Biology B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Indiana University Bloomington

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Indiana University Bloomington is a rigorous science degree designed for students interested in areas such as genetics, microbiology, cellular, developmental, environmental, molecular, or organismal biology. It combines substantial biology coursework with chemistry, mathematics and physics, making it a strong foundation for graduate or professional school as well as science-related careers.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin with foundational biology and supporting sciences, building the knowledge needed for advanced study. Courses such as BIOL-L 111 Foundations of Biology: Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology, BIOL-L 112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms, and general chemistry introduce students to biological systems, evolution, ecology, cellular processes and scientific principles.

Year 2:

Students progress into core biological concepts and start developing a deeper understanding of how organisms function at the molecular and genetic levels. BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology examines DNA, gene expression, RNA and proteins, while BIOL-L 311 Genetics builds understanding of heredity and genetic mechanisms.

Year 3:

Students move into more specialized upper-level biology and can begin shaping their studies around an area of concentration. The B.S. offers Biology of Disease, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Integrative and Organismal Biology, allowing students to develop deeper expertise through approved upper-division biology courses and laboratory work.

Year 4:

Students complete advanced biology coursework while applying their knowledge through research and specialized study. Many Biology B.S. students participate in independent research with faculty, and students can complete advanced lecture and laboratory courses aligned with their chosen concentration and career or graduate-school goals.

Focus Areas:

Biology of Disease, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Integrative and Organismal Biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, cellular biology, developmental biology, environmental biology and molecular biology.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop a rigorous foundation in biological sciences and supporting chemistry, mathematics and physics, with opportunities to conduct independent research and develop deeper expertise in a selected area of biology.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Indiana University Bloomington is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university states that this accreditation ensures its education and academic programs meet recognized standards for quality and integrity.

Reputation (Employability):

IU Bloomington reports 95% of students were employed or continued their education within six months of graduating, based on university career-preparation data. IU also reports more than 7,997 for-credit internships helped undergraduates prepare for careers during 2023–24, supporting the university's emphasis on practical career preparation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology B.S. at Indiana University Bloomington gives students substantial opportunities to gain practical experience through laboratory coursework, faculty-led research, internships, and field-based learning. Many B.S. students participate in independent research, while opportunities such as BIOL-X473 Biology Internships allow eligible students to gain career-oriented experience with organizations in areas including pharmaceuticals, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and science education.

Students can build hands-on experience through:

Independent research: BIOL-X490 Independent Study lets students work with faculty on research projects and develop experience in laboratory, field, or library research.
Internships: BIOL-X473 Biology Internship is offered every semester and during summer; students can earn academic credit based on their internship hours.
Research programs: Students can participate in programs such as the CISAB Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and the Biology Undergraduate Education Program.
Field learning: Courses such as BIOL L433 Tropical Biology in Costa Rica provide opportunities to study tropical rain forests, cloud forests, mangroves, and other habitats.
Research facilities: Students can benefit from IU Biology's Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Electron Microscopy Center, Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Light Microscopy Imaging Center, Research & Teaching Preserve, and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior.
Computational resources: The Center for Bioinformatics Research and Research Technologies provide computational biology, analytics, big-data research, research software, data services, and training resources.
Biology laboratories: The department's Media Lab supports undergraduate laboratory classes by preparing growth media, buffers, reagents, and other materials used in biology labs.

Facilities: Indiana University Biology provides students with access to a broad research infrastructure that includes the Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Center for Bioinformatics Research, Electron Microscopy Center, Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Light Microscopy Imaging Center, Greenhouses, IU Herbarium, Research & Teaching Preserve, Physical Biochemistry Instrumentation Facility, Mass Spectrometry Facility, and Simon Hall structural biology facilities. These resources support laboratory research, imaging, genomics, computational biology, biodiversity research, and field-based learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology B.S. at Indiana University Bloomington prepares graduates for science-related careers as well as further study in medicine, dentistry, research, biotechnology and other professional fields. IU Biology reports that two-thirds of its graduates find employment directly after college, while many others continue into medical school, dental school or graduate programs.

Typical career paths include Biological Researcher, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Research Coordinator, Environmental Scientist. Students can strengthen their career preparation through:

Career services: IU Biology connects students with the Walter Center for Career Achievement, which provides career advising, employer connections and job-search support. Biology students can also earn academic credit through BIOL-X473 Biology Internship, offered every semester and during summer.
Employment outcomes: IU Biology reports that two-thirds of Department of Biology graduates locate employment directly out of college. The department does not publish a specific salary figure for Biology B.S. graduates on its official program pages, so a program-specific salary should not be assumed.
Industry and professional connections: Biology internships can involve pharmaceutical companies, environmental and sustainability organizations, healthcare settings and science museums, giving students opportunities to gain experience in different professional environments.
Research opportunities: Students can conduct research with IU Biology faculty during the academic year or summer, including opportunities through the CISAB Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and other research programs.
Accreditation value: Indiana University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). IU states that accreditation supports the recognition and transferability of its education and demonstrates institutional standards for quality and continuous improvement.
Graduation outcomes: Biology graduates have entered healthcare, industry, education and research, while others have continued into medical, dental and graduate programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biology B.S., students can continue into medical school, dental school, graduate programs in biology and related sciences, biotechnology programs, or other professional programs. IU specifically notes that many Biology graduates pursue medicine, research and biotechnology-related graduate or professional education.