With IRIS, students are engaged in the scientific process throughout their time at Augustana. Deep learning of the science of biology is fostered through intentional reflection and gaining fundamental skills related to independent learning, accessing information, and communication.
Years 1-4 are spent in core and upper-level classes in which students work with the scientific method. Students reflect more deeply about their growth as a person and future as a professional trained in the biological disciplines.
Year 4 is devoted to Senior Inquiry. Seniors work more rigorously than ever before with the scientific process that brings synthesis to their time as a biology student
Biology Literature (BIOL 464)
Students develop a research question and complete an extensive literature search on a topic related to a specific area of focus, culminating in a formal report.
Recent classes: Winter Biology, Conservation Biology, Epigenetics, Comparative Anatomy, and Bird Conservation.
Intensive Lab or Field Research (BIOL 465)
Students participate in a laboratory/field research project under the direction of an Augustana faculty mentor that includes data collection, analysis, and summarizing results in a technical report.
Recent classes: Research in Field Biology, Molecular Genetics.
Off Campus Research (BIOL466)
Completed in summer immediately preceding the senior year. Students participate in a lab/field research project as part of an 8-10 week research program at another institution. As with BIOL465, students collect data and summarize results in consultation with the advising coordiantor and institution.
Antonina Gramatnikovska ’27, James Vargas ’28 and Alivia Seehase ’28 spent their summers conducting research at Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University and the University of Iowa. Entering large academic research environments can be intimidating for undergraduates, but each Augustana student discovered something important: they were prepared to contribute.
Three Viking student-athletes received CSC Academic All-America honors this summer, adding to Augustana College’s legacy of excellence in the classroom and in competition. Now with 191 Academic All-Americans, Augustana is ranked solidly among the nation’s top 20 colleges and universities.
Augustana’s Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness strengthens campus and community well-being. Learn about three community partnerships focused on cleaner water, maternal health and personal wellness.
