The University of Iowa is in the forefront of advancing knowledge in the ever evolving field of Biology. We offer undergraduate majors and vigorous research programs in evolution, genetics, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology and plant sciences. All students majoring in biology take courses that emphasize an understanding of the structures and processes common to living systems at molecular, cellular, organismic and population levels of organization. Following a two-semester introductory course, biology majors are required to take separate courses in Genetics and Evolution, which together present much of the common core for understanding biology. Genetics has uncovered the molecular blueprint that underlies the development, structure, and function of organisms, and provides powerful tools for investigating all these topics. Evolution provides the framework for understanding the unity and diversity of life at all levels of biological organization, through common descent with modification, acted on by natural selection. Depending on the track, students select additional courses that build upon these themes while concentrating on a sub-discipline. We encourage undergraduate students to do individual research projects with faculty members and we have many programs available for focusing your area of interest and enhancing your education.