What is Biology?
Biology is the study of life. It is an investigative science that relies
upon inquiry, curiosity and experimentation. Biologists study life at
the molecular, genetic, cellular and developmental levels in plants, animals,
bacteria, fungi and isolated cells. Ecologists and field biologists examine
interactions between organisms and their environment and evaluate human
activities which alter natural environments in many ways including global
warming and acid rain.
Why study Biology?
Geneticists, molecular biologists and physiologists have provided valuable
insight into how cells and systems function. Biologists have helped improve
human life in many ways, including the discovery of antibiotics and other
medicines, a better understanding of the cellular processes leading to
cancer, and the development of new crops. Information from the Human Genome
Project is being used to identify genes and proteins involved in many
disease processes. However, there are still many unknowns. Studying biology
provides a background for students to evaluate and understand new discoveries
and to make informed decisions in the use of scientific knowledge to benefit
all living organisms.
What can I do with a Biology Degree?
see the page for Careers in Biology
What would
I study as a Biology major?
IUPUI offers a variety of courses throughout the year, including introductory
biology, genetics, ecology, microbiology, virology, embryology and biotechnology.
Most classes have an accompanying laboratory so students get the experience
of scientific investigation. Independent research can be done under the
supervision of a departmental faculty member.
IUPUI Biology students
may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
degree program available through Purdue
University. The B.A. degree integrates science, arts and
humanities, while the B.S. degree places more emphasis on science courses
and research opportunities. The Biology Club, open
to all biology students, sponsors social activities, a career fair, guest
speakers and other events to foster interactions among students and to
help them prepare for and choose academic and career paths.
Bachelor's
degree requirements: (124 credit hours)
Sample course plan for the Biology BA degree
Sample course plan for the Biology BS degree
Biology
Minor (Minimum of 19 credit hours)
Pre-professional
Programs (Pre-medical, Pre-dental, Pre-pharmacy,
Pre-optomentry, and more)
Department of Biology