Department of Civil, Construction, involved in environmental biotechnology, which Some of the work in which students are involved and Environmental Engineering is the multidisciplinary integration of sciences includes studying the fate and transport of pollut- 394 Town Engineering Building and engineering in utilizing the biochemical ants, bioremediation, and the use of molecular Ames, Iowa 50011 potential of microorganisms, plants, and parts tools to probe and understand the behavior of Phone: 515 294-3532 thereof for the restoration and preservation of microorganisms in utilizing and biodegrading www.ccee.iastate.edu the environment and for the sustainable use of pollutants in the environment. resources. Graduates of environmental engineer-

Computer Science Computer scientists engage in fundamental and models and relationships from complex data sets, applied research; design, analysis, and development for example, in the discovery of macromolecular of algorithms; software; databases; and information sequence-structure-function relationships, in Department of Computer Science systems and their applications across virtually every discovery of quantitative structure-activity rela- 226 Atanasoff Hall area of human endeavor. tionships (QSAR) for rational drug design, and in Ames, Iowa 50011 The Department of Computer Science actively precision farming. Phone: 515 294-4377 participates in biotechnology education and research Undergraduate students interested in biotech- E-mail: [email protected] at Iowa State in a variety of ways. Several computer nology can take courses in programming, data www.cs.iastate.edu science faculty members conduct research in bio- bases, information systems, machine learning informatics and computational biology, a discipline (data mining), bioinformatics, and related areas that is critical to the advances in animal and as part of an undergraduate minor in computer plant agriculture, drugs, biomaterials, and foods. science. Research projects led by computer sci- Computer science faculty work on the develop- ence faculty offer a broad range of research and ment of information systems and data mining research-based advanced training opportunities software that can aid in the discovery of predictive to qualified undergraduate students. Electrical and Computer Electrical and computer engineering plays a cen- in a variety of ways, such as designing biomedical Engineering tral role in the design and development of electri- instrumentation, biomedical image processing, cal devices and in applying computers to a variety and bioinformatics. Department faculty are active Department of Electrical and of problems. Electrical engineering students apply in the Plant Sciences Institute and the bioinfor- Computer Engineering the theories and technologies in system model- matics and computational biology interdisciplinary 2215 Coover Hall ing and control, signal analysis and filtering, and program. Many graduate and undergraduate stu- Ames, Iowa 50011 electrical device design toward modeling and dents work with faculty performing research in Phone: 515 294-2664 sensing biological systems. Computer engineers areas such as algorithm design for more efficient E-mail: [email protected] apply their background in algorithm develop- assembly of large genomes, systems biology www.ece.iastate.edu ment, network analysis, and software engineer- modeling of complex biological systems, surgical ing to improving biomedical software and sensor simulation using biomedical images in virtual real- networks. ity, and instrumentation related to medical The Department of Electrical and Computer and biological applications. Engineering supports biotechnology development

Entomology Entomology is the scientific study of insects. The Department of Entomology offers research Entomology students are trained in the evolutionary opportunities for undergraduates interested in and ecological relationships of insects with other biotechnology, which has revolutionized strategies Department of Entomology life forms; the principles of insect structure and used for management of insect pests and insect- 110 Insectary Building function; the impact of insects relative to human vectored diseases of humans, plants, and animals. Ames, Iowa 50011 and animal health; and the relationships between Entomology majors are prepared for further Phone: 515 294-7400 insects and humanity’s food, fiber, structural graduate and professional training or for a wide E-mail: [email protected] and aesthetic needs and expectations. Graduates range of positions within industry, business, gov- www.ent.iastate.edu understand the principles and methods available ernment, education, and public health. to manage beneficial and pest insect populations.

Food Science and Human Students who select the food science major in Students can work with faculty studying Nutrition the Department of Food Science and Human the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, Nutrition apply the basic principles of biology, developing means to recover cloned proteins Department of Food Science and chemistry, and physics in studying the quality, from plants, improving microorganisms to carry Human Nutrition preservation, preparation, and safety of foods. out valuable fermentation processes, or investigat- 2312 Students who choose the nutritional science ing the cellular reactions in lipid metabolism. A Ames, Iowa 50011 major investigate the interactions and effects course in food biotechnology follows the produc- Phone: 515 294-3011 of food components, for good or ill, in the tion of food enzymes from gene cloning through E-mail: [email protected] human body. fermentation and protein recovery. www.fshn.hs.iastate.edu

Forestry Forestry is one of two curricula in the Many biotechnology approaches will be devel- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and oped in the future to optimize the production of Management that offer unique career opportunities consumer goods from wood, one of earth’s most Department of Natural Resource for students interested in biotechnology (also see abundant and renewable resources. Ecology and Management animal ecology). Forestry focuses on conserva- The forestry curriculum provides options 339 Science II tion, renewal, and utilization of trees and their for students to specialize in forest ecosystem man- Ames, Iowa 50011 associated plant and animal communities across agement, conservation and restoration, or materi- Phone: 515 294-6148 the spectrum from wilderness areas to urban tree als science and technology. Graduates from these www.nrem.iastate.edu populations and industrial plantations. Because programs pursue rewarding careers with a variety trees and forests develop over longer time spans of government agencies, forest industries, and than most organisms, biotechnology is playing a public conservation organizations. Qualified stu- particularly important role in understanding how dents are encouraged to participate in the Honors genetics and environment interact to determine Program, which provides one of the best ways the health and utilization qualities of trees, the to individualize their program of course work to level of population diversity in natural stands, achieve the particular emphasis on biotechnology and the impacts of management on diversity. aspects of forestry that they desire.

Genetics Genetics is the study of how characteristics of Genetics students pursue a rigorous program living organisms are passed from generation to of chemistry, physics, math, biology, and genetics generation. Students with the B.S. degree may that prepares them for graduate programs in any Undergraduate Genetics Major find employment in the biotechnology, health, or area of genetics or other biological sciences. With 103 Bessey Hall food industries. Recent graduates have developed more than 60 faculty campus-wide conducting Ames, Iowa 50011 careers in conservation biology, technical writing, research in genetics, exceptional opportunities Phone: 515 294-1606 science journalism, technical sales, biological exist for genetics majors to do undergraduate E-mail: [email protected] illustration, and genetic counseling. Many students internships. www.public.iastate.edu/~ugradgen find the genetics major to be good preparation for professional studies in human or animal medicine. Horticulture Horticulture promotes the creative utilization micropropagation of ornamental plants, and woody of plants to improve society. Biotechnology is plant physiology. Several undergraduate courses an important tool used to study and improve offer some training in the principles and tech- Department of Horticulture horticultural crops. niques of biotechnology. 106 Horticulture Hall The Department of Horticulture offers numer- Graduates of the horticulture program become Ames, Iowa 50011 ous research opportunities for undergraduates fruit and vegetable producers, turfgrass managers Phone: 515 294-3718 through honors programs, independent study, and at golf courses and sports fields, lawn care profes- www.hort.iastate.edu the science option within the horticulture major. sionals, nursery crop producers and garden center Students may choose to work with faculty and managers, landscape design and installation pro- experienced graduate students on a broad array fessionals, public garden and arboreta horticultur- of research projects, including molecular biology ists and educators, plant biologists, garden writers of fruit ripening and development, physiology of and communication specialists, and greenhouse disease resistance, molecular controls of vegetative managers. growth, transgenic plant production and analysis,

Kinesiology and Health Kinesiology involves the study of physical activity are involved in faculty research laboratories with and its influence on health and well-being. One the opportunity to explore various neurological, of the career options is exercise science, which biomechanical and physiological aspects of human Department of Kinesiology allows a student to develop a program of study movement and health. Coursework can be tailored Head of Undergraduate Advising involving various biotechnological aspects of to a student’s individual interests and is an excel- Ames, Iowa 50011 human performance. Students acquire knowledge lent preparation for advanced study in physical Phone: 515 294-8009 in the psychological, physiological, mechanical, therapy, medicine, occupational therapy or other E-mail: [email protected] and motor control of human movement. Students allied health professions. www.kin.hs.iastate.edu

Mathematics With increased availability of DNA and other Mathematics majors normally spend the first data, quantitative methods have become central two years obtaining a grounding in calculus and to many fields in biotechnology. Diverse fields differential equations. At the junior and senior Department of Mathematics of mathematics are now used, for example, to levels, the department offers undergraduate courses 396 uncover phylogenetic relationships among species relevant to different topics in biotechnology. Ames, Iowa 50011 using DNA, to model population growth and epi- Mathematics provides tools for deeper analysis Phone: 515 294-1752 demics, to predict the shapes of proteins, and of many subjects taught in other departments. E-mail: [email protected] to model the growth of cancers. All these topics www.math.iastate.edu require advanced mathematics.

Microbiology Microbiology is the study of living organisms that second-year learning communities, and research generally are seen only with a microscope. Some internships in on-campus or local company microbes are devastating pathogens of humans, laboratories. Microbiology students interested in Undergraduate Interdepartmental animals, or plants or cause serious problems in food biotechnology often take advanced course work Microbiology Program production systems. Microbiologists study the in immunology, virology, cell biology, and plant 207 Science I interaction of microbes with other organisms or pathology. In the past, students graduating with Ames, Iowa 50011 with the environment in order to solve problems a B.S. in microbiology from Iowa State University Phone: 515 294-6831 caused by microbes or to use microbes for their quickly have found jobs working in genetics-based E-mail: [email protected] advantageous properties. For example, microbi- biotechnology companies, in pharmaceutical com- www.micro.iastate.edu ologists study how microbes cause diseases, or panies developing new drugs and vaccines, and in they study and devise ways to manipulate micro- state or federal research laboratories like the United organisms to produce products of interest, such States Department of Agriculture’s animal research as antibiotics, insulin, or vaccines. Industrial laboratories in Ames. Microbiology graduates also microbiologists are responsible for generating are well prepared to enter graduate and professional and maintaining the bacterial cultures that produce programs or clinical laboratory scientist programs compounds needed in human and animal medicine designed to train personnel to work in hospitals. In each day. short, a degree in microbiology prepares students A microbiology major will study genetics, chem- for careers in food, industrial or environmental istry, biochemistry, physics, and cell biology, in microbiology, or animal health and plant pathology, addition to medical microbiology and microbial or it provides the preparation needed to succeed in physiology and genetics. Microbiology majors often graduate school or professional programs, such as participate in the microbiology club, first- and veterinary or medical school. Philosophy and Religious Philosophy studies the most general features of our of technology, students can learn about the political Studies world, the fundamental principles of value, and the ideas that may affect the adoption or regulation of nature and methods of knowledge. The Department biotechnology discoveries. Department of Philosophy and of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Iowa State Offerings in religious studies enable students to Religious Studies offers undergraduate majors that can prepare examine the practices and ideas of the world’s reli- 402 Carrie Chapman Catt Hall students for graduate work in philosophy or in reli- gions and their effects on ways of living. Students Ames, Iowa 50011 gious studies, or for further study in law, history, can explore religious ethical beliefs that have impor- Phone: 515 294-7276 political science, or literature. tant consequences for the adoption of particular www.philrs.iastate.edu Offerings in philosophy include theoretical and biotechnologies. applied ethics, the philosophy of biotechnology, environmental ethics, general philosophy of science, and the philosophy of biology. Through studying social and political philosophy and the philosophy

Physics and Astronomy Physics and astronomy are basic natural sciences interdisciplinary research program that involves that attempt to describe and provide an understand- the development and application of experimental ing of our world. They serve as the underpinning and theoretical methods to understand biology Department of Physics and Astronomy of many different disciplines, including the other from a physical perspective. This program is 12B Physics Hall natural sciences and technological areas. Students designed to provide the quantitative skills and Ames, Iowa 50011 may choose physics for their major subject as the biological background for students who would Phone: 515 294-5440 preparation for diverse areas, such as engineering, like to pursue careers in fundamental research in E-mail: [email protected] medicine, law, or business administration, biophysics, quantitative biology, and biotechnology. www.physastro.iastate.edu or simply as a challenging approach to personal Current research areas include macromolecular development with an emphasis on rigorous scien- structural determination, structure and function tific thinking. Other students choose physics as of biological membranes, bioinformatics, and preparation toward a career as a professional computational biology. physicist or a science educator. The physics of biological systems program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is a highly

Political Science The Department of Political Science prepares are often an important component of our curricu- students for careers in law and public service. lar offerings. Students interested in public policy, public admin- In particular, the Department of Political Department of Political Science istration, American politics, comparative politics, Science addresses aspects of biotechnology in its 509 Ross Hall international relations, or political theory will find courses on environmental politics, constitutional Ames, Iowa 50011 issues related to biotechnology to be an important law, ethics and political theory, and international Phone: 515 294-8682 part of their studies in a wide array of departmental political economy. The department also offers cours- E-mail: [email protected] courses. Legislatures, executives, courts, political es on public administration and administrative laws www.pols.iastate.edu parties, and interest groups in the United States that assess the political and legal requirements for and many other countries deal with the economic, the implementation of laws related to biotechnol- environmental, and political consequences of bio- ogy issues. technology. These political participants and issues

Statistics Statistics is the science of collection, organization, learn how to efficiently collect data. Courses in analysis, and interpretation of data. The prin- applied probability modeling include applications ciples of statistics apply to a wide variety in bioinformatics and genomics. Courses in time Department of Statistics of professional and scientific fields. series analysis and spatial data analysis examine 102 Snedecor Hall There are many opportunities for students to patterns in data related to time and space. Students Ames, Iowa 50011 apply methodology learned in statistics courses to may wish to combine a major in a biotechnology Phone: 515 294-3440 biotechnology research. In courses about design field with a second major, or minor, in statistics. E-mail: [email protected] of experiments and survey sampling, students www.stat.iastate.edu Biotechnology

Preparing to do your best Honors • Agronomy Club while you’re in high school The Honors Program provides opportunities • American Institute of Chemical Engineers To prepare for a career in biotechnology at for high-achieving students to do their best • Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Iowa State University, you should focus on early in their years at Iowa State. An individu- Biology Club science, mathematics, and English while you alized academic program, priority scheduling • Biological Sciences Club are in high school. Taking three years of one for courses, smaller class sizes, independent • Family and Consumer Sciences Education foreign language in high school, earning research projects, and a mentoring relationship and Studies Club advanced placement credits, or taking com- with renowned faculty members are benefits • Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Club munity college classes can give you a head for students who qualify. • Food Science Club start on your university studies. Entrance • Forestry Club requirements are not the same for all academic Internships • Mathematics Club departments at Iowa State, so contact the Internships and other cooperative education • Pre-Medical Club department of your choice for specifics. Try experiences are available to students in many • Student Chapter of the American Veterinary to follow these general recommendations for academic departments. In addition to giving you Medical Association courses you should take in high school: a head start in building on-the-job experience • Undergraduate Microbiology Club for your future career, these paid positions can Sciences help you finance your education. Honor societies biology, chemistry, physics • Alpha Kappa Delta—Sociology Learning communities • Alpha Zeta—Agriculture and Mathematics A course-based learning community is a small Life Sciences algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry group of students with similar academic goals • Beta Beta Beta—Biological Sciences who work and learn together in study groups. • Omega Chi Epsilon—Chemical Engineering Language arts Students may take their courses together and • Phi Beta Kappa—Liberal Arts and Sciences English grammar and writing courses, have a ready-made set of potential friends. • Phi Upsilon Omicron—Human Sciences foreign language Many undergraduate departments at Iowa State • Pi Mu Epsilon—Mathematics offer students the opportunity to be • Upsilon Pi Epsilon—Computer Science Getting to know biotechnology part of a learning community family. • Xi Sigma Pi—Forestry at Iowa State Iowa State University is a public land-grant Study abroad For more information institution that has earned a world-class Students who want to study life sciences If you have questions or want more detailed reputation for leadership in the life sciences. in the international arena can choose their information about Iowa State’s biotechnology Biotechnology has added to that reputation. special spot in the world. Earn academic credits program, please contact: Since our biotechnology program was while you study in Mexico, the Philippines, established in 1984, Iowa has invested millions China, the Ukraine, Australia, Spain, France, Iowa State University of dollars to keep Iowa State among the leaders Greece, or many other countries. You’ll find Office of Biotechnology in biotechnology education, research, and out- many exciting options for both the academic 1210 Molecular Biology Building reach. That investment is paying off in many semesters and the summer. Ames, Iowa 50011-3260 research firsts and unique programs. If you want Phone: 515 294-9818 to be among the best in 21st century biotechnol- E-mail: [email protected] Student organizations www.biotech.iastate.edu ogy, Iowa State is the place to be. You can read Iowa State has a wide variety of clubs and about all of the biotechnology opportunities special interest groups for students. The offered by Iowa State University following activities may be of interest to at www.biotech.iastate.edu. students in the life sciences:

Questions about admission Preparing to do your Iowa State University In addition to writing us at the address at left, best while in school Office of Admissions we encourage you to visit our Web site, which The best preparation continues to be a strong 100 Enrollment Services Center features a course catalog, online application, college preparatory program of study, which and campus information. Ames, Iowa 50011-2011 includes courses in English, mathematics, laboratory science, social studies, and foreign Phone: 515 294-5836 Also, you can follow us on: languages. If you intend to transfer credits Toll Free: 800 262-3810 from another institution, you may contact E-mail: [email protected] our Office of Admissions for assistance in selecting the best courses for your program Web: www.admissions.iastate.edu of study.

Material in this brochure was accurate at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date information, visit our Web site at www.iastate.edu.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3280 , 515 294-7612.

07/10