Key Disciplines in Biology

The core science of biology can be divided into the following distinct disciplines or branches, all of which play their part in contributing to our understanding of biological organisms:

Aerobiology
The study of airborne organic particles.

Agriculture
The study of producing crops from the land.

Anatomy
The study of the structure, form and function of organisms.

Astrobiology
The study of life in the universe. Associated names includes exobiology, exopaleontology, and bioastronomy.

Biochemistry
The study of the chemical processes occurring in living organisms, which allow cells to function and life to exist.

Bioengineering
The study of biology through engineering applications.

Bioinformatics
The study and collection of biological data through applications in IT (Information Technology).

Biomathematics
The mathematical study of biological processes, with emphasis on scientific modelling. Otherwise known as Mathematical Biology.

Biomechanics
The study of the mechanics of living organisms with emphasis on applications in medical science.

Biomedical Research
The study of the human body in health and disease

Biophysics
The study of biological processes through the scientific principles of physics.

Biotechnology
The controversial study of modifying living material through technological practices, typically for the purpose of medical advancements.

Building Biology
The study of the indoor living environment.

Botany
The study of plant species.

Cell biology
The study of the cell as an entity and basic unit of living organisms, focussing on an understanding of structure, composition and function.

Conservation Biology
An area of biology aimed at protecting and preserving our natural environment and the plants and animals contained within it.

Cryobiology
The study of the effects of low temperatures on living organisms.

Developmental Biology
The study of the processes involved in the growth and development of an organism from a single cell to a fully developed state.

Ecology
The study of the interactions of living organisms with one another and with the non-living elements of their environment

Embryology
The study of the processes involved in the development of an embryo from fertilization of the egg to development of a fetus.

Entomology
The study of insects.

Environmental Biology
The study of the natural world.

Epidemiology
The study of factors influencing the health of human populations.

Ethology
The study of animal behaviour

Evolutionary Biology
The study of the origin and evolution of species.

Genetics
The study of genes and heredity.

Herpetology
The study of reptiles and amphibians.

Histology
The study of the cells and tissues of organisms.

Ichthyology
The study of fish.

Integrative Biology
The study of whole organisms.

Limnology
The study of inland waters.

Mammalogy
The study of mammals.

Marine Biology
The study of ocean-living organisms and their ecosystems.

Microbiology
The study of microorganisms and their influence on other living organisms.

Molecular Biology
The study of biology and biological functions at the molecular level.

Mycology
The study of fungi.

Neurobiology
The study of the nervous system.

Oceanography
The study of oceans.

Oncology
The study of processed associated with cancer, including virus or mutation oncogenesis, angiogenesis and tissues remouldings.

Ornithology
The study of birds

Population Biology
The study of groups of organisms.

Paleontology
The study of fossils and prehistoric life.

Pathobiology
The study of diseases, including their causes, associated processes, and development. Otherwise known as Pathology.

Parasitology
The study of parasites and parasitism.

Pharmacology
The study of drugs and synthetic medicines, including their application and effects.

Physiology
The study of how organs and component parts function in living organisms.

Phytopathology
The study of plant diseases. Otherwise known as Plant Pathology.

Psychobiology
The study of the biological bases of psychology.

Sociobiology
The study of the biological bases of sociology

Zoology
The study of animal species, including physiology, development, behaviour, and classification.