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Honors

There are two ways to graduate with Honors at the University of Iowa.

Earn Honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

To receive a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree (BA or BS) with honors, a student must:

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.33 in the major (B+),
  • Complete at least 6 s.h. of BMB:4999 (Advanced Undergraduate Biochemistry Research),
  • Write an Honors Thesis summarizing the research completed in BMB:4999. The thesis should be formatted as a scientific paper, suitable for publication in a research journal (actual publication not required), and
  • Present research results orally at a departmental seminar, arranged by the Undergraduate Coordinator at the end of each semester, and attended by members of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology community. (Lata Symposium)

All Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors, especially those already conducting research in the department, are encouraged to pursue Honors in the major.

Earn University Honors

Students can also join the Honors Program and obtain University Honors by fulfilling the requirements of the University Honors Program.  The Honors Program website is an invaluable resource for students who wish to pursue honors.  Students can sign up for a listerserv that advertises various scholarships (e.g., Rhodes Dunlap, Goldwater), volunteer opportunities, and enrichment activities.  Students in the Honors Program are eligible to conduct research under Honors Practicum (HONR 3994) before they have satisfied the prerequisites for BMB:4999.

Students can earn both types of Honors by completing the requirements for each.

For more information, or for answers to specific questions, please feel free to contact the Undergraduate Coordinator, Judy Means or the Honors Advisor, Dr. Lori Wallrath.