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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Announcements

This page contains announcements and reminders for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate students


Announcements from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, March 20, 2023
 

Announcements Abstract

  • Early registration for Fall 2023 is coming up on April 10-28.  Contact your advisor soon to be authorized to register.
  • If you are interested in obtaining teaching experience, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers BIOC:3800, Biochemistry Teaching Practicum. 
  • Senior biochemistry students will be presenting their research at the 19th Annual Lata Undergraduate Honors Symposium on Thursday, April 27th.
  • Update for seniors planning to graduate with Honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
  • Remember to check the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate opportunities site: https://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry/undergrad/opportunities/


Full Announcements

 

Early Registration for Fall 2023

Early registration for Fall will be open April 10-28th. You can find your exact registration time on MyUI.  To be authorized to register for fall 2023 courses, please contact your advisor directly by email about advising.    

 

In your email, please put "academic advising" in the subject line and include:  what classes they are planning to take, any special circumstances and any questions that they have about registration.  If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergraduate Coordinator Judy Means at judy-means@uiowa.edu, using your University of Iowa email address.

If you are a double major, you may obtain authorization to register from your other (non-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) advisor, but you are encouraged to discuss your plans with your Biochemistry and Molecular Biology advisor at least once a year. 

Biochemistry Teaching Practicum course (BMB:3800)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers a teaching internship that will give students practical experience teaching. BMB:3800 is open to qualified junior or senior undergraduates who wish to explore a career that involves teaching or who want to reinforce biochemical concepts that are important to their professional goals.  Students wishing to enroll in this course must have completed the same course (or a course covering equivalent material) with a grade of B or better, and get permission from the Course Director.  The roles of students taking BMB:3800 vary but could include holding review sessions, having regular office hours, helping with lab preparation, teaching lab techniques, drafting homework or exam questions.  For more information, please visit:  https://medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry-molecular-biology/education/undergraduate-program/curriculum/teaching-experiences

19th Annual Gene F. Lata Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Symposium

The 19th Annual Lata Undergraduate Honors Symposium is currently scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2023.  Graduating Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors will present their research projects live and via Zoom.  More information forthcoming.

Update for seniors planning to graduate with Honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

We will be sending out more information on the Lata Symposium (see previous item) and the process for graduating with Honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology soon.  Honors theses should be completed and approved by mentors by the end of the semester.  Final Honors theses need to be submitted electronically (to Judy Means) on Monday of Finals Week.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergraduate Opportunities Web Page

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department receives many announcements for fellowship opportunities, educational, research and other programs.  We have a continuously updated list of these opportunities on the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergraduate Program website under "other opportunities."  This includes both on-campus and off-campus opportunities.  Remember to periodically check the site: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry-molecular-biology/education/undergraduate-program/opportunities

Important Dates For the Remainder of the Spring Semester:

  • April 17:  Last day for undergraduates to drop individual semester-length courses without collegiate approval
  • April 17:  Last day for undergraduates to withdraw entire registration without collegiate approval
  • May 5:  Close of classes and last day for undergraduates to file second-grade-only option
  • May 8-12:  Final Examination Week


Announcements from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, January 19, 2023

Announcements Abstract

  • Biochemistry Degree Name Changes:  Effective January 9, 2023, the BA/BS degrees in Biochemistry changed to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BA/BS.
  • Planning to Graduate This Year?: Submit your Application for Degree by Friday, February 24th.
  • Graduating with Honors?:  Please inform Marc Wold (marc-wold@uiowa.edu) in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department by Friday, February 10th. 
  • Advising:  Remember to meet with your advisor (listed on MyUI) each semester. (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology advisors don’t use MyUI scheduling, so you need to email for any appointments)
  • Early Registration:  Summer, 2023: March 6-10;  Fall, 2023: April 10-28
  • Biochemistry Undergraduate Teaching Experiences: The course BMB:3800 allows students to get practical experience teaching in a teaching internship. 
  • Juniors planning to take BMB:4999: Need to be taking BMB:3150 this semester and start planning with their research mentor.
  • Opportunities Web Page: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology keeps a list of opportunities for students at https://medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry/education/undergraduate-program/opportunities
  • BMBC Majors Club:  Interested in getting involved?  The BMBC majors club is an active student-run, faculty-sponsored association that brings together BMB undergraduate majors for educational and social events.

Full Announcements

Biochemistry Degree Name Change

As of spring 2023, the name of the undergraduate BA/BS degrees in Biochemistry changed to:  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BA, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BS.  This name change happened automatically on January 9, 2023.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please email your advisor. 

Graduating in the Spring 2023 Session?

If you plan to graduate in May, you must apply to graduate via your MyUI student portal.  Under the “Student Information” heading, click on the “Degree Information” button.  A degree application must be filed for a student to be considered for graduation.  The University of Iowa does not confer degrees without a complete application.  The Application for Degree is due on Friday, February 24th, by 11:59 PM. Questions about degree applications should be directed to the Graduation Services office at registrar-degree-applications@uiowa.edu.

Students wishing to apply for honors in their major submit a request for graduating with a Departmental Honors Application at the same time as submitting their degree application. The Honors application is due on Friday, February 24th. Please contact Dr. Marc Wold (marc-wold@uiowa.edu) if you plan to graduate with honors this semester for additional information.

Advising:

Each semester, students are expected to meet with their advisor to discuss courses for the upcoming semester. 

First-year students:  You will be notified when you are transferred from the Academic Advising Center to a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Advisor (usually in the spring of your first year). If you are advised by an advisor at Academic Advising, you should make an appointment with them.

Non-first-year students: When you have your early registration date and time, please schedule an appointment with your advisor to discuss your plans for the summer and fall.  If you are a double-major, you may obtain authorization to register from another advisor, but you are encouraged to have a semi-annual meeting with your biochemistry advisor.   

Early Registration:

Early registration for the Summer 2023 semester will be March 6-10.  Early registration for the Fall 2023 semester will be April 10-28.  Your registration date and time will be listed in MyUI on the home screen approximately two weeks prior to early registration. Once you know your registration date and time, please arrange an appointment to meet with your advisor to discuss your plans for the winter and spring. To schedule an appointment with your advisor, please contact Judy Means at judy-means@uiowa.edu, using your University of Iowa email address.  Please provide her with the day(s)/timeframes you are available to meet and she will coordinate the meeting. 
 
Before you meet with your advisor, please consider your current progress in the major and have an idea of your future coursework, thus the time you spend will be more productive. 

Spring 2023 – Registration Change Process:

Students can add, drop, or change existing registration in MyUI from January 17th – January 23rd.  No approval is required during this timeframe. 

Dropping or adding courses/section changes/hours changes:

Starting January 24th and through the end of the semester, students may use MyUI to make changes to their registration with required authorizations.  All authorizations must be obtained by the student.  Instructions for each type of change in registration can be found here. 

Adding or dropping an .EXW (online) course:

For assistance with registration changes for your online courses, please reference the Distance and Online Education, Registration Changes page.  You may contact Distance and Online Education, Registration/Student Services at doe-reg@uiowa.edu, or 319-335-2852.

Tuition and Fee Responsibility When Dropping a Course:

If you wish to drop a course, please see the deadlines associated with making registration changes to a specific course.  To view this, please visit the Course Deadlines site. 

Change in Major:

Students advised at the Academic Advising Center (C210 Pomerantz Center) may declare or change majors by contacting that office. 

Students in CLAS may email clasps@uiowa.edu to declare a major, add a new major, and/or drop a major.  The email must come from your University of Iowa email account and include your University ID number and Hawk ID. 

Biochemistry Undergraduate Teaching Experiences

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers a teaching internship that will give students practical experience teaching.  This is an individualized, letter-graded course in which students help with the teaching of an undergraduate Biochemistry course.  BMB:3800 is open to qualified junior or senior undergraduates who wish to explore a career that involves teaching or who want to reinforce biochemical concepts that are important to their professional goals.  Students wishing to enroll in this course must have completed the same course (or a course covering equivalent material) with a grade of B or better, and get permission from the Course Director.  The roles of students taking BMB:3800 vary but could include holding review sessions, having regular office hours, helping with lab preparation, teaching lab techniques, drafting homework or exam questions.  For more information see: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry/education/undergraduate-program/teaching-experiences

Notice for Juniors Interested in Biochemistry Undergraduate Research (BMB:4999)

Students who plan to graduate with honors MUST take at least six hours of BMB:4999 after taking BMB:3120, 3130, 3140, and 3150.  B.S. and B.A. majors not planning to graduate with honors can also take BMB:4999 to meet the research requirement or advanced science electives, respectively.  For more information about the process for getting into a lab, see: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry/education/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-research/undergraduate-research-information  

If you have questions, please contact Marc Wold (Honors Advisor).

To be eligible for BMB:4999, students must have a grade B- or better in each of the following: BMB:3120, 3130, 3140 and, 3150; and an average grade of B or better in all four courses.  Students are also required to have prior experience (e.g., BMB:3993, URES:3994 or HONR:3994) and permission of the instructor.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC):

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC) is an active student-run, faculty-sponsored association that brings together Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate majors for educational and social events. Past activities include pizza with Professors, laboratory open houses, science movie screenings and picnics with graduate students. The mission state of this club is to provide community among Biochemistry undergraduate majors at the University of Iowa and to offer resources and support to its members that will foster success as an undergraduate student, professional development, and career planning.  For more information, please contact the BMBC president, Ethan Hahlbeck (ethan-hahlbeck@uiowa.edu) or Christian Brandt (christian-brandt@uiowa.edu).

Opportunities Web Page

The Biochemistry Department and Molecular Biology receive many announcements for fellowship opportunities, educational, research and other programs.  We have a continuously updated list of these opportunities on the Department of Biochemistry Undergraduate Program website under "other opportunities."  This includes both on-campus and off-campus opportunities. Remember to periodically check the Opportunities page

Important Dates For the Remainder of the Spring Semester

February 24:  Degree applications are due for all degree candidates.  Applications for graduating with Honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology due at Honors Program Office

March 7-10:  SUMMER EARLY REGISTRATION

April 17: Last day for undergraduates to drop individual semester-length courses and for undergraduates to withdraw entire registration without collegiate approval.

April 10-April 28: FALL EARLY REGISTRATION

May 5: Close of classes and last day for undergraduates to file second-grade-only option

May 8-12: Final Examination Week

May 11-14: Commencement ceremonies begin

 

Announcements from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, October 4, 2022
 

Announcements Abstract:

  • Winter and Spring Early Registration: November 7 – December 2, 2022.
  • Advising: Students need to meet with their advisor (listed on MyUI) before winter/spring early registration.
  • BMB:3140 Experimental Biochemistry: Juniors planning to take 3140 this spring need to be sure to sign up as soon as possible during early registration. We expect the class to be crowded.
  • Biochemistry Undergraduate Research: There are several ways to get involved in Biochemistry research. If you are planning to take BMB:4999 research in your senior year be sure to notice the prerequisites including BMB: 3120, 3130, 3140, and 3150.
  • Opportunities Web Page: Biochemistry keeps a list of opportunities (https://medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry/education/undergraduate-program/opportunities) for students, such as research experience, education, or professional development.  Please visit the site often!
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC): Please visit the BMBC website for information on upcoming meetings and events.

Important Dates for the remainder of the Fall Semester

November 14: Last day for undergraduates to drop individual semester-length courses without the dean’s approval AND last day for undergraduates to withdraw entire registration without Collegiate Dean’s permission
November 7 - December 2: WINTER AND SPRING EARLY REGISTRATION
December 9:  Close of classes and last day for undergraduates to file second-grade-only option.
December 12-16: Final Examination Week
December 15-18: Commencement ceremonies

Full Announcements:

Registering for Classes

Early registration for the Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 sessions runs from November 7 through December 2.  Your exact registration time will be listed on MyUI.  To be authorized to register, you must meet with your advisor.  It is best to schedule your advising appointment during the two weeks before early registration.

To schedule an appointment with your advisor, contact Judy Means (judy-means@uiowa.edu). (Check MyUI if you are not sure who your advisor is).  Appointments will be conducted in person or virtually via Zoom.

If you are a double major, you may obtain authorization to register from your other (non-biochemistry) advisor, but you are encouraged to meet with your Biochemistry advisor as well.

First-year students: You will be notified when you are transferred from the Academic Advising Center to a Biochemistry Advisor (usually in the spring of your first year). If you are advised by an advisor at Academic Advising, you should make an appointment with them. Please note that Biochemistry Advisors DO NOT use MyUI to schedule advising appointments. To schedule an appointment with your advisor, please contact Judy Means at judy-means@uiowa.edu, using your University of Iowa email address.

Advising

For best possible advising:

  1. Prepare for your meeting with your advisor by considering your progress in your major and have an idea of your future coursework.
  2. Be sure your degree intention is listed correctly.  Students in CLAS may email clasps@uiowa.edu to declare a major, add a new major, and/or drop a major.  The email must come from your University of Iowa email account and include your University ID number and Hawk ID. 

BMB:3140 – Experimental Biochemistry (juniors and seniors)

We expect that 3140 will be crowded next spring so make sure you register on time to ensure that you are enrolled in this required course.  We may not be able to guarantee you space in the course if you delay registering for it.  BMB:3140 is only available to Biochemistry majors.   Students who have any problems registering should contact Judy Means (judy-means@uiowa.edu) or their advisor.

Undergraduate Research/Independent Study Announcements

  1. Winter Session Credit Available: It is now possible for students to register for 1 or 2 s.h. of credit in BMB:3993 or BMB:4999 for the Winter Session, which runs December 19, 2022 – January 13, 2023, exclusive of University of Iowa holidays. Students are expected to spend 20+ hours/week in the laboratory to receive 1 s.h. of credit and 40 hours/week for 2 s.h. Speak to your advisor and your research mentor if you are interested in this option.
  2. Juniors planning to take Biochemistry Undergraduate Research-BMB:4999:  BMB:4999 – Advanced Undergrad Biochemistry Research – can be taken by B.S. and B.A. majors to meet the research requirement (B.S) or Honors in Biochemistry. The prerequisites for BMB:4999 are BMB 3120, 3130, 3140, and 3150 with grades of B- or better, and previous research experience (such as BMB:3993).  Students usually start 4999 either in the summer after their junior year or in the fall of their senior year.  Students interested in 4999 should speak to their research mentor during the spring semester.  If you have questions about 4999 or are doing research outside of Biochemistry, please contact Marc Wold (Honors Advisor).
  3. Remember that Development of Senior Research Project-BMB:3150-is a prerequisite for BMB:4999.  If you are a junior B.A. or B.S. major and are planning to take BMB:4999, you need to take Development of Senior Research Project this spring.
  4. Honors in Biochemistry: Students who plan to graduate with honors in Biochemistry MUST take at least six hours of BMB:4999.  If you have questions about 4999 or are doing research outside of Biochemistry, please contact Marc Wold (Honors Advisor).

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMB)

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC) is an active student-run, faculty-sponsored association that brings together Biochemistry undergraduate majors for educational and social events. Past activities include pizza with Professors, laboratory open houses, science movie screenings, and picnics with graduate students.  For more information, please visit the BMBC website.

Opportunities web page

The Biochemistry Department gets many announcements for fellowship opportunities, educational, research, and other programs.  We have a continuously updated list of these opportunities on the Department of Biochemistry Undergraduate Program website under "other opportunities." This includes both on-campus and off-campus opportunities.  Remember to periodically check the site: https://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/biochemistry/undergrad/opportunities/


Announcements from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, August 23, 2022

Welcome to both new and returning Biochemistry students! 

We like to start the year with a few reminders to all of our students.  The list starts with a short list (for those looking at this message on small screens) and then a more detailed list (if you want more information).  For general information about the Biochemistry program, please visit the Biochemistry undergraduate website.

Announcements abstract:

Advising:  remember to meet with your advisor (listed on MyUI) prior to winter/spring early registration. The early registration period is November 7-18, 2022.

Add/Drop procedures: Courses can be added or dropped electronically using MyUI.  Please go to the Change in Registration site for directions. 

Graduating this fall? All Applications for Degrees are due on September 30, 2022.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC) is an active student-run, faculty-sponsored club that brings together Biochemistry undergraduate majors for educational and social events.  For more information, please contact the BMBC president, Ethan Hahlbeck (ethan-hahlbeck@uiowa.edu) or Christian Brandt (christian-brandt@uiowa.edu).

Biochemistry Undergraduate Teaching experiences: Biochemistry offers a course that allows juniors and seniors a teaching experience,  BMB:3800 Biochemistry Teaching Practicum, after they have completed BMB:3120, 3130 and 3140.

Opportunities Web Page: Biochemistry keeps a list of opportunities for students, such as research experience, education, or professional development.  Please visit the site often!

Important Dates for the remainder of the Fall Semester:

October 31: Last day for undergraduates to drop individual semester-length courses without the dean’s approval
November 14: Last day for undergraduates to withdraw entire registration without Collegiate Dean’s permission
November 7-18: WINTER AND SPRING EARLY REGISTRATION
December 9:  Close of classes and last day for undergraduates to file second-grade-only option.
December 12-16: Final Examination Week
December 15-18: Commencement ceremonies


FULL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advising:

Each semester, students are expected to meet with their advisor to discuss courses for the upcoming semester. 

First-year students:  You will be notified when you are transferred from the Academic Advising Center to a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Advisor (usually in the spring of your first year). If you are advised by an advisor at Academic Advising, you should make an appointment with them.

Non-first-year students: When you have your early registration date and time, please schedule an appointment with your advisor to discuss your plans for the winter and spring.  If you are a double-major, you may obtain authorization to register from another advisor, but you are encouraged to have a semi-annual meeting with your biochemistry advisor.   

Early Registration:

Early registration will be from November 7-18, 2022 (includes Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 sessions).  Your registration date and time will be listed in MyUI on the home screen approximately two weeks prior to early registration. Once you know your registration date and time, please arrange an appointment to meet with your advisor to discuss your plans for the winter and spring. To schedule an appointment with your advisor, please contact Judy Means at judy-means@uiowa.edu, using your University of Iowa email address.  Please provide her with the day(s)/timeframes you are available to meet and she will coordinate the meeting. 
 
Before you meet with your advisor, please consider your current progress in the major and have an idea of your future coursework, thus the time you spend will be more productive. 

Fall 2022 – Registration Change Process:

Students can add, drop, or change existing registration in MyUI from August 22nd – August 28th.  No approval is required during this timeframe. 

Dropping or adding courses/section changes/hours changes:

Starting August 29th and through the end of the semester, students may use MyUI to make changes to their registration with required authorizations.  All authorizations must be obtained by the student.  Instructions for each type of change in registration can be found here. 

Adding or dropping an .EXW (online) course:

For assistance with registration changes for your online courses, please reference the Distance and Online Education, Registration Changes page.  You may contact Distance and Online Education, Registration/Student Services at doe-reg@uiowa.edu, or 319-335-2852.

Tuition and Fee Responsibility When Dropping a Course:

If you wish to drop a course, please see the deadlines associated with making registration changes to a specific course.  To view this, please visit the Course Deadlines site. 

Change in Major:

Students advised at the Academic Advising Center (C210 Pomerantz Center) may declare or change majors by contacting that office. 

Students in CLAS may email clasps@uiowa.edu to declare a major, add a new major, and/or drop a major.  The email must come from your University of Iowa email account and include your University ID number and Hawk ID. 

Graduating in the Fall 2022 Session:

If you plan to graduate in December, you must apply to graduate via your MyUI student portal.  Under the “Student Information” heading, click on the “Degree Information” button.  A degree application must be filed for a student to be considered for graduation.  The University of Iowa does not confer degrees without a complete application.  The Application for Degree is due on Friday, September 30, by 11:59 PM.

Students wishing to apply for honors in their major must submit a Departmental Honors Application in addition to submitting their degree application. The Honors application is due on Saturday, October 1st.   Please contact Dr. Marc Wold if you plan to graduate with honors this semester for additional information.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC):

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club (BMBC) is an active student-run, faculty-sponsored association that brings together Biochemistry undergraduate majors for educational and social events. Past activities include pizza with Professors, laboratory open houses, science movie screenings and picnics with graduate students. The mission state of this club is to provide community among Biochemistry undergraduate majors at the University of Iowa and to offer resources and support to its members that will foster success as an undergraduate student, professional development, and career planning.  For more information, please contact the BMBC president, Ethan Hahlbeck (ethan-hahlbeck@uiowa.edu) or Christian Brandt (christian-brandt@uiowa.edu).

Biochemistry Undergraduate Teaching Experiences:

Biochemistry offers a teaching internship that will give students practical experience teaching.  This is an individualized, letter-graded course in which students help with the teaching of an undergraduate Biochemistry course.  BMB:3800 is open to qualified junior or senior undergraduates who wish to explore a career that involves teaching or who want to reinforce biochemical concepts that are important to their professional goals.  Students wishing to enroll in this course must have completed the same course (or a course covering equivalent material) with a grade of B or better, and get permission from the Course Director.  The roles of students taking BIOC:3800 vary but could include holding review sessions, having regular office hours, helping with lab preparation, teaching lab techniques, drafting homework or exam questions.  For more information, please visit the Teaching Experiences site.

Opportunities Web Page:

The Biochemistry Department and Molecular Biology receive many announcements for fellowship opportunities, educational, research and other programs.  We have a continuously updated list of these opportunities on the Department of Biochemistry Undergraduate Program website under "other opportunities."  This includes both on-campus and off-campus opportunities. Remember to periodically check the Opportunities page!