Iowa Academy of Science Members can join up to 4 Sections of the Academy. Academy Sections are groups of members interested in the same science topics, fields, research, and activities. Academy Sections include:

Anthropology

Cellular, Molecular & Microbiology

Chemistry

Community College Biologists

Ecology & Conservation

Engineering

Environmental Science & Health

Geology

Iowa Science Teaching

Organismal Biology

Physics, Atmospheric & Space Sciences

Physiology & Health Sciences

1. Anthropology
   
2. Cellular, Molecular & Microbiology
   The Cellular, Molecular, & Microbiology (CMM) Section of the IAS is interested in how plant cells, animal/human cells, bacteria, protists and fungi function. Members from this section study these organisms to better understand the implications of their biochemistry and genetics on health and the environment. It is the goal of the CMM Section to educate scientists, students, and the general public from Iowa and the surrounding communities in the basic principles of cellular, molecular, and microbiology.

   The Cellular, Molecular, & Microbiology (CMM) Section of the IAS is interested in a diverse array of topics, with a focus on understanding biology at the level of a single cell and/or the function of cellular components. Participants in this section have generally presented in the areas of macromolecular structure/function, cellular respiration, cell division, genetic inheritance, gene expression, or pharmacological effects of natural or synthetic compounds. It is the goal of the CMM Section to disseminate basic principles of cellular, molecular, and microbiology to local scientists and students, and to continue to support biological study at the sub-organismal level. Both poster and oral presentations may be submited to this section for presenation at an IAS Annual Meeting.

3. Chemistry -
   Chemistry, also known as the central science, encompasses subjects ranging from simple atoms to complex biological molecules and materials. Applications based in chemistry are in some part responsible for the production of almost everything we use in every day life including food, clothing, transportation, electronics, computers, housing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and polymers. A host of careers are available for those studying chemistry including academics/teaching, pharmaceutical, environmental, forensic, materials, agriculture, patent law, energy and basic research.
   
   Research concerning the following subjects is appropriate for inclusion in the Chemistry Section meeting at an Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting (poster or oral presentations available): organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical chemistry, analytical, polymer/materials, forensic, environmental, chemical education/demonstrations, pharmacology, alternative fuel research, chemical engineering and food chemistry.

1. Community College Biologists
   The Community College Biologists Section plays a crucial role in the enhancement of community college biology teaching. The section offers significant opportunities for community college biology instructors to expand their knowledge, share experiences with other biology teachers, and increase public awareness of science. The Section also pursues its goals outside of the IAS Annual Meeting with a fall meeting held at community college campuses on a rotating basis.
   
2. Ecology & Conservation
   
3. Engineering
   
4. Environmental Science & Health
   Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field aimed at understanding environmental relationships and the relationship between humans and the natural systems, especially as it relates to health issues. Scientists in this field study how components of the environment, including naturally occuring compounds or events and introduced and/or man-made compounds or events, affect the health of the environment and its inhabitants.
   
   Research interests for the Environmental Science & Health Section of the Iowa Academy of Science include: monitoring air, water, and soil compounds that may affect the health of organisms in the environment; studying air, water, and soil pollution as it relates to the health of the organisms in the environment; developing techniques to study and/or predict impacts of inorganic and organic compounds on the health of organisms in the environment; developing techniques to study and/or predict the impact of a changing environment as it relates to the health of the organisms found there. Poster and oral presentations on these topics are given during the IAS Annual meeting.
   
5. Geology
   
6. Iowa Science Teaching
   
7. Organismal Biology
   The Section of Organismal Biology embraces a wide variety of studies that focus on organisms from any of the taxonomic kingdoms. These studies include, but are not limited to, evolution, systematics, development, biogeography, anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Poster and oral presentations on these topics are given during the IAS Annual meeting.
   
8. Physics, Atmospheric & Space Sciences
   
9. Physiology & Health Sciences