Biology (Purdue degree)

Why choose this program?

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.

The faculty and staff of the Department of Biology provide an environment where students at all levels can explore, discover, and learn biology through coursework and research. We place a strong emphasis on high-quality classroom teaching. Professors teach lecture and laboratory courses and conduct research with undergraduate students.

This major places an emphasis on science and mathematics courses. It is designed to prepare students for graduate study and for jobs in industry, as well as for medical and dental schools.

See Biology undergraduate programs

What will you learn?

Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life through the observation of structure, function, reproduction, growth, origin, evolution, and behavior of living organisms and their relation to their natural environment.  Foundations of modern biology include: cell theory, evolution, genetics, homoeostasis, and energy.

IUPUI biology specialties include: bacterial pathogenesis, yeast genome, organ regeneration, biomass fuels. The Biology Bachelor of Science degree is a four year program consisting of 120 credit hours and is awarded by Purdue University.

What will you do?

Many career opportunities exist for biology majors, especially now, with the rise of the biotechnology industry and the sequencing of the human genome. Jobs are available directly after the bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) as entry-level careers in gene sequencing, drug testing and development, immunology, agriculture, and in all molecular, cellular and developmental areas. Learn more about career possibilities and employers of IUPUI biology grads.