Biology

Biology is the study 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.

IU offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Bachelor of Sciences (BS) degree in Biology.

The BA degree is designed for students planning to enter professions such as medicine, dentistry, and law, but also is great preparation for other careers such as business, scientific writing/journalism, and teaching. The BA allows for more flexibility to choose courses from disciplines across the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. It involves fewer courses in math, chemistry, and physics, making room to more easily double major or add a minor in a different field.

The BS degree is designed to prepare students for graduate school or research in industry or government laboratories, as well as for professional schools in medicine, dentistry, law, etc. The BS involves more coursework in chemistry, math, physics, and biology for a broader foundation of skills to prepare for research in biology and other related sciences.

In addition, IU offers three optional concentrations within the Biology BS degree major. These include Biology of Disease, Integrative and Organismal Biology, and Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics.

If you are interested in a biology major, take IUB’s Chemistry Placement Exam (CPE) online. The results of the CPE will determine your placement level for your initial IUB chemistry course. For more details on the CPE, contact the Department of Chemistry at (812) 855-2700.

For detailed information about this major and degree requirements, visit the departmental website and the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Bulletin.