Biology

The science of life + living matter

Biology is the science of living organisms, including their structure, function growth, origin, evolution and distribution. The field includes the study of ecology, genetics, microbiology, cellular, developmental, environmental, and molecular biology.

General coursework includes inorganic and organic chemistry and calculus, as well as courses in the humanities, social sciences, English composition, and foreign language. You may supplement your degree with minors or certificates in areas such as business, environmental science, animal behavior, and psychology.

IU Biology offers three areas of concentration: Biology of Disease; Integrative and Organismal Biology; and Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics.

Explore the areas

Biology degrees

The department offers two Biology degrees: the Bachelor of Arts in Biology (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.). The two options begin similarly, making it easy to adjust your path as your interests develop.

Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.)

If you want to establish a rigorous background in the sciences that will prepare you for graduate or professional school for science-related jobs, the Biology B.S. degree may be the best option for you.

Bachelor of Arts in Biology (B.A.)

The most flexible degree offered by the Department of Biology, the Biology B.A. provides you with training in the major subject areas of biology, while giving you the opportunity to explore other academic disciplines.

Biology Major Guides

How can the Major Guides help me navigate my major? The Biology Major Guides are ready reference tools that give you the basics about the degree: academics, skill building, and career opportunities. Learn about internships, undergraduate research, academic honors programs, scholarships, and study abroad programs. Use the Major Guides to hone your academic and career plans, making the most of your undergraduate experience.

View the Biology B.S. Major Guide Check out the Biology B.A. Major Guide

Featured courses

Integrative Human Physiology

BIOL P451

Students in this one semester, human, systems physiology course are provided the opportunity to discover and explore their understanding of physiological concepts using team inquiry and case-directed learning.

Tropical Biology in Costa Rica

BIOL L433

Explore and learn about tropical rain forests, cloud forests, seasonally dry foresta, mangrove forests, and other habitats. Learn about biodiversity, plant-animal interactions, plant structure, physiology, and evolution.

Entomology . . . so much more than bugs!

BIOL Z373

Z373 is an integrative biology class that happens to focus on insects. Although the lab concentrates on diversity—akin to traditional entomology classes—is more than an identification class.

A group of students looking through binoculars as birds.

Biology of Birds

BIOL L376

The course is a 4-credit lecture/lab course intended for biology majors. The course provides a general overview of avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and behavior; emphasis is placed on avian physiology, migration and orientation, territoriality, communication, and reproductive behaviors.

View full list of courses

Student spotlight: Olivia Wooten

I jumped into the biology program as a junior with very little science background, but my early classes prepared me for the remainder of my coursework. As an animal behavior major, I was involved with the biology department and CISAB, and was fortunate to participate in an internship at WonderLab. This gave me the opportunity to work hands-on with animals, which was one of my main goals as a biology student. I also volunteered with Science Fest handling Marvin (a ball python), which is an exciting event, especially for those interested in scientific education and outreach. I am primarily interested in zoology and science outreach, but in the IU Biology department I've had the opportunity to be exposed to many different areas of the field.

Interested in pursuing a degree in Biology?

Learn about admissions to the College of Arts + Sciences

Contact a Biology advisor