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200+ Unique And Interesting Biology Research Topics For Students In 2023

Biology Research Topics

Are you curious about the fascinating world of biology and its many research possibilities? Well, you are in the right place! In this blog, we will explore biology research topics, exploring what biology is, what constitutes a good research topic, and how to go about selecting the perfect one for your academic journey.

So, what exactly is biology? Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. It includes everything from the tiniest cells to the largest ecosystems, making it a diverse and exciting field of study.

Stay tuned to learn more about biology research topics as we present over 200 intriguing research ideas for students, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right one. In addition, we will also share resources to make your quest for the perfect topic a breeze. Let’s embark on this scientific journey together!

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What Is Biology?

Table of Contents

Biology is the study of living things, like animals, plants, and even tiny organisms too small to see. It helps us understand how these living things work and how they interact with each other and their environment. Biologists, or scientists who study biology, explore topics like how animals breathe, how plants grow, and how our bodies function. By learning about biology, we can better care for the Earth and all its living creatures.

What Is A Good Biology Research Topic?

A good biology research topic is a question or problem in the field of biology that scientists want to investigate and learn more about. It should be interesting and important, like studying how a new medicine can treat a disease or how animals adapt to changing environments. The topic should also be specific and clear, so researchers can focus on finding answers. Additionally, it’s helpful if the topic hasn’t been studied extensively before, so the research can contribute new knowledge to the field of biology and help us better understand the natural world.

Tips For Choosing A Biology Research Topics

Here are some tips for choosing a biology research topics:

1. Choose What Interests You

When picking a biology research topic, go for something that you personally find fascinating and enjoyable. When you’re genuinely curious about it, you’ll be more motivated to study and learn.

2. Select a Significant Topic

Look for a subject in biology that has real-world importance. Think about whether your research can address practical issues, like finding cures for diseases or understanding environmental problems. Research that can make a positive impact is usually a good choice.

3. Check If It’s Doable

Consider if you have the necessary tools and time to carry out your research. It’s essential to pick a topic that you can actually study with the resources available to you.

4. Add Your Unique Perspective

Try to find a fresh or different angle for your research. While you can build upon existing knowledge, bringing something new or unique to the table can make your research more exciting and valuable.

5. Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from your teachers or experienced researchers. They can provide you with valuable insights and help you make a smart decision when choosing your research topic in biology.

Biology Research Topics For College Students

1. Investigating the role of genetic mutations in cancer development.

2. Analyzing the impact of climate changes on wildlife populations.

3. Studying the ecology of invasive species in urban environments.

4. Investigating the microbiome of the human gut and its relationship to health.

5. Analyzing the genetic diversity of endangered species for conservation.

6. Studying the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

7. Investigating the ecological consequences of deforestation.

8. Analyzing the behavior and communication of social insects like ants and bees.

9. Studying the physiology of extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

10. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of cell division and mitosis.

Plant Biology Research Topics For College Students

11. Studying the impact of different fertilizers on crop yields and soil health.

12. Analyzing the genetics of plant resistance to pests and diseases.

13. Investigating the role of plant hormones in growth and development.

14. Studying the adaptation of plants to drought conditions.

15. Analyzing the ecological interactions between plants and pollinators.

16. Investigating the use of biotechnology to enhance crop traits.

17. Studying the genetics of plant breeding for improved varieties.

18. Analyzing the physiology of photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants.

19. Investigating the effects of soil microbiota on plant health.

20. Studying the evolution of plant species in response to changing environments.

Biotechnology Research Topics For College Students

21. Investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for genome editing.

22. Analyzing the production of biofuels from microorganisms.

23. Studying the application of biotechnology in medicine, such as gene therapy.

24. Investigating the use of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

25. Analyzing the role of biotechnology in food production, including GMOs.

26. Studying the development of biopharmaceuticals and monoclonal antibodies.

27. Investigating the use of bioremediation to clean up polluted environments.

28. Studying the potential of synthetic biology for creating novel organisms.

29. Analyzing the ethical and social implications of biotechnological advancements.

30. Investigating the use of biotechnology in forensic science, such as DNA analysis.

Molecular Biology Research Topics For Undergraduates

31. Studying the structure and function of DNA and RNA molecules.

32. Analyzing the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

33. Investigating the mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.

34. Studying the role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation.

35. Analyzing the molecular basis of genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis.

36. Investigating the epigenetic modifications that control gene activity.

37. Studying the molecular mechanisms of protein folding and misfolding.

38. Analyzing the molecular pathways involved in cancer progression.

39. Investigating the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases.

40. Studying the use of molecular markers in genetic diversity analysis.

Life Science Research Topics For High School Students

41. Investigating the effects of different diets on human health.

42. Analyzing the impact of exercise on cardiovascular fitness.

43. Studying the genetics of inherited traits and diseases.

44. Investigating the ecological interactions in a local ecosystem.

45. Analyzing the diversity of microorganisms in soil or water samples.

46. Studying the anatomy and physiology of a specific organ or system.

47. Investigating the life cycle of a local plant or animal species.

48. Studying the effects of environmental pollutants on aquatic organisms.

49. Analyzing the behavior of a specific animal species in its habitat.

50. Investigating the process of photosynthesis in plants.

Biology Research Topics For Grade 12

51. Investigating the genetic basis of a specific inherited disorder.

52. Analyzing the impact of climate change on a local ecosystem.

53.Studying the biodiversity of a particular rainforest region.

54. Investigating the physiological adaptations of animals to extreme temperatures.

55. Analyzing the effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

56. Studying the life history and conservation status of an endangered species.

57. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of a specific disease.

58. Studying the ecological interactions within a coral reef ecosystem.

59. Analyzing the genetics of plant hybridization and speciation.

60. Investigating the behavior and communication of a particular bird species.

Marine Biology Research Topics

61. Studying the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs.

62. Analyzing the migration patterns of marine mammals.

63. Investigating the physiology of deep-sea creatures under high pressure.

64. Studying the ecology of phytoplankton and their role in the marine food web.

65. Analyzing the behavior of different species of sharks.

66. Investigating the conservation of sea turtle populations.

67. Studying the biodiversity of deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities.

68. Analyzing the effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems.

69. Investigating the adaptation of marine organisms to extreme cold in polar regions.

70. Studying the bioluminescence and communication in marine organisms.

AP Biology Research Topics

71. Investigating the role of specific enzymes in cellular metabolism.

72. Analyzing the genetic variation within a population.

73. Studying the mechanisms of hormonal regulation in animals.

74. Investigating the principles of Mendelian genetics through trait analysis.

75. Analyzing the ecological succession in a local ecosystem.

76. Studying the physiology of the human circulatory system.

77. Investigating the molecular biology of a specific virus.

78. Studying the principles of natural selection through evolutionary simulations.

79. Analyzing the genetic diversity of a plant species in different habitats.

80. Investigating the effects of different environmental factors on plant growth.

Cell Biology Research Topics

81. Investigating the role of mitochondria in cellular energy production.

82. Analyzing the mechanisms of cell division and mitosis.

83. Studying the function of cell membrane proteins in signal transduction.

84. Investigating the cellular processes involved in apoptosis (cell death).

85. Analyzing the role of endoplasmic reticulum in protein synthesis and folding.

86. Studying the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and cell motility.

87. Investigating the regulation of cell cycle checkpoints.

88. Analyzing the structure and function of cellular organelles.

89. Studying the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.

90. Investigating the impact of cellular stress on cell health and function.

Human Biology Research Topics

91. Analyzing the genetic basis of inherited diseases in humans.

92. Investigating the physiological responses to exercise and physical activity.

93. Studying the hormonal regulation of the human reproductive system.

94. Analyzing the impact of nutrition on human health and metabolism.

95. Investigating the role of the immune system in disease prevention.

96. Studying the genetics of human evolution and migration.

97. Analyzing the neural mechanisms underlying human cognition and behavior.

98. Investigating the molecular basis of aging and age-related diseases.

99. Studying the impact of environmental toxins on human health.

100. Analyzing the genetics of organ transplantation and tissue compatibility.

Molecular Biology Research Topics

101. Investigating the role of microRNAs in gene regulation.

102. Analyzing the molecular basis of genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis.

103. Studying the epigenetic modifications that control gene expression.

104. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of RNA splicing.

105. Analyzing the role of telomeres in cellular aging.

106. Studying the molecular pathways involved in cancer metastasis.

107. Investigating the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases.

108. Studying the molecular interactions in protein-protein networks.

109. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage and repair.

110. Investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing.

Animal Biology Research Topics

111. Studying the behavior and communication of social insects like ants.

112. Analyzing the physiology of hibernation in mammals.

113. Investigating the ecological interactions in a predator-prey relationship.

114. Studying the adaptations of animals to extreme environments.

115. Analyzing the genetics of inherited traits in animal populations.

116. Investigating the impact of climate change on animal migration patterns.

117. Studying the diversity of marine life in coral reef ecosystems.

118. Analyzing the physiology of flight in birds and bats.

119. Investigating the molecular basis of animal coloration and camouflage.

120. Studying the behavior and conservation of endangered species.

  • Neuroscience Research Topics
  • Mental Health Research Topics

Plant Biology Research Topics

121. Investigating the role of plant hormones in growth and development.

122. Analyzing the genetics of plant resistance to pests and diseases.

123. Climate change and plant phenology are being examined.

124. Investigating the ecology of mycorrhizal fungi and their symbiosis with plants.

125. Investigating plant photosynthesis and carbon fixing.

126. Molecular analysis of plant stress responses.

127. Investigating the adaptation of plants to drought conditions.

128. Studying the role of plants in phytoremediation of polluted environments.

129. Analyzing the genetics of plant hybridization and speciation.

130. Investigating the molecular basis of plant-microbe interactions.

Environmental Biology Research Topics

131. Analyzing the effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

132. Investigating the biodiversity of a particular ecosystem.

133. Studying the ecological consequences of deforestation.

134. Analyzing the impact of climate change on wildlife populations.

135. Investigating the use of bioremediation to clean up polluted sites.

136. Studying the environmental factors influencing species distribution.

137. Analyzing the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife.

138. Investigating the ecology of invasive species in new environments.

139. Studying the conservation of endangered species and habitats.

140. Analyzing the interactions between humans and urban ecosystems.

Chemical Biology Research Topics

141. Investigating the design and synthesis of new drug compounds.

142. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of enzyme catalysis.

143.Studying the role of small molecules in cellular signaling pathways.

144. Investigating the development of chemical probes for biological research.

145. Studying the chemistry of protein-ligand interactions.

146. Analyzing the use of chemical biology in cancer therapy.

147. Investigating the synthesis of bioactive natural products.

148. Studying the role of chemical compounds in microbial interactions.

149. Analyzing the chemistry of DNA-protein interactions.

150. Investigating the chemical basis of drug resistance in pathogens.

Medical Biology Research Topics

151. Investigating the genetic basis of specific diseases like diabetes.

152. Analyzing the mechanisms of drug resistance in bacteria.

153. Studying the molecular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.

154. Investigating the development of personalized medicine approaches.

155. Studying the role of inflammation in chronic diseases.

156. Analyzing the genetics of rare diseases and genetic syndromes.

157. Investigating the molecular basis of viral infections and vaccines.

158. Studying the mechanisms of organ transplantation and rejection.

159. Analyzing the molecular diagnostics of cancer.

160. Investigating the biology of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

161. Studying the evolution of human ancestors and early hominids.

162. The genetic variety of species and between species is being looked at.

163. Investigating the role of sexual selection in animal evolution.

164. Studying the co-evolutionary relationships between parasites and hosts.

165. Analyzing the evolutionary adaptations of extremophiles.

166. Investigating the evolution of developmental processes (evo-devo).

167. Studying the biogeography and distribution of species.

168. Analyzing the evolution of mimicry in animals and plants.

169. Investigating the genetics of speciation and hybridization.

170. Studying the evolutionary history of domesticated plants and animals.

Cellular Biology Research Topics

171. Investigating the role of autophagy in cellular homeostasis.

172. Analyzing the mechanisms of cellular transport and trafficking.

173. Studying the regulation of cell adhesion & migration.

174. Investigating the cellular responses to DNA damage.

175. Analyzing the dynamics of cellular membrane structures.

176. Studying the role of cellular organelles in lipid metabolism.

177. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell communication.

178. Studying the physiology of cellular respiration and energy production.

179. Analyzing the cellular mechanisms of viral entry and replication.

180. Investigating the role of cellular senescence in aging and disease.

Good Biology Research Topics Related To Brain Injuries

181. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury.

182. Investigating the role of neuroinflammation in brain injury recovery.

183. Studying the impact of concussions on long-term brain health.

184. Analyzing the use of neuroimaging in diagnosing brain injuries.

185. Investigating the development of neuroprotective therapies.

186. Studying the genetics of susceptibility to brain injuries.

187. Analyzing the cognitive and behavioral effects of brain trauma.

188. Investigating the role of rehabilitation in brain injury recovery.

189. Studying the cellular and molecular changes in axonal injury.

190. Looking into how stem cell therapy might be used to help brain injuries.

Biology Quantitative Research Topics

191. Investigating the mathematical modeling of population dynamics.

192. Analyzing the statistical methods for biodiversity assessment.

193. Studying the use of bioinformatics in genomics research.

194. Investigating the quantitative analysis of gene expression data.

195. Studying the mathematical modeling of enzyme kinetics.

196. Analyzing the statistical approaches for epidemiological studies.

197. Investigating the use of computational tools in phylogenetics.

198. Studying the mathematical modeling of ecological systems.

199. Analyzing the quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions.

200. Investigating the statistical methods for analyzing genetic variation.

Importance Of Choosing The Right Biology Research Topics

Here are some importance of choosing the right biology research topics: 

1. Relevance to Your Interests and Goals

Choosing the right biology research topic is important because it should align with your interests and goals. Studying something you’re passionate about keeps you motivated and dedicated to your research.

2. Contribution to Scientific Knowledge

Your research should contribute something valuable to the world of science. Picking the right topic means you have the chance to discover something new or solve a problem, advancing our understanding of the natural world.

3. Availability of Resources

Consider the resources you have or can access. If you pick a topic that demands resources you don’t have, your research may hit a dead end. Choosing wisely means you can work efficiently.

4. Feasibility and Manageability

A good research topic should be manageable within your time frame and capabilities. If it’s too broad or complex, you might get overwhelmed. Picking the right topic ensures your research is doable.

5. Real-World Impact

Think about how your research might benefit the real world. Biology often has implications for health, the environment, or society. Choosing a topic with practical applications can make your work meaningful and potentially change lives.

Resources For Finding Biology Research Topics

There are numerous resources for finding biology research topics:

1. Online Databases

Look on websites like PubMed and Google Scholar. They have lots of biology articles. Type words about what you like to find topics.

2. Academic Journals

Check biology magazines. They talk about new research. You can find ideas and see what’s important.

3. University Websites

Colleges show what their teachers study. Find teachers who like what you like. Ask them about ideas for your own study.

4. Science News and Magazines

Read science news. They tell you about new things in biology. It helps you think of research ideas.

5. Join Biology Forums and Communities

Talk to other people who like biology online. You can ask for ideas and find friends to help you. Use websites like ResearchGate and Reddit for this.

Conclusion 

Biology Research Topics offer exciting opportunities for exploration and learning. We’ve explained what biology is and stressed the importance of picking a good research topic. Our tips and extensive list of over 200 biology research topics provide valuable guidance for students.

Selecting the right topic is more than just getting good grades; it’s about making meaningful contributions to our understanding of life. We’ve also shared resources to help you discover even more topics. So, embrace the world of biology research, embark on a journey of discovery, and be part of the ongoing effort to unravel the mysteries of the natural world.

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49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics

August 21, 2023

In need of the perfect biology research topics—ideas that can both showcase your intellect and fuel your academic success? Lost in the boundless landscape of possible biology topics to research? And afraid you’ll never get a chance to begin writing your paper, let alone finish writing? Whether you’re a budding biologist hoping for a challenge or a novice seeking easy biology research topics to wade into, this blog offers curated and comprehensible options.

And if you’re a high school or transfer student looking for opportunities to immerse yourself in biology, consider learning more about research opportunities for high school students , top summer programs for high school students , best colleges for studying biomedical engineering , and best colleges for studying biology .

What is biology?

Well, biology explores the web of life that envelops our planet, from the teeny-tiny microbes to the big complex ecosystems. Biology investigates the molecular processes that define existence, deciphers the interplay of genes, and examines all the dynamic ways organisms interact with their environments. And through biology, you can gain not only knowledge, but a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. Pretty cool!

There are lots and lots of sub-disciplines within biology, branching out in all directions. Throughout this list, we won’t follow all of those branches, but we will follow many. And while none of these branches are truly simple or easy, some might be easier than others. Now we’ll take a look at a few various biology research topics and example questions that could pique your curiosity.

Climate change and ecosystems

The first of our potentially easy biology research topics: climate change and ecosystems. Investigate how ecosystems respond and adapt to the changing climate. And learn about shifts in species distributions , phenology , and ecological interactions .

1) How are different ecosystems responding to temperature changes and altered precipitation patterns?2) What are the implications of shifts in species distributions for ecosystem stability and functioning?

2) Or how does phenology change in response to climate shifts? And how do those changes impact species interactions?

3) Which underlying genetic and physiological mechanisms enable certain species to adapt to changing climate conditions?

4) And how do changing climate conditions affect species’ abilities to interact and form mutualistic relationships within ecosystems?

Microbiome and human health

Intrigued by the relationship between the gut and the rest of the body? Study the complex microbiome . You could learn how gut microbes influence digestion, immunity, and even mental health.

5) How do specific gut microbial communities impact nutrient absorption?

6) What are the connections between the gut microbiome, immune system development, and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases?

7) What ethical considerations need to be addressed when developing personalized microbiome-based therapies? And how can these therapies be safely and equitably integrated into clinical practice?

8) Or how do variations in the gut microbiome contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression?

9) How do changes in diet and lifestyle affect the composition and function of the gut microbiome? And what are the subsequent health implications?

Urban biodiversity conservation

Next, here’s another one of the potentially easy biology research topics. Examine the challenges and strategies for conserving biodiversity in urban environments. Consider the impact of urbanization on native species and ecosystem services. Then investigate the decline of pollinators and its implications for food security or ecosystem health.

10) How does urbanization influence the abundance and diversity of native plant and animal species in cities?

11) Or what are effective strategies for creating and maintaining green spaces that support urban biodiversity and ecosystem services?

12) How do different urban design and planning approaches impact the distribution of wildlife species and their interactions?

13) What are the best practices for engaging urban communities in biodiversity conservation efforts?

14) And how can urban agriculture and rooftop gardens contribute to urban biodiversity conservation while also addressing food security challenges?

Bioengineering

Are you a problem solver at heart? Then try approaching the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine. Delve into the field of synthetic biology , where researchers engineer biological systems to create novel organisms with useful applications.

15) How can synthetic biology be harnessed to develop new, sustainable sources of biofuels from engineered microorganisms?

16) And what ethical considerations arise when creating genetically modified organisms for bioremediation purposes?

17) Can synthetic biology techniques be used to design plants that are more efficient at withdrawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

18) How can bioengineering create organisms capable of producing valuable pharmaceutical compounds in a controlled and sustainable manner?

19) But what are the potential risks and benefits of using engineered organisms for large-scale environmental cleanup projects?

Neurobiology

Interested in learning more about what makes creatures tick? Then this might be one of your favorite biology topics to research. Explore the neural mechanisms that underlie complex behaviors in animals and humans. Shed light on topics like decision-making, social interactions, and addiction. And investigate how brain plasticity and neurogenesis help the brain adapt to learning, injury, and aging.

20) How does the brain’s reward circuitry influence decision-making processes in situations involving risk and reward?

21) What neural mechanisms underlie empathy and social interactions in both humans and animals?

22) Or how do changes in neural plasticity contribute to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases?

23) Can insights from neurobiology inform the development of more effective treatments for addiction and substance abuse?

24) What are the neural correlates of learning and memory? And how can our understanding of these processes be applied to educational strategies?

Plant epigenomics

While this might not be one of the easy biology research topics, it will appeal to plant enthusiasts. Explore how epigenetic modifications in plants affect their ability to respond and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

25) How do epigenetic modifications influence the expression of stress-related genes in plants exposed to temperature fluctuations?

26) Or what role do epigenetic changes play in plants’ abilities to acclimate to changing levels of air pollution?

27) Can certain epigenetic modifications be used as indicators of a plant’s adaptability to new environments?

28) How do epigenetic modifications contribute to the transgenerational inheritance of traits related to stress resistance?

29) And can targeted manipulation of epigenetic marks enhance crop plants’ ability to withstand changing environmental conditions?

Conservation genomics

Motivated to save the planet? Conservation genomics stands at the forefront of modern biology, merging the power of genetics with the urgent need to protect Earth’s biodiversity. Study genetic diversity, population dynamics, and how endangered species adapt in response to environmental changes.

30) How does genetic diversity within endangered species influence their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions?

31) What genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility of certain populations to diseases, and how can this knowledge inform conservation strategies?

32) How can genomic data be used to inform captive breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species?

33) And what are the genomic signatures of adaptation in response to human-induced environmental changes, such as habitat fragmentation and pollution?

34) Or how can genomics help identify “hotspots” of biodiversity that are particularly important for conservation efforts?

Zoonotic disease transmission

And here’s one of the biology research topics that’s been on all our minds in recent years. Investigate the factors contributing to the transmission of zoonotic diseases , like COVID-19. Then posit strategies for prevention and early detection.

35) What are the ecological and genetic factors that facilitate the spillover of zoonotic pathogens from animals to humans?

36) Or how do changes in land use, deforestation, and urbanization impact the risk of zoonotic disease emergence?

37) Can early detection and surveillance systems be developed to predict and mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases?

38) How do social and cultural factors influence human behaviors that contribute to zoonotic disease transmission?

39) And can strategies be implemented to improve global pandemic preparedness?

Bioinformatics

Are you a data fanatic? Bioinformatics involves developing computational tools and techniques to analyze and interpret large biological datasets. This enables advancements in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. So delve into the world of bioinformatics to learn how large-scale genomic and molecular data are revolutionizing biological research.

40) How can machine learning algorithms predict the function of genes based on their DNA sequences?

41) And what computational methods can identify potential drug targets by analyzing protein-protein interactions in large biological datasets?

42) Can bioinformatics tools be used to identify potential disease-causing mutations in human genomes and guide personalized medicine approaches?

43) What are the challenges and opportunities in analyzing “omics” data (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics) to uncover novel biological insights?

44) Or how can bioinformatics contribute to our understanding of microbial diversity, evolution, and interactions within ecosystems?

Regenerative medicine

While definitely not one of the easy biology research topics, regenerative medicine will appeal to those interested in healthcare. Research innovative approaches to stimulate tissue and organ regeneration, using stem cells, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. And while you’re at it, discover the next potential medical breakthrough.

45) How can stem cells be directed to differentiate into specific cell types for tissue regeneration, and what factors influence this process?

46) Or what are the potential applications of 3D bioprinting in creating functional tissues and organs for transplantation?

47) How can bioengineered scaffolds enhance tissue regeneration and integration with host tissues?

48) What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of stem cells and regenerative therapies in medical treatments?

49) And can regenerative medicine approaches be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders and restore brain function?

Biology Research Topics – Final thoughts

So as you take your next steps, try not to feel overwhelmed. And instead, appreciate the vast realm of possibilities that biology research topics offer. Because the array of biology topics to research is as diverse as the ecosystems it seeks to understand. And no matter if you’re only looking for easy biology research topics, or you’re itching to unravel the mysteries of plant-microbe interactions, your exploration will continue to deepen what we know of the world around us.

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Mariya holds a BFA in Creative Writing from the Pratt Institute and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing at the University of California Davis. Mariya serves as a teaching assistant in the English department at UC Davis. She previously served as an associate editor at Carve Magazine for two years, where she managed 60 fiction writers. She is the winner of the 2015 Stony Brook Fiction Prize, and her short stories have been published in Mid-American Review , Cutbank , Sonora Review , New Orleans Review , and The Collagist , among other magazines.

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Biology Research Projects for High School Students: 20 Ideas To Try This Summer

Photo of Janos Perczel

By János Perczel

Co-founder of Polygence, PhD from MIT

16 minute read

Biology and biomedical research are two of the most popular academic disciplines among high schoolers. If you’re someone who’s interested in those fields and you’re looking for research opportunities this summer, you’ve come to the right place! With the study of biology, not only can you gain a better understanding of the natural world, but your research can have practical applications in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Whether you’re just starting out in your exploration of biology, have taken a biology class in school, or you’re looking to do some advanced research to submit to your state’s science fair , we have level-appropriate ideas for you!

With a variety of topics like cancer treatment, genetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and marine life, we’ve got you covered. Here is a curated list of 20 different research project ideas to get those creative juices flowing. If you’re hungry for more, head over to our comprehensive Project Ideas database here and browse over 2800 more ideas!  

Research YOUR fave areas of Biology and Medicine

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in to create a passion project around biology and medicine. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

Human Body Project Ideas

Rate of cognitive decline in different elevations.

Oxygen partial pressure decreases with altitude, challenging blood oxygenation which may affect brain function. If you’ve ever felt some altitude sickness, then this is exactly what’s happening. This is because the atmospheric pressure decreases at higher elevations, leading to a decrease in the partial pressures of the gasses in the air, including oxygen. And of course, oxygen is needed for us to function. What is the effect on brain health/ cognition in sudden increased elevation: say, climbing Mount Everest? Does chronic exposure to high elevations increase the likelihood of dementia? In this project, a meta-analysis of published works examining the effects of altitude on cognition would be conducted.

Idea by mentor Alyssa

Building a Blood Vessel

Use online graphics to illustrate how a blood vessel forms. Blood vessels are structures that carry blood and are responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries. For this project, complete a literature search to understand what is known about blood vessel growth. Then, utilize this information to generate a graphic with no words to demonstrate how the vasculature (network of blood vessels) forms. The goal of this project is to explain science without using text and therefore make it more available to a larger community.

Idea by mentor Natalie

Examining the bacterial profile of various households

As of late, bacterial microbiomes have been a huge and interesting topic in the field of bacteriology as they play an important role in human health. Bacterial microbiomes are communities of bacteria that live on or outside organisms. They’re found in various parts of the human body, and help us to digest food and regulate our immune system. In this project, you will seek to understand how skin microbiomes can differ between different  individuals of different households. This project will require making different bacterial media that can be made at home selecting for various microorganisms. If you’re new to preparing bacterial media, check out this resource here!

Idea by mentor Hamilton

Regulation of Circadian Clocks

Sleep is known to be governed by two distinct processes: a circadian clock that aligns sleep and wakefulness to the solar day and the sleep homeostat that encodes for sleep debt as a compensatory mechanism against sleep loss. You’ve most likely heard about circadian rhythm and our body’s internal clock, and circadian regulation of sleep is a fundamental process that allows animals to anticipate sleepiness or wakefulness consistently every day. These mechanisms can be regulated in multiple ways: at the gene, protein, gene, and clock neuronal level. In this project, we will focus on 1) how to efficiently digest primary and review articles to compile and condense information, 2) investigate how circadian clocks are regulated at these different genetic levels, and 3) try to effectively summarize the information we've gathered. We can present this information in a variety of ways, and what the final product looks like is up to you.

Idea by mentor Oscar

The Biology of Aging

Aging is the number one risk factor for a variety of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and loss of hearing/sight. We are only now beginning to truly understand the process of aging and have even started to uncover ways that we could stop, or potentially reverse, the effects of aging. What are the hallmarks/signs of aging? How do researchers study 'aging'? How does human lifespan and aging compare to the rest of the animal kingdom? Is it possible to stop or reverse the effects of aging? What advancements are being made related to this? We could explore these questions or brainstorm others you might have about the biology of aging.

Idea by mentor Emily

Animals, Plants, and Nature Project Ideas

How genetically engineered mosquitoes are reducing rates of vector-borne diseases such as zika.

Many countries are already releasing millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes into the wild every week. These mosquitoes have been modified to reduce their ability to transmit disease-causing pathogens like dengue fever, Zika, and malaria, and are sent into the wild to mate with disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, this is still controversial as some people are concerned about the unintended consequences on the environment. What could be the potential pros and cons for this? The project will mainly focus on doing meta analysis of articles and watching informative videos to understand how/why genetically engineered mosquitoes can be used to reduce rates of different diseases. Students will have the chance to use critical thinking and do in-depth research on genetic engineering techniques, how scientists determine breeding rates and number of insects released, and epidemiology of different bloodborne diseases.

Idea by mentor Vanessa

Efficacy of Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas of ocean or coastal waters that are set aside for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. These areas are established by governments, NGOs, or other organizations, and they can take different forms, from fully protected "no-take" zones to areas with regulated fishing or other activities. Marine protected areas have the potential to guide sustainable resource management and protect biodiversity, but have a host of reasons for why they are not currently effective. Explore reasons for why MPAs may not be effective. Then develop a framework for mapping, modeling, and implementing an effective Marine Protected Area.

Bioinspiration: Do animals hold the answers?

Can the toxins produced by frogs help us fight antibiotic resistant bacteria strains? How can understanding how lizards and newts regrow their limbs help us improve wound treatment? Why do tilapia skins help with burns? Discover the role of animals in the development of modern medicine as well as its potential. Are there any ethical concerns with these developments and findings? If so, what are they and do they matter? Share your findings in a research proposal, article, or presentation.

Idea by mentor Cheyenne

How Climate Change Can Affect Future Distributions of Rare Species

Climate change, such as global warming and longer drought, can threaten the existence of some of the rarest plants on earth. It is important to understand how future suitable habitats will change for these rare species so that we can target our conservation efforts in specific areas. In this project, you will identify a rare species that you like (it can be animals, plants, or fungi!), and gather the data online on its current occurrences. Then you will learn how to perform species distribution modeling to map its current and future suitable habitat areas. To get you started on learning species distribution modeling, check out this Youtube resource here. The changes in the amount or location of future suitable habitats can significantly affect the destiny of a rare species. By doing this project, you will not only learn skills in data analyses but also become the best ambassador for this rare species that you love. 

Idea by mentor Yingtong

A Reef’s Best Frenemies

Coral reefs are in global decline. A primary cause of this is "coral bleaching" which results in the white reefs we often see in the news. Coral bleaching is actually the breakdown in the partnership between the coral animal and tiny, symbiotic algae that live within its cells. Corals and algae have a variety of thermal tolerances which are likely decided by genetic and environmental factors. However, despite how important this relationship is, it's currently very poorly understood. This project would review existing literature on the symbiotic partnernship and try to identify factors that predict bleaching and thermal resilience.

Idea by mentor Carly

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Register to get paired with one of our expert mentors and to get started on exploring your passions today! You have agency in setting up your schedule for this research. Dive in now!

Diseases and Treatments Project Ideas

The understanding of a new and upcoming treatment: immunotherapy.

Immunotherapies have been growing in the past few years as alternative treatments for many types of cancer. These treatments work by boosting the patient's immune system to fight the disease, however it is not always effective. There are many types of immunotherapies with various nuances, but they all work to attack specific cells that are causing the disease. For this project, pick one of a few types of immunotherapy and deeply understand the mechanism of action and what is the current effectiveness against the cancer it treats.

Idea by mentor Hannah

Exploring The Cancer Genome Atlas data 

There has been an explosion of publicly available data for cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas was a research program with the purpose of creating a comprehensive catalog of genomic and molecular information about different types of cancer, with the aim of improving our understanding of the disease and developing new treatments. The dataset has been used to identify new cancer subtypes, develop diagnostic tests, and discover potential targets for new cancer therapies. Explore the implications and impact of The Cancer Genome Atlas data, and why it’s become so important.

Idea by mentor Hersh

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Physiological Benefits of Fasting-induced Autophagy

Autophagy, meaning "self-eating", is a cellular process where damaged or unwanted components are disposed. Autophagy has been linked to various diseased pathologies, including cancer and heart disease. Fasting or specific dietary lifestyles may induce levels of autophagy in the human body. In this project, we will perform and systematic review and meta-analysis of fasting or diet-induced autophagy and its benefits on the body. You will gain skills in 1) searching and reviewing primary literature, 2) computational skills for performing data analysis (R language), and 3) writing your scientific findings.

Idea by mentor Jose 

The Amyloid Hypothesis: Sifting through the controversy

For many years, scientists have thought that amyloid beta was the protein responsible for a patient developing Alzheimer's Disease symptoms. This "Amyloid Hypothesis" is now being questioned in light of current clinical data. Recently, drugs have been developed that reduce amyloid beta in patients. Surprisingly, the drugs worked in reducing amyloid beta, but it did not result in the slowing of disease pathology. Does this mean that the amyloid hypothesis is incorrect? Is amyloid beta less important in the progression of disease then what we once thought? This research project aims to explore the issues with the amyloid hypothesis and to assess where we stand in our understanding of amyloid beta's contribution to Alzheimer’s.

Idea by mentor Patrick

How do vaccines work?

During the COVID pandemic, vaccines have been all over the news! But how do they actually work? What’s the science behind them? Through this project, you will explore how vaccines work and the history of science behind vaccine development. While the final product of the projectwill be up to you, the ultimate goal of this project is for you to be a true public health advocate for vaccines and to be able to communicate why vaccines are so important in a way that the general public can understand.

Idea by mentor Helen

Sleep Disruption Profiles in Various Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been studied for decades but we are no closer to understanding the mechanisms of the disease. Because of the vast number of researchers studying AD, there are numerous models used to study the disease. All these models have different sleep profiles, phenotypes, disease onsets, sex differences etc. Therefore, in this project we will compile a document based on extensive literature review about the various models there are. We will focus on sleep profiles in these animals with an emphasis on male and female differences. This information is valuable because it is important to know which model is best to use to answer your scientific questions and there is a lot of criticism (by other scientists) that can be brought on by the model chosen so you need to be able to justify your choice. This project will also introduce you to the world of AD research and some of the gaps in knowledge in the field.

Idea by mentor Shenee

Rethinking The Treatment Of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. They are conditions that affect the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord, and examples include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While billions of dollars have been spent trying to find treatments for the disease, very few drugs and therapies have had a meaningful impact on slowing down disease progression. This is often because by the time someone is diagnosed with a disease, it has progressed too far for a treatment to have a substantial effect. Some recent approaches to treatment have turned to looking for early indications of the disease (termed "biomarkers") that can occur before the onset of symptoms. By diagnosing disease and beginning treatment before symptoms arise, these treatments could have a more profound effect in slowing down the progression of disease. Students could review the recent progress being made on identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, and either write a paper or even record a podcast on their findings!

Idea by mentor David

Genetics Project Ideas

Height and genetics: nature or nurture.

How much do your genes determine your height? How much do nutrition and environmental factors play a role? What gene variants are implicated in height differences and what is the role of epigenetics? Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by diet and lifestyle. We will access and analyze an open dataset on twins to estimate the correlation between monozygotic twins (who have the exact same DNA) and height. You will learn to use R to open a dataset, analyze data with statistical methods such the student’s t-test, and display your data as graphs and charts. Finally, you will learn how to make a research presentation on height and genetics, describe the research methods, and present the data in a compelling and thorough way.

Idea by mentor Adeoluwa

The World of Personalized Medicine

Similar to our fingerprints, our genetic code is also unique to each individual person. Our genetic code is what determines our hair color, height, eye color, skin tone...just about everything! For those that develop diseases such as cancer, their genetic code found inside the malignant cells that comprise a tumor may also be unique to them or to certain groups of people with similar mutations (the drivers of disease). So why is it that we treat each person the same way even though the genetic drivers of that disease may be disparate? The world of Personalized Medicine is new and exciting and looks to circumvent this problem. Personalized Medicine (also known as precision medicine) uses the genetic code of a patients disease to guide treatment options that prove to be highly efficacious. Together, lets write a review on a disease of your choice that could benefit from Personalized Medicine based on current literature and research.

Idea by mentor Somer

General Biology Project Ideas

Teach a biology concept two ways: to your fellow students and to the general public.

One of the best ways to learn is to teach. Choose a biological concept that interests you and prepare a lesson and or demo on it. The format should be a video recording of yourself teaching (a la Khan Academy or a Zoom class), but the other details are up to you. Consider incorporating a demonstration (e.g. how can you use items from your kitchen to illustrate properties of mixtures?) or animation (e.g. to illustrate molecular motion). Also consider how you will check that your students understand the concept(s) and/or skill(s) you have taught them. Prepare and record two versions of your lesson: one intended for your peers and one for the general public. How will the versions differ to reflect these different audiences? You will learn what it's like to teach, gain a much greater understanding of your chosen concept(s)/skill(s), and learn how to communicate science to different audiences.

Idea by mentor Alexa

Once you’ve picked a project idea, check out some of our resources to help you progress with your project! Whether you’re stuck on how to cite sources , how to come up with a great thesis statement , or how to showcase your work once it’s finished , we’ve created blog posts to help you out. If you’re interested in doing one of the biology research projects with the help of an amazing mentor at Polygence, apply now ! If you would like some help with coming up with your own idea, book a complimentary consultation call with our admissions team here ! For more biology and science research information, check out our comprehensive list of research opportunities for high school students .

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150 Actual Biology Research Paper Topics

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Table of contents

  • 1 What Is Biology? What Topics Might Biologists Study?
  • 2 How to Choose a Topic for Biology Research Paper?
  • 3.1 15 Developmental Biology Topics For Research
  • 3.2 15 Immune System Biology Research Topics
  • 3.3 15 Cell Biology Research Topics
  • 3.4 15 DNA Research Topics
  • 3.5 15 Molecular Biology Research Topics
  • 3.6 15 Neurobiology Research Topics
  • 3.7 15 Abortion, Human cloning, and Genetic Researches Topics
  • 3.8 15 Environmental and Ecology Topics for Your Research
  • 3.9 15 Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics
  • 3.10 15 Animals Biology Research Topics
  • 3.11 15 Marine Biology Research Topics
  • 3.12 15 Zoology Research Topics
  • 3.13 15 Genetics Research Topics
  • 3.14 15 Biotechnology Research Topics
  • 3.15 15 Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

Biology is one of the most magnetic fields of study these days. If you want to be a biologist or scientist in the future, there is no better time to start than right now. Biology research topics covered in this article will keep you busy and interested. Writing a research paper is one of the best ways to dip your toes into the field. Before doing that, you need to know some good topics for the research paper . They should be suitable for biology students rather than cutting-edge researchers. On Papersowl.com , we provide as many biology research paper examples as possible so that you have a huge choice.

What Is Biology? What Topics Might Biologists Study?

Biology is simply the study of everything that has a form of life. It includes investigations on plants, animals, and everything found in the environment. It is about studying how life forms grow, develop, and interact with each other. Biology essay topics for research encompass all these and more.

This science uncovers many fields where various life forms are studied. It makes sense to look through these fields to help you decide which suits you the best.

Plant Biology research topics are about studying the plants around us. They disclose information about their existence as a part of the ecosystem, their life cycle, resources they can give us, their ability to preserve them from climate changes, and so on. There are many ideas to choose from, but you must focus on a specific one.

Human Biology research topics are all about us. These topics focus on different body parts, such as the human brain, the human immunological system, the nervous system, etc. In addition, you can discuss DNA modifications in humans and explain why genetic disorders occur in your research projects. Various cell research is also common today.

Biology research topics on the environment are in great demand too. For example, climate change is becoming a more significant threat every day. By studying environmental topics in biology for projects and research, we can come up with ways to combat them and preserve ecosystems.

Microbiology research topics delve into things we can’t see. There are trillions of microbes and bacteria all around us. Knowing about them is essential to understanding what makes us sick and how to fight against them. All microbiology research paper topics are pretty complicated yet very engaging to include in your paper research.

Molecular biology topics dive even deeper into the level of atoms and molecules. The various medicines and drugs we take were all created through molecular-biology research. It is one of the areas full of ideas, but there is yet to be much evidence. Science is advancing in this realm but still needs a lot of time. Topics of molecular biology will need days for research only.

Keep in mind that there are more ideas and variations of this science. We offer more examples in further sections of the article about developmental biology, marine biology, evolutionary biology, etc. Explore them and make your writing appealing and meaningful in the eyes of a professor.

How to Choose a Topic for Biology Research Paper?

When choosing a biology project topic, you must be aware of one or more fields of science. Biology research is critical to the present world. By doing research, we can learn more about genetic disorders, immune disorders, mental health, natural disease resistance, etc. Knowing about each of these could save lives in the future.

For those who may not have the time or resources to do their own research, there are research paper writing services that can provide assistance with the project. And we are always here to help you find your own topic among interesting biology research topics. Here we prepared some useful tips to follow.

  • Tip 1: The level of interest matters Pay attention to one that interests you, and you might have ideas on how to develop the topic. Passion is fundamental in research, after all.
  • Tip 2: Explore the topic Try to narrow things down a bit. If the topic is too broad, you may not be able to cover all aspects of it in one research paper. If it is too narrow, the paper could end up too short. Analyze the topic and the ways to approach it. By doing so, you can strike a balance between the two.
  • Tip 3: Discover the recent developments To make your research paper touchable with the present day, you must explore the latest developments in the field. You can find out what kind of research has been done recently by looking at journals. Check out research papers, topics, research articles, and other sources.
  • Tip 4: Ensure to get enough resources When choosing a topic, make sure it has plenty of resources available. For example, a research paper on xenobiology or cutting-edge nanobiology might sound attractive. Still, you might have difficulties getting data and resources for those unless you are a researcher at a government lab. Data, resources, complex numbers, and statistics are all invaluable to writing a paper about these topics.

That is why we have selected a range of biological topics. The topics on this list are all hopefully exciting topics for research you could write an excellent paper on. We should also add that easy biology topics to research are rare, and a writer usually needs days to prepare and start writing. Yes, biology research topics for high school students are a bit easier, but still, they need time to explore them.

On the other hand, biology research topics for college students are far more complex and detailed. Some people prefer evolutionary biology research paper topics, and we can agree with this claim. These research areas do have a lot of potential and a lot of data to support the claims. Others prefer cell biology research topics that are a bit specific and fun. Anyway, with this article’s list of easy biology research topics, you will surely find the one matching your interest.

For those who may not have the time or resources to do their own research, there are provide assistance with the project.

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Top Research Biology Paper Topics

This section contains a large selection of research biology paper topics. You will be able to find one that will suit you the best. The only thing left is to decide what variation of science you prefer. Whether you’re interested in microbiology, genetics, or any other type of science, you’ll find a topic to get you started. If you’re ever stuck or need some extra help, you can always pay someone to write your paper for you. So, take a look, and choose the perfect topic for your project!

15 Developmental Biology Topics For Research

Exploring the processes of how cells grow and develop is exciting. The human body contains millions of cells, and it’s interesting to research their behavior under different conditions. If you feel like writing about it, you can find some interesting biology topics below.

  • How do stem cells form different tissues?
  • How are tumors formed?
  • Duplication of genomes
  • Plasticity of development
  • Different birth defects
  • Interactions between genes and the environment
  • Anticancer drugs mixtures
  • Developmental diseases: Origin
  • Drosophila Oogenesis
  • Most deadly viruses
  • Most deadly bacteria in the world
  • How do germs affect cells?
  • How does leukemia start?
  • Development of the cardiovascular system in children
  • How do autoimmune diseases start and affect the human body?

15 Immune System Biology Research Topics

For decades, many scientists and immunologists have studied the human immune system and tried to explain its reaction to various pathogens. This area allows you to deepen into it and reveal how a body protects itself from harmful impact. Look over the biology research questions below and find your match-up.

  • How does the human body’s immune system work?
  • The human immune system: How to strengthen it?
  • What makes the immunological system weaker?
  • The notion of auto-immune diseases and their effect on the body’s immune system
  • The global HIV/aids epidemic
  • What methods are used to prevent the spread of hives?
  • Living with auto-immune diseases
  • Genetics and the immune system: effects and consequences
  • How do immune disorders affect the body, and what causes them?
  • Are allergies signs of worrying about an immune disorder?
  • DNA modification in solving immune disorders
  • Stress as the biggest ruiner of the immunological system
  • Vaccines as strong supporters of the immunological system
  • The perception of vaccines in society
  • Why do some people refuse vaccines and put others around them in danger?

15 Cell Biology Research Topics

Cell study might seem challenging yet very engaging. It will be a good idea to compare various types of cells and compare them in animals and plants. Make your choice from the list of cell biology research topics below.

  • The structure of an animal cell
  • Mitochondria and its meaning in cell development
  • Cells classification and their functions
  • Red blood cells and their function in transporting oxygen
  • White blood cells and their responsibility to fight diseases
  • How are plant cells different from animal cells?
  • What would it be if animals had a function to photosynthesize?
  • Single-celled organisms: What is it, and how do they work?
  • What processes do cells go through in division?
  • Invasion of bacteria into the body
  • Viruses – alive or not?
  • Fungi: their reproduction and distribution
  • Cancer cells: Why are they so dangerous?
  • What methods are used to kill cancer cells?
  • The role of stem cells and their potential in a body

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15 DNA Research Topics

The variety of biology research topics for college students might impress you a lot. This is a science with a large field of investigation, disclosing much scientific information to use in your project. The notion of DNA and its gist are also excellent options to write about.

  • The structure of the human DNA
  • The main components of a DNA chain
  • Why does DNA have a double-helix spiral structure?
  • The purpose of chromosomes
  • MRNA and its relation to DNA
  • Do single-celled organisms have DNA?
  • Do viruses have DNA?
  • What happens if you have too many or too few chromosomes?
  • Analyzing the structure of DNA using computers
  • Uses for the DNA of extinct organisms like mammoths and dinosaurs
  • Storing non-genetic information in DNA
  • Can you write a computer program into human DNA?
  • How does radiation affect DNA?
  • Modifying DNA to treat aids
  • Can we fight cancer through DNA modification?

15 Molecular Biology Research Topics

Do you prefer to research molecules’ chemical and physical composition? We gathered some molecular biology research topics to make your choice easier.

  • The structure and components of a gene
  • How do molecules move in and out of a cell?
  • The basic building blocks of life
  • How are drugs designed for humans?
  • How is a vaccine designed to target a specific disease?
  • Dominant genes vs. recessive genes
  • Prion disease – why is it so dangerous?
  • Hormones and their function in the body
  • Developing artificial hormones from other animals
  • How to carry out a western blot?
  • Testing and analyzing DNA using PCR
  • The three-dimensional structure of a molecule
  • What is DNA transcription, and how is it used?
  • The structure of a prion
  • What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

15 Neurobiology Research Topics

The more you dive into science, the more exciting things you find. That’s about biology. Here, you can choose biology research topics for high school and try to reveal more simply.

  • Nervous system: its structure and function
  • Neurons as unique cells playing a central role in the nervous system
  • What is the maximum reaction speed in a human?
  • Reaction speed: how to improve it?
  • Research on Organic Farming
  • What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
  • Why do we feel happy or sad?
  • Headaches in terms of Neurobiology
  • What are the reasons for neurobiological degeneration?
  • Myths and reality of Amnesia
  • What causes Alzheimer’s Disease, and what are the consequences of the disease?
  • What is the treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?
  • Studies on Narcolepsy and Insomnia: What are the causes?
  • Is there a connection between Mental Health and Neurobiology?
  • Emotions in terms of their reflection in the brain

15 Abortion, Human cloning, and Genetic Researches Topics

There are so many scientific researches and theories that society accepts or neglects. You can operate different notions and try to explain them, reflecting their advantages and downsides for a human being. We gathered some enticing life science research topics for high school students that might interest you.

  • The controversy around abortion: legal or not?
  • Can abortion be safe?
  • Human cloning – reality vs. science-fiction
  • The goals of cloning humans
  • Are human cloning and transplantation ethical?
  • Having a “perfect child” through gene therapy: Is it a myth?
  • How far has gene therapy gone in genetic research?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of gene therapy
  • How gene therapy can help beat cancer
  • How gene therapy can eliminate diabetes
  • The opportunity to edit genes by CRISPR
  • DNA modifications in humans to enhance our abilities – an ethical dilemma
  • Will expensive gene therapy widen the gap between the rich and the poor?
  • Cloning: the good and the Bad for a Generation
  • The disadvantages of cloning
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15 Environmental and Ecology Topics for Your Research

The nature around us is so enormous and includes many branches to investigate. If you are keen on the environment and how ecology affects it, the list of follow-up biology paper topics might be helpful to you.

  • The theory of evolution
  • How does natural selection work?
  • How do living organisms adapt to their environment?
  • The concept of divergent and convergent evolution
  • Building a sustainable environment
  • Development of environment-friendly cities
  • How to control population growth?
  • Why have recycling resources become so essential in the modern world?
  • The effect of plastic on the environment
  • What are the global consequences of deforestation?
  • What can we expect when losing biodiversity?
  • Ecological damage: How to prevent it?
  • How can GMO products affect ecology?
  • Cloning endangered or extinct species: Is it a good idea?
  • Is climate change the main reason for disrupting ecology?

15 Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics

Many factors impact human health and the quality of food products matters. These easy biology research topics will be useful if you want to describe the connection between those two concepts.

  • How do plants protect themselves from diseases?
  • How to increase the plant’s resistance to diseases?
  • Diseases distribution among plants
  • The banana pandemic
  • How do herbicides influence plants?
  • Corn blight
  • Can any plant diseases affect humans?
  • The issue of stem rust and its impact on wheat
  • What approaches are used to struggle against invasive plants and affected weeds?
  • Fertilizers: their pros and cons on plants
  • Plant disease genetics: its system and structure
  • What is the connection between ecological changes and plant diseases?
  • Modifications on food production because of plant diseases
  • How do fungal and viral diseases appear in plants?
  • The sweet potato virus

15 Animals Biology Research Topics

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like animals. If you are curious about animals scientifically, here you are with biology research paper topics in this field.

  • Classification of animals
  • Land-based life: its evolution history
  • Controversies about keeping animals as pets
  • Is it ethical to test drugs and products on animals?
  • Why do nature reserves against zoos?
  • Evidence on prehistoric aquatic animals growing giant
  • What species of animals are vegan?
  • Animals and their social behavior
  • Primate behavior
  • How intelligent can other primates be?
  • Are wolves and dogs intelligent?
  • Domesticating animals
  • Hibernation in animals
  • Why animals migrate
  • Should we bring back extinct animals?

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15 Marine Biology Research Topics

The marine theme is engaging as it reveals so many interesting facts about life forms dwelling under the water. You can make your paper look captivating using biology topics in marine below.

  • How acidification affects aquatic environments
  • Evolution in the deep sea
  • What’s the meaning of camouflage mechanism in sea life?
  • Consequences of oil spills on marine life
  • Oldest marine species
  • How do whales communicate with each other?
  • How blind fish navigate
  • Are marine shows and aquariums ethical?
  • The biology and life cycle of seabirds
  • How jellyfish are immortal
  • Plankton ecology
  • Difference between freshwater and seawater marine life
  • Coral reefs: their importance and evolution
  • Saving and restoring coral reefs
  • Life in the deep-sea ocean trenches

15 Zoology Research Topics

Zoology can be an excellent choice to write about if you are close to animal studies. Look at biology topics to research and choose the one that fits your interest most.

  • Asian elephants and human speech patterns
  • Oyster genomes and adaptation
  • Darwin’s work in the Galápagos Islands
  • Asian carp: Invasive species analysis
  • Giant squids: Fact vs. fiction
  • Coyote and wolf hybrid species in the United States
  • Parasites and disease
  • Migration patterns of killer bees
  • The treatment of species in Melville’s Moby Dick
  • Biodiversity and plankton
  • The role of camels and the development of Africa and the Middle East
  • Muskellunge and adaptive creek mechanisms to small water
  • Ants and cooperative behavior among species
  • Animal communication and the origin of language
  • Speech in African Gray Parrots

15 Genetics Research Topics

Writing about modifications caused on the gene level is pretty challenging but very fascinating. You can select one among the biological questions for research and bring up a meaningful paper.

  • Genetics and its role in cancer studies
  • Can genetic code be confidential?
  • Is it possible to choose the sex of a person before birth?
  • Genetics as a ray of hope for children with an intellectual disability
  • What factors in human genetics affect behavior?
  • Is it somehow possible to improve human personality through genetics?
  • Are there any living cells in the gene?
  • Fighting HIV with gene mutations
  • Genetic mutations
  • How addictive substances affect genes
  • Genetic testing: is it necessary?
  • Cloning: positive or negative outcome for future generations
  • Pros and cons of genetic engineering
  • Is the world ready for the bioethics revolution?
  • The linkage between genetics and obesity

15 Biotechnology Research Topics

The way scientists conduct research today is magnificent. Implementing high-tech innovations in biology research brings new opportunities to study the world. What are these opportunities? Explore biotechnology research topics for college students and disclose the best options for you.

  • Biotechnology used in plant research
  • What is the contribution of biotechnology to food?
  • Pharmacogenetics: What is it, and how it works?
  • How are anti-cancer drugs produced to be effective?
  • Nanotechnology in DNA: How to isolate it?
  • Recent nanotechnology used in HIV treatment
  • What biotech apps are used to detect foodborne pathogens in food systems?
  • Genotypes research: Why are they tolerant and sensitive to heavy metal?
  • High-tech solutions in diagnosing cancer
  • Forensic DNA and its latest developments
  • Metabolic changes at the level of cells
  • Nanotechnology in improving treatments for respiratory viruses
  • The latest biotech discoveries
  • Digital evolution: bioresearch and its transformation
  • The concept of vaccine development

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15 Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

Knowing how life forms started their existence is fundamental. And more interesting is to look through the evolution of many processes. If you find this trend of research more engaging, we outlined evolutionary biology research paper topics to diversify your choice.

  • Darwin’s concept’s impact on science
  • The evolution concept by Lamarck
  • Origins of the evolutionary theory
  • Evolution acceptance: a belief vs. a theory?
  • Evolutionary in microbiology
  • Development of robotics
  • Revealing differences: human brain & animal brain
  • Preservation of biological resources
  • Transformations in aging
  • Adaptive genetic system
  • Morphometrics’ history
  • Developmental theory and population genomics
  • Bacteria ecology’s evolution
  • Biological changes: impact and evolution
  • Infectious diseases and their profession

The world of science and biology is vast, making research tedious. Use our list of interesting biology research topics to choose the best issue to write your own paper.

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Published by Robert Bruce at August 29th, 2023 , Revised On August 12, 2024

Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

  • Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
  • Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
  • Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
  • Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

  • Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
  • Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
  • Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
  • Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
  • Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

  • Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
  • Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
  • Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
  • Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
  • Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

  • Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
  • Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
  • Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

  • Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
  • Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
  • Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
  • Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
  • Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

  • Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
  • Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
  • Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
  • Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
  • Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

  • Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
  • Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
  • Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
  • Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
  • Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

  • CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
  • Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
  • Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
  • Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
  • Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

  • 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
  • Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
  • Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
  • Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Also read: Psychology Research Topics

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

  • Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
  • Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
  • Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
  • Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
  • Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

  • Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
  • Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
  • Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
  • Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
  • Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

  • Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
  • Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
  • Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
  • The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
  • Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

  • Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
  • Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
  • Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
  • Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
  • Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

  • Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
  • Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
  • Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
  • Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

  • Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
  • Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
  • Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
  • Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
  • Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

  • The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
  • Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
  • Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
  • Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
  • Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

  • Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
  • Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
  • Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
  • Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

  • Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
  • Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
  • Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
  • Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

  • Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
  • Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
  • Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
  • Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
  • Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

  • Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
  • Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
  • Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
  • Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
  • Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

  • Generate potential topics. 
  • Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
  • Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
  •  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
  • Narrow down and refine your research query. 
  • Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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200+ Fascinating Biology Research Topics for Students in 2024

Updated 24 Jul 2024

Biology Research Topics

Finding a great topic for a study can be challenging. Interesting biology topics need to be appealing, attention-grabbing and academically relevant. They need to deal with the recent findings and debatable questions. A great topic is a base of a scientific argument that has a valuable idea for the science. It also should provoke further discussion and lead to further coming studies.

College students have a hard time choosing the fascinating subject for their paper. That’s why these biology research paper topics can give you inspiration. You can pick one for your research or use them as the base for building your own idea.

Read also:  How to Write an Introduction to a Research Paper

A List of Researchable Topics for Biology 

A list of researchable topics for biology students starts with several interesting biological topics concerning sociological perspective and ethical issues. The most debatable subjects are abortion, human cloning, genetic researches and the new ethics that should be created to resolve these issues.

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What are some good biology research topics?

One could also find good research topics related to traditional biology subfields like plant and animal biology, ecology (current global problems warrant a number of hot topics), or topics related to humans: neurobiology (and determinants of human behavior), recent discoveries on diseases and the immune system, etc.

What are the major biological issues today?

They include pollution challenges, overpopulation, an increase in infectious diseases, and the lack of transparency in DNA and synthetic biology studies. We also have biological issues like global warming, endangered species, stem cell research, and the acidification of the ocean.

Read also: How can I find a trusted service to write my research paper ?

Biology Research Topics for College Students

When you choose a competitive Biology subject, you must focus on ideas that inspire you and talk about morphology, physiology, cell studies, origins, distribution, and innovations related to living organisms. You can also talk about the plants, the animals, or even famous personalities in the field.

  • Developmental Biology and Aging: Exploring New Discoveries in Lifespan Extension Research
  • The Role of Microbiomes in Ecosystem Health: A Look into the Microscopic Regulators of Ecological Balance
  • CRISPR and Beyond: Advanced Genetic Editing Techniques Emerging in 2023
  • Bioengineering and Sustainability: Harnessing Synthetic Biology for a Greener Future
  • Revolutionizing Drug Discovery with Synthetic Biology: Progress and Prospects in 2023
  • Challenges and Ethical Implications of Synthetic Biology: A Thorough Discussion on Genetically Modified Organisms
  • The Use of The Advanced X-Ray for The Scanning of The Plants
  • The Pros and Cons of The Cryo-EM Pattern in Virology
  • The Use of 3D Models for The Microscopic Examination of Living Cells
  • The Heritage of Jose Rizal and The Experiments Related to The Garden in Dapitan
  • Understanding the Role of Epigenetics in Human Development: Current Research and Perspectives
  • Heredity and Genetics Through The Lens of Autism: The Theories
  • Novel Approaches to Conservation: How Modern Ecological Research Aids in Species Preservation
  • Genetic Engineering and The Modern Survival of Life Mechanisms
  • How Can The Energy Be Transformed Into Living Things
  • Immune System of The Dolphins Compared to The Whales
  • Primary Productivity in a Limited Ecosystem: The Role of The Social Community
  • The Production of Hormones Without an Endocrine System: The Metabolism of The Plants

Abortion, Human cloning, Genetic Researches Biology Topics

  • Presentation on Abortion Law & Society’s Perspective in the USA
  • How Abortion is Related to the Feminist Ideology
  • The Biological Insights of Abortion
  • Human Cloning & Transplantation Possibilities
  • Project on Different Types of Cloning
  • DNA Structure, Genetic Disorders, and Modern Technology
  • History and Development of Human Cloning Science
  • Cloning: The Moral Aspect
  • How Cloning Can Change Medicine
  • What We Actually Know About DNA-modified Organisms
  • The Influence of Genetics on Disease Susceptibility: Current Research in Personalized Medicine
  • Genetic Grounds for Obesity
  • Is Homosexuality Genetically Based?
  • How Addictive Substances Affect Our Genes
  • Depression & Genes
  • Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe?
  • Should Human Cloning Be Legal?
  • The Advantages of Transgenic Crops
  • Factors Contributing to Genetic Mutations
  • Organ Transplantation: Is Donor’s Consent Needed?
  • Ethics Behind Transplantation
  • How Public Opinion Holds Back the Scientific Progress

DNA Research Topics

  • The Pros and Cons of Family Genetic Testing: Mental Implications and The Abuse of Data
  • Unraveling the Secrets of Junk DNA: New Insights into Non-Coding Regions and Their Roles
  • Structured Controversy of DNA Alterations: What Ethical Principles Must be Followed
  • Should DNA Alternation be Made Available when no Genetic Diseases are Involved?
  • Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA and Resistance Mechanisms
  • Bio-nano Technologies and The Covid-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned
  • Should DNA Research be Conducted on Animals and Plants: The Dangers Ahead
  • Various Genetic Diseases and The Use of DNA Sequencing
  • The Pros and Cons of The Protein-coding Approach to Regulatory Regions
  • An Ethical Side of Selective Breeding and Damage to Reproductive Technologies
  • Embryo Screening and Cloning: The Bioethical Aspect of Research
  • DNA Modifications in Humans
  • Can DNA Change Beat Aging?

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Behaviour and Hormones Biology Research Topics

Another huge part of biology research essay topics deals with the question of behavior and hormones. Students can share ideas on how our hormones influence mood and well-being. They can also be related to some disorders.

  • Report on the Significance of Certain Hormones Concerning the Body Functioning
  • Cell Structure & Antibiotic Resistance
  • Hormones Influence on Mind and Behavior
  • How Hormones Contribute to Depression
  • Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
  • Psychological Disorders: The Biological Basis
  • Biology Behind the Bipolar Disorder
  • Cortisol and Testosterone Influence Risk-Taking
  • Current Oxytocin Science
  • Oxytocin and Fear Reaction
  • Endocrine-Related Diseases
  • How Hormones Affect Human Behavior
  • Hormonal Control of Reproductive System
  • Influence of Hormonal Therapy
  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Hormone-Specific Psychopathic Disorders
  • Melatonin in Therapy
  • Steroid Hormones’ Path to Cells
  • Cardio Exercise Influence Hormones
  • Oxytocin in Treatment Psychopathic Disorders
  • How Hormones Influence Women’s Mental Health
  • Gender Specifics Related to Mental Health
Read also: 100 The Most Impressive Social Issues Topics for Essay or Paper

Immune System Biology Research Topics

Biology topics to write about cannot be full without at least several ones dealing with the immune system. It is our main defense against different diseases, that’s why it is important to know more about it.

  • Human Immune System and Its Resistance Capabilities
  • How Do Immune System Agents Function?
  • Discovering Diseases Caused by Immune System not Functioning Good
  • Immunity & Stress
  • Tolerance & Autoimmunity
  • Asthma & Allergic Reactions
  • Immunotherapy Influence on Human Body
  • Immunology & Transplantation
  • Graft Rejection Prevention
  • Vaccination: Are There Any Real Benefits?
  • The Society’s Perspective on Vaccination

Cell Biology Research Topics

It is a complex branch of biology that studies the smallest units and the living organisms. The focus is on the parts of the cell and the interaction of the cytoplasm and the membrane as the topic ideas below show:

  • The Pros And Cons Of The Cytoskeleton System Through The Lens Of Cell Motility.
  • Investigating Cellular Dynamics in Early Human Development: Cutting Edge Techniques and Discoveries in 2023.
  • Analysis Of Cell Division And The AI-based Methods Of Cell Cycle Control.
  • The Role Of Chromatin In The Alterations Of Gene Expression.
  • What Causes Cellular Metabolism In Marine Mammals.
  • The Use Of Hormone Action Therapy In College Athletics.
  • The Most Common Cell Infections And The Immunity Challenges.
  • The Alteration Of Ribosomes And The Cell Membrane Functioning.
  • The Heritage Of Robert Brown And The Nucleus.
  • The Importance Of The Cork Tree Cell For Cell Biology.
  • Analysis Of Multicellular Organisms And The Use Of Molecular Analysis Tools.

Molecular Biology Research Topics

The branch of Molecular Biology focuses on the analysis of composition, structure, and complex interactions related to processes taking place in the cells. Unlike basic microbiology, it studies biological processes like alteration, recreation, and maintenance.

  • The Use Of Comparative Genomics Of The Human Being And The Mice.
  • The Restrictions Of The DNA And Peculiarities Of The Modern Nucleic Acid Analysis.
  • An Ethical Aspect Of Molecular Genetics.
  • The Most Efficient Methods Of RNA Translation Into Proteins.
  • What Is The Current State Of The DNA Replication And The Amplification Methods.
  • The Limitations Of The Microarray Data Analysis.
  • Is It Possible To Repair The Damage Done To The Human DNA?
  • The Pros And Cons Of The Aseptic Technique: Transfection Methods.
  • Purification Of The DNA: How Does Protein Purification Change Over Time?
  • What Are The Objectives Of The Nucleic Acid Hybridization During The Gene Cloning Process?

Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics

Here are several interesting biology research topics concerning plant pathology:

  • Natural Disease Resistance in Plants
  • The Prevention Measures in Plant Pathology
  • Research on Plant-Associated Microbes and Current Genomic Tools
  • Literature Review on Microbial Ecology and Evolution
  • Plant Diseases Management Facilitated by Modern Technology
  • Plant Evolutionary Genetics
  • Weedy & Invasive Plants
  • Photosynthesis: Aspects & Functions
  • Fertilizers’ Influence on Plants
  • The Impact of Climate Change on Plant Disease Patterns
  • Genetic Engineering for Disease Resistance in Crops
  • Biocontrol Methods in Managing Plant Pathogens
  • The Role of Soil Microbiome in Plant Disease Suppression
  • Emerging Fungal Pathogens in Agricultural Crops
  • Plant-Virus Interactions and Disease Management
  • The Effects of Pesticides on Non-Target Plant Pathogens
  • Detection and Diagnosis of Plant Pathogens Using Molecular Techniques
  • Epidemiology of Plant Diseases in Changing Agricultural Landscapes
  • Resistance Mechanisms in Plants Against Bacterial Pathogens
  • The Impact of Invasive Species on Plant Disease Dynamics

Ecology-concerning Subjects Biology Research Topics

Undergraduates can do a proposal on Ecology-concerning subjects. First, it is one of the most relevant scientific fields as we deal with the results of human behavior all the time. Any new cool paper can shed some light of new ideas that will contribute to making the world a better place.

  • Ecological and Evolutionary Factors Influencing Animal Behavior
  • Essay on Relationship Between Living Forms and Their Environment
  • The Affect of Human Behavior on Animal Forms in the USA
  • The Ways Animal and Plants Respond to Changing Environment
  • Developmental Mechanism of Resistance in Animals
  • The Environmental Change and its Involvement in the Diversity of Species
  • Is Global Warming Really a Threat?
  • Fast Food Industry & Tropic Forests Extinction
  • Environmental Psychology
  • Means of Wildlife Protection
  • Impact of Rain Forests Extinction
  • Rare Species Protection
  • The Problem of Extinction
  • Renewable Energy and Environment’s Pollution
  • Climate Change and Biodiversity
  • Types of Pollution in Modern World
  • What is Sustainability in Biology?
  • Non-human factors of Extinction of Species
  • Benefits of Ecotourism
  • Is Extinction of Bees Real?
  • Oil Spill Effects on Ocean Wildlife
  • Factors and benefits of Organic Farming

Neurobiology Research Topics

Neurobiology Research Topics

  • Visual Cortex & Models of Orientation
  • Neuroscience in Robotic Technologies
  • What is Visual-Motor Coordination Based On?
  • Impact of Music on Human Brain
  • Brain Injuries and Related Disorders
  • Brain and Memory
  • Brain Capabilities of Self-Repairing
  • Genetic Defect That Contributes to Schizophrenia
  • Factors and Causes Behind a Migraine
  • Connection Between Gut Bacteria and Anxiety
  • Can Gut Bacteria Contribute to Depression?
  • Cognitive Neuroscience on Problem-Solving
  • Genes and Proteins Responsible for Neurons functioning

Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

As the title implies, evolutionary biology focuses on the processes that explore the history of life forms that we encounter. Starting with the study of the natural habitats to the analysis of the biodiversity and related behaviors, it's one of the most fascinating and varied branches of Biology.

  • The Natural vs Forced Evolutionary Processes as Natural Selection Takes Place
  • How Can We Increase Human Awareness about The Importance of Diversity of Life on Earth
  • The Heritage of Charles Darwin and Why His Theories are Still Relevant Today
  • The Evolutionary Biology Processes Through The Lens of The Invertebrates
  • How Do Ecology and Evolution Affect The Presence of Infectious Diseases
  • Human Learning Processes and The Use of AI-based Models to Predict Evolution
  • The Theory of Gene Migration and The Philosophical Importance of Spiritual Freedom
  • The Importance of Evidence for The Evolution Processes: Our Common Ancestors
  • What Types of Changes are Considered an Evolution When a Gene Pool Is Involved?
  • Individualism as The Form of The Forced Evolution: An Ethical Aspect

Animals Biology Research Topics

Here are fascinating biology research topics related to animals. They are quite popular among students. You can submit several papers dwelling on deep analysis of one phenomenon or species.

  • Factors Concerning Animal Growth
  • The Obesity in Home Pets
  • Traditional Dog Diet and Modern Home Pets
  • Male Pregnancy Among Animals
  • Is Beauty Products Testing on Animals Ethical?
  • Birds Behavioral Study
  • Animal Science & Food Sustainability
  • Does Veganism Actually Influence Meat Production?
  • Wild Animal Projects
  • Fashion Industry & Animal Abuse
  • Camouflage Mechanism in Sea Animals
  • Discovering Primate Language and Cognitive Function
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Marine Biology Research Topics

Marine biology relates to a mixture of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as one studies marine organisms and their behavior patterns. As marine biologists study how they interact with the environment, they use oceanography and relevant skills based on Chemistry, Physics, and Geology.

  • The Salish Sea Ecology and The Use of Corals for The Understanding of Tropical Peculiarities
  • The Challenges Of Quantitative Ecology Through The Lens Of Modeling
  • How Can Marine Animal Behavior Be Adapted To A Certain Genetical Pool?
  • Geological Oceanography: What Are The Challenges Related To Physical Limitations?
  • Comparison Of The Smallest Diatoms And Their Marine Logistics
  • Tourism And The Changes To The Coral Reef Ecology In 2022
  • Marine Engineering And The Use Of Flexible Aquaculture
  • Development Of Alternative Feeds For The Dolphins And The Tracking Systems
  • What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Coastal Zone Management Currently Used In The United States?
  • Biochemistry Of The Red Sea Compared To The Sea Of Azov
  • The Effects of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs
  • Marine Biodiversity in Deep-Sea Ecosystems
  • The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
  • Conservation Strategies for Endangered Marine Species
  • The Role of Mangroves in Coastal Ecosystems
  • Marine Biotechnology and its Applications
  • The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Migration Patterns
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices and Marine Ecosystems
  • Marine Microorganisms and their Role in the Ecosystem
  • The Impact of Human Activities on Coastal Habitats

Topics on the History of Biology

There also easy issues related to the history of Biology. You can dwell on the capstone of modern science or dwell on an understanding of one crucial academic term.

  • The History of Genetics
  • Darwin’s Theory and Biology
  • Discovering Evolution Factors
  • How Archeology Impacts Animal Biology?
  • Natural Selection Theory: The Discovery and Its Impact
  • Effects of Whale Hunting
  • Dead Branches of Evolution
  • Famous Biologist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
  • Edward Jenner and the History of Vaccination
  • Rachel Carson’s Perspective on Environmental Safety
  • Stephen Jay Gold’s Paleontology: How History and Biology are Combined
  • The Development of Cell Theory and its Impact on Biology
  • Contributions of Charles Darwin to Evolutionary Biology
  • The History of Genetics: From Mendel to Modern Genomics
  • The Discovery and Significance of DNA Structure
  • The Role of Women in the Advancement of Biology
  • The Evolution of Microbiology and the Discovery of Microorganisms
  • The Impact of Technology on the Progress of Biological Sciences
  • Historical Perspectives on Human Anatomy Studies
  • The Development of Ecological Theory and Conservation Biology

This list ends with several other fascinating research proposal topics, such as:

  • Molecular and Genome Evolution
  • Comparative Genomics
  • The Evolutionary Biology of Infectious Diseases
  • Modern Technology and Scientific Tools in Biology
  • Neurobiological Explanation of Sleep
  • Symbiosis in Parasites
  • Metabolism & Physical Exercise

How do you choose a research topic?

When choosing a research topic, it's crucial to consider your own curiosity and passion in the subject matter. This personal connection not only makes the research process more engaging but also often leads to more diligent and thorough work. Additionally, the topic should have a significant impact or relevance in the current state of the field. This involves considering the interests of potential readers or the audience, ensuring that the topic is not only of personal interest but also of broader academic or societal importance.

Furthermore, the selection process should involve an assessment of the current state of knowledge in the field. This includes reviewing recent advances, perspective-changing publications, and ongoing debates within the discipline. A good research topic often lies at the intersection of what is currently known and the unexplored or less understood aspects of the field. By focusing on these areas, your research paper examples can contribute to the advancement of knowledge, offering new insights or solutions to existing problems. In summary, the ideal research topic is one that sparks personal interest, addresses a gap or a pressing question in the field, and has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the broader academic community.

Read also: If you are willing to  pay someone to write a research paper , let professionals write it for you. 

Start to Write Well-Grounded Biology Research

These Biology research paper topics were compiled for anyone from high-school and undergraduate students to anyone who has to deal with Biology for any reason. It all depends on the size and depths of your project, that is why you may need a proper  research paper help . The topics concern the most relevant and appealing part of biological science. Start working on your thesis with reading academic literature and don't forget to ask for thesis writing help at EduBirdie. A proper review of recent publications will help you build up an argument. Always remember that the key to any of your projects is having fun. So choose the topic that you are passionate about, and go for it!

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212 Unique Biology Research Topics For Students And Researchers

biology research topics

Every student studying something related to biology — botany, marine, animal, medicine, molecular or physical biology, is in an interesting field. It’s a subject that explores how animate and inanimate objects relate to themselves. The field unveils the past, the present, and what lies in the future of the relationship between the living and nonliving things.

This is precisely why you need custom and quality biology topics for your college and university essay or project. It’ll make it easy to brainstorm, research, and get to writing straight away. Before the deep dive, what is biology?

What Is Biology?

Everyone knows it’s the scientific study of life, but beyond that, biology facilitates the comprehension of living and nonliving things. It’s a branch that explores their anatomy, behavior, distribution, morphology, and physiology.

For example, it understands how genes are classified and constituted into generations. It encompasses various branches, including botany, medicine, genetics, ecology, marine biology, zoology, and molecular biology.

Here are what some of these mean:

Botany: This study of plants examines their structure, physiology, ecology, economic importance, and distribution, among others. It also deals with their biochemical processes, properties, and social interactions between plants. It extends to how plants are vital for human life, survival, and growth and how they play a significant role in stabilizing environmental health. Zoology: Zoology studies animal behavior, brain, structure, physiology, class, and distribution. It’s the general study of the lives of both living and extinct animals. It explains animal classification, the animal kingdom, evolution, habitat, embryology, and life span. Physiology: Physiology deals with the daily functions of the human body: How it works and the factors that make it work. It examines molecular behavior, the chemistry and physics behind locomotion, and how the cells in the living organisms’ body function. It helps understand how humans and animals get sick and what can be done to alleviate pain. Microbiology: Dealing with microorganisms, it examined how viruses, algae, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and slime molds become parts of human life. They’re regarded as microbes, which play substantial roles in the human biochemical processes, including climate change, biodegradation, biodeterioration, food spoilage, biotech, and epidemiology. Marine Biology: This is the scientific study of organs in the sea. It understands their family classification, how they survive, and what makes wild marine animals different from domesticated and consumable ones. It also explores their interaction with the environment through several processes. The marine biologist studies marines in their natural environment, collects data on their characteristics, human impact on their living, and how they relate with themselves.

Now that you know all these, here are some custom biology topics to research for your university or college essay and paper.

Controversial Biology Topics

There are many controversial subjects in every field, and biology isn’t exempt from controversy. If you’d like to create an original essay through diverse opinions, here are biology topics for you:

  • What are your thoughts on the post-Roe V Wade world?
  • How can the post-Roe V Wade policy affect developing countries looking up to America for their laws?
  • Abortion and feminism: discuss
  • Does saving life justify cloning?
  • Explain the principle of abortion in medical practice
  • The effects of cloning in medicine
  • How does genetics contribute to obesity?
  • Explain why a parent could have Hepatitis B virus and only one of five offspring have the virus
  • Is homosexuality really in the gene?
  • How does depression correlate with genetics?
  • Additives and how they affect the genes
  • Examine how genetic mutations work
  • Discuss the grounds that you could prove for legalizing human cloning
  • Which is more immoral: Human or animal cloning?
  • How is nanotechnology different from biotechnology?
  • Discuss the manifestation of nanotechnology in science
  • Explain three instances where public opinion has held back scientific inventions
  • How does transgenic crop work?
  • Would you say genetically modified food is safe for consumption?
  • Explain why sexual abuse leads to trauma.

Biology Research Paper Topics

You’d need to write an extensive paper on biology one day. This could be when you’re in your final year in college or the university or submitting to a competition. You’d need Biology topics to research for brainstorming, and here are 30 of them:

  • Stem cells and tissue formation processes
  • Why are there different congenital disabilities?
  • Mixtures in anticancer drugs?
  • What are the complexities of existing HIV drugs?
  • What is the contribution of chemotherapy to cancer?
  • Examine the chemotherapy process and why it doesn’t work for some patients.
  • Explain the origin of developmental diseases
  • How do germs affect the cells?
  • What are the consequences of the sun on the white person’s and black person’s skin?
  • Why are some diseases treatable through drugs while some are not?
  • Scientific lessons learned from COVID-19 and ideas to tackle the next virus
  • If animals are carriers of the virus, what should be done to them?
  • Examine five animals in extinction and what led to it
  • Discuss the subject of endangered species and why people should care
  • Is a plant-based diet sustainable for human health?
  • Account for the consequence of living on Mars on human health
  • Discuss the inconveniences involved in space travel
  • How does space flight contribute to environmental disasters
  • Discuss the emergence of leukemia
  • Explain how the immune systems in humans work
  • Evaluate the factors that weaken the immunological system
  • What would you consider the deadliest virus?
  • Autoimmune: what is it, origin and consequences
  • Immune disorder: origin and how it affects the body
  • Does stress affect the ability to have sex?
  • Contribution of vaccine to eradicating disease: Discuss
  • What are the complexities in taking the Hepatitis B vaccine while being positive?
  • Allergies: why do humans have them?
  • DNA modification: how does it work?
  • Explain the misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Interesting Biology Topics

Biology doesn’t have to be boring. Different aspects of biology could be fun to explore, especially if you’ve had a flair for the study since your elementary school classes.

You can either write an essay or paper with the following interesting biology research topics:

  • Human emotions and conflicts with their intellectual intelligence
  • Emotions: Its influence on art and music and how the perception of art influences the world
  • The consequences of marijuana and alcohol on teenagers
  • Compare and contrast how alcohol affects teenagers and adults
  • Discuss the contributions of neuroscience to the subject of emotional pain
  • Explain how the brain process speech
  • Discuss the factors that cause autism
  • Explain what is meant when people say humans are animals
  • Why do scientists say humans are pessimists?
  • Factors contributing to the dopamine levels human experience
  • How does isolation affect the human brain?
  • What factors contribute to instinctive responses?
  • Noise pollution: how it affects living organisms
  • Fire ecology: The contributions of plants to fire outbreak
  • Explain the science behind how hot temperature, soil, and dry grass start a fire
  • Microbes: what do you understand by bioremediation?
  • Explain urban ecology and the challenges it pokes to solve
  • Discuss how excessive internet usage affects the human memory
  • Evaluate how conservation biology contributes to the extinction prevention efforts
  • Discuss the role of satellites and drones in understanding the natural world
  • Why do we need space travel and studies?
  • Explain the limitations of limnology studies
  • What are infectious-disease-causing agents all about?
  • Discuss what epigenetics studies encompass
  • Why is cancer research essential to the world?
  • Discuss climate change: Governments are not interested, and there is no alternative
  • How is behavioral science studies a core part of the understanding of the world?
  • Discuss the issues with genetic engineering and why it’s a challenge
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the arguments for a plant-based diet
  • Create a survey amongst students of biology asking why they chose to study the course.

Biology Research Topics For College Students

If you find any of the above beyond your intellectual and Research capacity, here are some topics you can handle. You can use these for your essays, projects, quizzes, or competitions.

These custom yet popular biology research topics will examine famous personalities and other discourse in biology:

  • Effects of the human hormone on the mind
  • Why do men get erect even when they’re absentminded?
  • How does women’s arousal work?
  • How can melatonin be valuable for therapy?
  • Risky behavior: Hormones responsible for the risk
  • Stem and cloning: what is the latest research on the subject?
  • Hormones: changes in pregnancy
  • Why do pregnant women have an appetite for random and remote things?
  • The role of physical activities in hormone development
  • Examine the benefits and threats of transgenic crops
  • The fight against COVID-19: assess current successes
  • The fight against smallpox: assess current successes
  • The fight against HIV: history, trends, and present research
  • Discuss the future of prosthetic appliances
  • Examine the research and the future of mind-controlled limbs
  • What does cosmetic surgery mean, and why is it needed?
  • Analyze the meaning and process of vascular surgery
  • Discuss the debate around changes in genital organs for males and females in transgender bodies
  • How do donors and organ transplants work?
  • Account for the work of Dr. Malcom E Miller
  • Discuss the contribution of Charles Darwin to human evolution
  • Explain the trends in biomedicine
  • Discuss the functions of x-rays in botany
  • Assess the most efficient systems for wildlife preservation
  • Examine how poverty contributes to climate hazards
  • Discuss the process involved in plant metabolism
  • The transformation of energy into a living thing: discuss
  • Prevention for sexually transmitted disease: What are the misconceptions?
  • Analyze how the human body reacts to poison
  • Russian Poisoning: What are the lessons scientists must learn?
  • COVID-19: Discuss the efforts by two or three governments to prevent the spread
  • Discuss the contributions of Pfizer during the pandemic.

Marine Biology Research Topics

This subject explains orgasms in the sea, how they survive, and their interaction with their environment. If you have a flair for this field, the following Biology research topics may interest you:

  • Discuss what quantitative ecology through modeling means
  • Smallest diatoms and marine logistics: discuss
  • How is the shark studied?
  • Acidification of seas: Causes and consequences
  • Discuss the concept of the immortality of Jellyfishes
  • Discuss the differences between seawater and freshwater in marine study
  • Account for some of the oldest marine species
  • Discuss the evolution of the deep sea
  • Explain whales’ communication techniques
  • What does plankton ecology encompass?
  • The importance of coral reefs to seawater
  • Challenges that encompass geological oceanography
  • How tourism affects natural animal habitat
  • Discuss some instances of the domestication of wild marine animals
  • Coastal zone: pros and cons of living in such areas
  • How do sharks perceive enemies?
  • Analyze why some animals can live in water but can’t live on land
  • Explain how plants survive in the sea
  • Compare and contrast the different two species of animals in the water
  • How can marine energy be generated, stored, and used?

Molecular Biology Research Topics

Focusing on the construct of cells and analysis of their composition, it understands the alteration and maintenance of cellular processes. If you’d like to focus on molecular biology, here are 15 good biology research topics for you:

  • Ethical considerations in molecular genetics
  • Discuss the structure and component of the gene
  • Examine the restrictions in DNA
  • What are the peculiarities in modern nucleic acid analysis
  • What goes into the Pharmaceutical production of drugs
  • Evaluate the building blocks of life
  • Discuss the systems of RNA translation to protein
  • PCR: How DNA is tested and analyzed
  • Why is prion disease so dangerous?
  • Compare and contrast recessive genes vs. dominant genes
  • Can there be damage to the human DNA, and can it be repaired?
  • Constraints in the research of microarray data analysis
  • Protein purification: How it evolves
  • Objectives of nucleic acid
  • Explain the structure of a prion.

Biology Research Topics For High School

Your teachers and professors will be awed if you create impeccable essays for your next report. You need to secure the best grades as you move closer to graduation, and brainstorming any of these popular biology research topics will help:

  • Identify the most endangered species
  • The challenges to animal extinction
  • What are the things everyone should know about sea life?
  • Discuss the history of genetics
  • Explain the biological theory of Charles Darwin
  • How did the lockdown affect social interaction?
  • Why do some people refuse the vaccine?
  • Origin of genetics
  • What is animal hunting, and why is it fashionable
  • Explain the evolution of a virus
  • Role of lockdown in preventing deaths and illnesses
  • Invasive species: What does it mean?
  • Endangered animals: How do they survive in the face of their hazards?
  • Lockdown and their role in reducing coronavirus transmission
  • Vaccine distribution: Ideas for global distribution
  • Why can viruses become less virulent?
  • Discuss the evolution of the world
  • Explain the evolution of the planet
  • Explain what Elon Musk means when he says life on Mars is possible
  • What does herd immunity mean?
  • Flu: why is there a low incidence in 2020?
  • Relationship between archaeology and biology
  • Antiviral drug: What it means
  • Factors leading to the evolution of humans
  • Give instances of what natural selection means
  • What is considered the dead branches of evolution
  • Whale hunting: What it means and the present trends
  • Who is Stephen Jay, and what is his role in paleontology?
  • Origin of diseases: why must humans fall sick?
  • Why are humans called higher animals?

Human Biology Research Topics

Human biology understands humans and their relationship between themselves and their environment. It also studies how the body works and the impediments to health. Here are some easy biology research topics to explore on the subject:

  • How do gut bacteria affect the brain?
  • What are the ethical concerns around organ transplants?
  • The consequence of alcohol on the liver
  • The consequences of extreme salt on the human body
  • Why do humans need to deworm regularly?
  • The relationship between obesity and genetics
  • Genetically modified foods: Why are they needed?
  • How sun exposure affects human skin
  • Latest trends: Depression is hereditary
  • Influence of music on the human brain
  • What are the stages of lung cancer
  • Forensic DNA: latest trends
  • How visual consumptions affect how humans think
  • What is the process that leads to pregnancy?
  • Explain the role of nanotechnology in HIV research
  •  Discuss any experiment with stem cells you know about
  • Explain how humans consume food
  • Discuss the process of metabolism as well as its criticality to human health
  • Explore the consistent challenges technology poses to human health
  • Explain the process of body decay to a skeleton.

Cell Biology Research Topics

There are many evolutionary biology research paper topics formed not by the nomenclature but for what they stand for. Cell biology is one of the most complex branches of the field.

It examines minor units and the living organisms that make them up. The focus is on the relationship between the cytoplasm, membrane, and parts of the cell. Here are some topics to explore for your scientific dissertation writing :

  • How does chromatin engage in the alterations of gene expression?
  • What are the usual cell infections, and why does the body have immunity defections?
  • Identify and account for the heritage of Robert Brown in his core career focus
  • Explain the structure of the animal cell and why It’s what it is
  • Identify the cells in the human body as well as their functions
  • Explain a scenario and justify the context of animals photosynthesizing like plants
  • Why do bacteria invade the body, and how do they do it?
  • Why are mitochondria considered the powerhouse of the cell
  • Use the molecular analysis tool to explain multicellular organisms
  • Examine how the White blood cells fight disease
  • What do you understand about the role of cell biology in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • What are the latest research methods in cell biology?
  • Identify the characteristics of viruses and why they threaten human existence.
  • Discuss the differences between DNA and RNA
  • What part of the body is responsible for human functionality for as long as the individual wants?

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Department of Biological Sciences

biology research assignment

Examples of Undergraduate Research Projects

Fall 2021 projects.

StudentResearch Proposal
Whitney BrownCharacterizing the role of FOXP3 in ccRCC
Ziche ChenIntereations between LANA and Super-enhancers
Anna EberweinSynaptic Dysfunction in the Drosophila Niemann Pick Type C Disease Model
Ivy HanInvestigating tension in epithelial wound healing 
Cassidy JohnsonElucidating Genes Involved in hoe-1-dependent UPRmt activation via a Forward Genetic Approach
Grace LeeMicrotubule dynamics regulates gap junction trafficking and placement in the motor circuit
Shuyang LinPGE2-G mediated P2Y6 signaling pathway
Robert McCarthySurvivability of E. Coli Rho and H-NS mutants in various pH ranges.
Sharath NarayanIdentifying suppressor mutations in RNA polymerase to rescue replication-transcription conflicts
Dev PatelEffects of CSK inhibition on Atrial Fibrillation
Jacque PinonThe role of macrophages in obesity and metabolic disease
Brittany PolevikovDefining the pathogenic cascade of P. aeruginosa in UTIs
Eddie QianExosome treatment of ischemic kidney injury
Bennett SchneierCopper Homeostasis in UPEC Bacteria
Elena SolopovaCorrelation of White Matter MRI Hyperintensities with Expression of Lysyl Oxidase in Patients with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Carly StewartThe Impact of Infection on Fecundity in Insects
Liraz StilmanTelomeres and telomerase in yeast
Navya ThakkarRhythm and Grammar
Katherine ZhongNegative Regulators of the Immune System

Previous Projects

StudentResearch Proposal
Dhivyaa AnandanIdentifying mechanisms of tumor dormancy in the bone marrow
Patrick BrayStress effects of restricgted feeding in mice
Ivy ChenThe effect of domestication on cultural transmission of birdsong
Dara CraigCamera trapping in Ecology
Jacob EdwardsStudies on GPBP within the extracellular matrix
Elise ErmanDevelopment of assay to monitor error fre repair in non-homologous end joining
David Fei-ZhangCharacterization of BVES degrons
Jacob GussertStudying the nature of circadian rhythms in bacteria isolated from the natural environment
Alexis GutierrezExtracellular RNA
Alexander KurajExamining the effect of photoperiod on the Trek-1 channel in serotonin neurons
Emily Layton"Paternal Grandmother Age Affects the Strength of Wolbachia-Induced Cytoplasmic Incompatibility in Drosophila melanogaster."
Zelong LiuOverexpression of xCT in noralized lung epithelial cells
Abby PerryEffect of co-infection on the immune response of tribolium flour beetles
Carter PowersThe Effects of Temperature and Age on Immune Gene Expression in Anopheles gambiae
Anish RamanIntersection of HSPG expression at the drosophilia neuromuscular junction
Saba RehmanCharacterization of neuregulin (NRG) trafficking
Sabeen RehmanPositional cloning of a novel gene regulating craniofacial development
Zhan (Jack) RongThe role of Rif1 in controlling DNA damage and structure during replication
Faith RovenoltCharacterizing and modeling co-infection in Tribolium
Nicholas RuppeMechanisms that regulate do novo telomere addition at a double-strand break
Chloe StallionComparison of genetic and liguistic character of Creolization in the Caribbean
Emily StruttmannEffects of high-salt conditions on H. pylori
Amanda SunDetermining the function of Rm62 in resolving R-loops
Raymar TuranganImmune priming in mosquitoes
Claire Weinstein The characerization of acinetobacter baumannii sensitivity to novel bacteriophages
Matthew XinCharacterizing the relationship between p73 and cigarette smoke
Roger YuProtein trafficking and membrane biogenesis
Eric ZhangCK1 in DNA repair and Hhp1 as a model protein
Danzhu ZhaoQuantifying the impact of ACK1 inhibition on the interferon gamma response in melanoma cells
Junqin ZhuExamining the role of ten elleven translocation enzymes in RNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine

Berkeley Graduate Division

  • Basics for GSIs
  • Advancing Your Skills

Integrative Biology Research Assignment

by Natasha Teutsch, Integrative Biology

Example of a Semester-Long Assignment Designing a Scaffolded Assignment

The following sections offer: (1) An example of a research assignment for an Integrative Biology class; it is written as a set of instructions for students. (2) Tips and suggestions for GSIs for guiding students through this research assignment.

Example of a Semester-Long Assignment

Your GSIs have prepared a list of potential projects for this course (see below). Some projects are fairly narrowly defined while others allow you the freedom to ask a broad range of questions about plant ecophysiology. They are all designed to give you exposure to asking questions about ecophysiology and to the methods that are commonly used in this field. You will carry out these projects in groups of two to four students.

During our first lab, we will ask you to choose a project topic that is most interesting to you. In the second week of lab, we will set up those experiments together so that you will be ready to make your measurements on established plants later in the semester. By week 6, you will need to turn in refined questions for your project. Two weeks later (week 8), you will turn in a research proposal (100 points) that outlines the research you plan to carry out for your project. The proposal must include five parts:

  • a statement of the research objective(s) and goal(s)
  • a description of the methods to be used, including what you will measure, how you will measure it, what your experimental design is, and the equipment you will need to carry out your project
  • a short discussion of the predicted results for your experiment
  • a list of references (five to fifteen) on the research topic that clearly indicate you are aware of the relevant literature
  • a list of references in which the authors employ the methods you plan to use

After your proposal has been approved, there will be a sign-up sheet for equipment that you  must  put your name on if you hope to have access to any of it.

You will begin your research during the ninth or tenth week of the semester and will be able to collect data for approximately four weeks. This should allow sufficient time to collect enough data so that you can draw some firm conclusions. We will be available for consultation throughout the semester.

After you complete your project, you will have two things to accomplish: A written report to be handed in on May 6 and a fifteen-minute oral presentation of your study, its results, and implications. You should be prepared to give it at the bi-annual UCB Plant Physiological Ecology Symposium on May 12.

If you are not thoroughly aware of how to use the library for tracking down references, following up specific reference citations, and on how to use the various abstracts, please see one of the instructors — we have handouts to help you.

If you are not thoroughly familiar with how to write a scientific paper, or what is expected for the research project, please see one of the instructors — we have handouts to help you.

Designing a Scaffolded Assignment

Writing a substantial paper is a daunting task for many students. You can help relieve some of their uncertainty or anxiety in the way you structure and support it. Effective design of writing assignments involves three basic stages:

Scaffolding the Assignment Helping Students Organize Essays Developing a Strategy for Evaluation

Scaffolding the Assignment

“Scaffolding” as it’s used here is a metaphor for an instructional strategy that gives students some external support for a specific element of a challenging task, then moves on to another challenging task, and so on until the entire project is completed. For example, segmenting a complex technical or scientific paper into smaller, manageable phases is one scaffolding technique that is often very helpful for students.

  • Acknowledge that writing is a difficult process, even for the most seasoned academics.
  • Give students clear, concrete instructions.
  • Help students understand that good writing takes hard work, and that they shouldn’t expect to write things perfectly on their first try.
  • Build in class time to do peer reviews so that students learn to edit their own work and the work of others.

If your course allows you the freedom, plan for students to carry a research project throughout the semester. You can help break down the process by asking them to turn in a series of smaller assignments:

  • At the beginning of the semester, ask students to propose a research question or topic.
  • Have students clarify this question and provide an annotated bibliography to demonstrate that they are familiar with the literature on the topic. This would be a good time to ask students to have well-developed, testable hypotheses.
  • Ask students to write a research proposal with a developed introduction and a description of the methods they plan to employ. In the proposal, they should focus on providing a context and rationale for their research.
  • If time permits, allow students to carry out their research and analyze their data. You may ask them to turn in tables, figures, and graphs with legends. This will allow you to converse with students about effective ways to communicate quantitative information. It will also provide the framework for the results and discussion sections.
  • As a grand finale, have students write up their results in a formal report using the format that is most common in your discipline. They should have most of the paper already written by this point since they have already developed the majority of the information for the introduction and methods in their proposals.

Helping Students Organize Essays

Teach students how to organize science papers by providing them with examples and analysis.

For example, provide students with a published example of science writing.

  • Ask students to comment on the paper’s organization. Emphasize the divisions and subdivisions in the paper (e.g., in the “Methods” section, there are subsections that address the study site, the statistical analyses used, the sample methods, etc.).
  • Ask students to comment on the clarity of the writing. Provide (or generate as a class) a list of attributes to evaluate: – precision of the language – thoroughness and detail – formatting and appropriate use of references and citations – effectiveness of tables, graphs, and figures
  • Provide students with a written analysis of the organization of the paper, paying special attention to the “Results” and “Discussion” sections. You may want to discuss how information was effectively (or ineffectively) communicated in the figures, tables, or graphs. Emphasize that the discussion section should place the study in the larger context of what we know and evaluate the data. It should answer questions the author proposed in the beginning.
  • Have small groups of students choose a short journal article to evaluate. Ask them to critique the paper for organization and clarity. These assignments could be turned in for a grade.

Use this same model for peer editing when the students write their first lab reports.

Provide students with a guideline for writing and grammar.

Always review the effectiveness of your assignment design as the students are doing it and afterwards. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the assignment you’ve designed? What will make it clearer and more beneficial for students next time around?

Developing a Strategy for Evaluation

When developing a method for evaluating student writing, you may want to incorporate the following components in your  grading rubric :

The  content  of the writing:

  • Was the student thorough with his or her explanations?
  • Did the student complete the appropriate background reading/research?
  • Did the student argue his or her points logically?
  • Was the content effectively organized?

The  clarity  of the writing:

  • Does the paper communicate the student’s ideas effectively?
  • Is the writing concise and direct?
  • Are all sources cited properly?
  • Did the student adequately proofread the paper?

Again, your students are most likely to succeed in each of these aspects of their writing if you have explained your expectations with them clearly, and if they have received substantive feedback at each major step in the project.

Put a stop to deadline pressure, and have your homework done by an expert.

Top 100 Biology Topics for Academic Research

biology topics

Finding excellent biology topics for research is a major challenge for most students. Educators or professors appreciate unique and interesting topics. As such, students that want to score excellent grades must choose unique biology research topics.

Choosing a popular topic won’t pique your teacher’s interest. That’s because your teacher has probably read many papers on the same topic. Therefore, come up with a list of interesting biology topics and then choose what to write about from those ideas. Make sure that your chosen topic is unique and capable of enabling you to accomplish your study goals.

How to Choose Biology Topics

Choosing the right biology research paper topics is a daunting task because learners don’t want to write about extremely simple topics. What’s more, learners want to choose topics they can find relevant supporting information for. So, to make a wise choice, learners should:

Identify their study goals Identify their interests Choose biology paper topics that are not too narrow or too broad Choose topics they can find relevant information and ideas for

If you’re having difficulties trying to choose from a vast selection of topics in biology, consider the following options.

Cell Biology Topics for Research

Cell biology is among the major areas that researchers are always making progress. Some of the best topics that students can consider in this category include:

  • Explain the neurogenesis cell biology
  • Explain diabetic complications in molecular cell biology
  • Discuss the cellular diffusion
  • Explain the expanding role of cholesterol transport protein in cell biology
  • Discuss the Molecular basis and cell biology of denitrification
  • Explain atherosclerosis cell biology
  • Discuss macrophage activation cell biology
  • Explain the process of cell biology translation into therapeutic advances for Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Explain the mechanism for regulation in stem cell biology
  • Can cell aging be reversed?- Discuss

These are some of the hot topics in biology to write a paper or essay about. However, extensive research is required to write brilliant papers that earn quality grades.

Biology Topics for High School Students

When compared to college and undergraduate topics, biology research topics for high school are relatively simple. Here are some of the cool biology topics that high school students can consider.

  • Define sleep- What is it important?
  • Identify the Three Dead Branches in evolution
  • Discuss the birds’ behavioral study
  • What are the effects of physical exercise on metabolism?
  • Are bees about to become extinct?
  • How is the human brain affected by music?
  • Discuss biodiversity and climate change
  • Is the human brain capable of repairing itself?
  • How do bacteria affect depression?
  • Explain how sea animals camouflage themselves

If in high school and looking for biology topics to write about, consider some in this list. Your teacher will be impressed by your paper or essay as long as you conduct extensive research and present your ideas or information properly.

Biology Research Topics for College Students

College students have many biology topics for research to consider. These are moderately difficult topics. Essentially, they are complex than topics for high school students and easier than those for undergraduates. Here are some of the most interesting biology research topics for college students.

  • How can DNA technology be used in Medical Genetics?
  • Explain how genes are mapped and then cloned
  • How does drinking affect embryonic development?
  • What is genetic polymorphism?
  • Explain hereditary diseases
  • Explain how drugs affect embryonic development
  • Explain the Mendelian inheritance
  • Explain the effects of aging on infertility
  • Explain the major infertility risk factors
  • Explain the photosynthesis process in detail

These are good research topics for biology because finding relevant information to write papers and essays about them is relatively easy. Nevertheless, learners should understand their writing prompts and conduct the necessary research before they start writing.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

Undergraduates are also required to write research papers and essays when pursuing biology programs. Here are some of the best biology project topics for undergraduates:

  • How is gene therapy beneficial?
  • Explain the Metastasis mechanism in cancer patients
  • How can cancer cells be destroyed without damaging healthy cells?
  • Describe the appearance of Tumor Suppressor Genes
  • Analyze the Huntington’s Disease or HTT Gene
  • Describe the appearance of the down syndrome
  • Explain the formation and preservation of memories
  • Analyze the Primate Cognitive functions
  • Analyze the Primate language
  • Analyze the brain activity during an epileptic seizure

These can also be great biology topics for presentation. However, they also require extensive research and effort to come up with solid papers.

Interesting Biology Topics for Presentation

When planning a biology presentation, you need to choose a topic that your audience will find interesting. As such, you want to choose current, relevant, and sometimes controversial biology topics. Here are some of the best biology debate topics to consider.

  • Can terrorists use viruses that cause diseases like COVID19 and Ebola as a biological weapon?
  • Is immortality real?- Highlight real creatures whose death is not caused by natural causes
  • What causes most plant diseases?
  • How does transplantation work and what precautions should people be aware of?
  • Explain homosexuality and bisexuality among different animal species
  • How does the study of the molecular biology of genetic disorders enhance the understanding of diseases like cancer?
  • Why is abortion a controversial topic in most nations?
  • Explain the relationship between obesity and genetics
  • What is the most beneficial biological development?
  • Can wolves be domesticated?

Marine Biology Topics for Research

Students have many topics to consider when it comes to micro-plastics in oceans, endangered marine species, and global warming. Here are some of the best marine biology research topics that students can consider.

  • Can bioluminescence be used?
  • Explain the process of creating bio-diesel
  • Analyze the biology of coral reef
  • Explain how global warming affects marine microorganisms
  • How does mass fishing affect the world’s oceans?
  • Explain the function, ecology, and biodiversity of marine biology
  • Explain the ecological approach to marine biology
  • Explain the dynamics, significance, and characteristics of the marine show
  • Explain marine biotechnology and biology
  • Explain the Seamounts biology

These are some of the best AP biology topics for research. However, the majority of these topics require sufficient resources to work on.

Human Biology Topics for Research

This category comprises topics that touch on different aspects of humanity. Some of the most popular biology research topics belong to this category. Among the topics that learners should consider in this category include:

  • Is there a correlation between genes and depression?
  • Explain the moral aspect of cloning
  • How can medicine be changed by cloning
  • Can changing DNA affect the aging process?
  • Does obesity have genetic grounds?
  • Does homosexuality have a genetic basis?
  • Is transplantation ethical?
  • Should human cloning be legalized?
  • How are genes affected by addictive substances?
  • What is the relationship between abortion and feminist ideology?

Controversial Biology Essay Topics

A biology topics list can’t be complete without controversial topics. Here are some of the controversial topics for learners in different study levels.

  • How do chemicals affect the growth of plants?
  • Should the cloning of organs and tissues be allowed?
  • What led to hair loss among human descendants?
  • What made snakes lose the limbs?
  • What led to the increase in the human brain size during the evolutionary process?
  • Should the health plan offer genetic screening?
  • Explain different theories about the origin of life
  • How is the human body affected by cellular communication?
  • What are the pros and cons of vegetarianism from a biological perspective?
  • Are twins similar or not?

Biology History Topics

This category comprises IB biology IA topics that students at different study levels can consider. It’s also in this category that learners can find some of the best evolutionary biology research paper topics. Here are examples of topics in this category.

  • Discuss the major evolution factors
  • Explain Darwin’s theory
  • Explain the major biological innovations
  • Explain the forgotten biology branches
  • Who is the most famous biologist?
  • Explain molecular and genome evolution
  • Explain the major scientific tools in biology
  • Explain Edward Jenner’s fight against epidemics
  • Discuss the vaccination’s history
  • Explain the genetics history in figures

Current Topics in Developmental Biology

This category comprises some of the newest research topics. They can be biology IA topics or molecular biology topics. Here are some of the best topics in this category.

  • Explain the major human DNA modifications
  • Discuss neurobiology study- Robotics
  • Explain the new perspective to Darwin’s theory
  • Heavy metals absorption by microbes and plants- Explain
  • Explain the famous human cloning experiments
  • Human cloning- How moral is it?
  • Explain targeted therapy in the treatment of cancer
  • How do probiotics affect infectious diseases’ prevention?
  • Discuss the future of neurobiology and other related technologies
  • Explain the role of the environment in genetic disorders

Biology students have many topics to consider when writing research papers and essays. But, whether they need environmental biology, human biology, evolutionary biology, or cell biology research topics, they should settle for what they find interesting. Feel free to ask our assignment helpers for more topics or writing assistance.

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Excellent opening paragraph stating why is the research important and leading to the research goals

Clear and concise presentation of research aims \(questions\)

Research plan is well \ detailed starting from third paragraph.

Pronoun problem: who is the "w\ e"? Earlier, "I" is very clear, but this "we" lacks a clear antecedent.

Writing tip: good use of "signa\ l" words \("first," "second"\) to organize information and highlight key points.

Contributors: P. Pazos, Searle Center for Teaching Excellence and P. Hirsch, The Writing Program, [email protected]

Posted: 2008

TITLE: The Mitochondrial Stress Response and the Communication of Stress Responses Between Subcellular Compart\ ments

Compelling presentation of preparation from courses and prior lab experience.

Very detailed presentation of techni\ ques learned that are relevant to the project

Writing tip: "data" is a p\ lural word. Say, "The data suggest. . . " and "they [meaning the data] indicate."

Overall comments:

Good quality proposal overall. The author clearly explains the aims a\ nd methods to carry out those aims.

Research question: Analysis of mitochondria's unfolding protein response and its crosstalk with other folding envir\ onments in the cell.

Compelling presentation of prior experience in courses and labs. Could include specific techniques learned.

Good use of citations and references

Suggestions:

Should add headings to make it more readable and add some structure.

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Biology Research Paper : Biology Research Paper Assignment

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biology research assignment

Assignment: Write a 6-10 page (Honors 10-15) informative/explanatory research paper on an approved biological science topic, argument, or question . Students are to examine and explore the topic by asking numerous relevant questions, which are answered directly with supporting facts and evidence extracted from credible, properly cited resources. The paper should convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Do you know your stuff and can you communicate effectively? You and a partner will write a research paper that is to be used support your Spring Biology Research Experiment. One paper submitted per pair.

biology research assignment

Due Dates :

10/5(6) Three Science Questions - possible research subjects

10/9(10) Five (5) specific questions exploring a topic

10/13 Research topic and partner

10/19 (20) Three (3) research “index cards” with one fact/concept each (MLA style reference info on back) ...or same content within the graphic organizer

11/2(3) 15 total research “index cards” with one fact/concept each (MLA style reference info on back) ...or same content within the graphic organizer

11/13(14) 30 total research “index cards” with one fact/concept each (MLA style reference info on back) ...or same content within the graphic organizer

11/20(21) Outline

11/27(28) Rough Draft

11/27-12/1 Peer Review / Editing / Revisions / Rubric Review

12/4/ 12/5 Final Draft | Submit 

  • Next: Research >>
  • Last Updated: Apr 18, 2024 11:55 AM
  • URL: https://sfhs.libguides.com/c.php?g=978208

Undergraduate Research

Participating in research as an undergraduate can be a very rewarding experience. Approximately 90% of Biology majors pursue an independent research project at some point during their undergraduate careers; some also pursue honors, and some do not.

Jump to:  How to get started In-department research Out-of-department research Questions about enrolling

How to Get Started

Biology majors in particular have a plethora of research opportunities in the Biology Department, departments in the Medical School, and labs at Hopkins Marine Station. To get started in searching for a potential lab, these are some great resources to consider:  

  • Biology Department Faculty : Browse each faculty member's areas of research
  • Research Areas : Search for a faculty member based on a particular area of interest within the field of Biology
  • Community Academic Profiles : This site allows you to search for faculty labs in the Stanford School of Medicine. You can search by name, department, or even keyword. This is a useful tool if you know generally what area of research you would like to pursue, but are unsure of a specific lab that does what interests you.

Once you have narrowed down 3-5 of your top choices, use the following steps as a general guide:

Spend time thoroughly looking over the lab's website. This will give a lot of information including how large the lab is, what types of projects are underway, and how many and what kinds of publications are getting done.

Read through a few publications to familiarize yourself with the research. This will give you something to talk about when you set up a meeting with the faculty member, and it also shows a genuine interest in their work.

Email the faculty member asking for an appointment. Be sure to mention that you have looked through their website and publications. This shows that you have made an effort and have an interest in them specifically. Be prepared to discuss your specific research interests.

Send a generic email simply asking if there are spaces in their lab. This is not compelling, and you may not even get a response.

Assume that the faculty member knows who you are. Briefly introduce yourself as a Biology major interested in pursuing ____.

Remember: politeness and persistence are important!

In-Department Research (BIO 199)

Once you have found and been accepted into a lab, you are strongly encouraged to enroll in academic credit for your work in the lab. The general formula for determining units is: 1 unit=3 hours of work per week.

Working in a Lab in Biology

Students doing research in Biology Department labs can study anything from cell biology, genetics, and plants to ecology, conservation, and marine biology. To get academic credit for Biology Department research (which can also count toward Biology major electives and Biology Honors requirements), students should enroll in their faculty member's section of BIO 199.

Be sure to discuss the number of units and grading options ahead of time with your faculty research advisor. No petition is required to enroll in BIO 199, and students in any major are welcome to enroll provided they have permission from the faculty member.

Out-of-Department Research (BIO 199X)

Autumn 2024 – October 2, 2024, 3:00 pm Winter 2025 – January 15, 2025, 3:00 pm Spring 2025 – April 9, 2025, 3:00 pm

Working in a Lab Outside of Biology

Many students find research opportunities in labs outside the Biology Department.  BIO 199X is available for declared Biology majors only.  If you are not a Biology major, consider enrolling under your PI's home department subject code, e.g. MED 199. Once you declare the major, you will submit a BIO 199X petition and start enrolling under that subject code.

You must submit your BIO 199X petition within one quarter of declaring the Biology major in order to receive credit toward your major electives . 

For Honors, only your BIO 199/X units count from your junior and senior years.

Students only need to petition ONCE to work with the same sponsor. If you switch labs, you will be required to submit a new petition.

Appropriate Research Projects

The research field is expected to encompass biological concepts and processes. Projects should be empirical or theoretical biological research, consisting of independent and original scientific work by the student. Applied clinical, environmental, or technological studies may be appropriate in cases where there is a major analytical, experimental or observational component to the study, involving independent conceptual, field or laboratory work by the student. Simply collecting data or samples from human subjects or interviewees, collating data, doing repetitive technical work, or doing statistical analysis is not sufficient for Bio 199X credit. Students should discuss the nature of their projects with their Departmental advisors prior to petitioning for approval, if there is any doubt about appropriateness.

Research Sponsors

Sponsors should be Academic Council members (assistant, associate, or full professors) if possible. If you are not sure if your research sponsor is an Academic Council member, search on Stanford Who in the "Search in Stanford view." If your sponsor is not an Academic Council member you will need to find a faculty member in the Department of Biology to serve as a co-sponsor of your research. This can be your faculty advisor if appropriate.

Petition Procedure

To petition for BIO 199X credit , students must submit the following items to the Biology Form Submission website or in Gilbert 118:

Fill out the  Petition and Research Sponsorship Form  (Fillable)

Your research proposal should be at least 2-3 pages in length (double spaced, not including references and figures) and should be organized as described below using the following headings. Also please include your Sponsor's name and department at the top.

Title of Research Project

Objective of research . Briefly and clearly state the question that your research is designed to address. Explain the specific aims of the research.

Background and Significance . Using appropriate background information which is appropriately referenced, indicate the significance of your research.

Experimental design . Describe the project design you will use to carry out your research including methods and materials. Indicate how these techniques will allow you to address your research question. Note the following: 1) research involving vertebrate animals requires that your sponsor have an approved Animal Use Protocol on file with the University Panel on Laboratory Animal Care; 2) work with radioactive substances requires certification in the University’s radiation safety course; 3) work with pathogenic organisms requires special training and precautions 4) work with human material requires that you complete the Human Subjects Training. If any of these apply, describe them in your proposal.

Possible results . Describe the expected outcome of your research, indicating how the data collected will be used to draw conclusions regarding the research question. Throughout your proposal, be specific about your own work: do not simply state the goals of the lab in which you are working. Stress the biological concepts you are using and your understanding of the methodology. The proposal should clearly show some level of independence in your research, the feasibility of the project, and an understanding of the basic biology involved. If this is your first Quarter of Bio 199X and you do not yet have your own project, but are helping someone else in the lab on their project while learning concepts and methods, then describe the project that you are working on instead.

Print or email the  sponsor information sheet  and give it to your sponsor for their reference.

Submit your Petition Form and Research Description to both your PI and major advisor well ahead of the submission deadline! Both readers will need time to review your proposal and provide feedback for revisions.

Questions about enrolling?

If you're unsure if you should enroll in BIO 199, BIO 199X, or something else (e.g. MED 199), use this decision tree to make your decision. Still unsure?  ayalamac [at] stanford.edu (subject: BIO%20199X%20Enrollment) (Contact the student services office) .  

Decision tree to aid in enrolling in research units

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  • (650) 338-8226

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30 Research Ideas in Biology for High School Students

biology research assignment

By Eric Eng

hardest high school classes

High school students often discover that engaging with research ideas in biology significantly enhances their learning experience. Biology, studying life and living organisms, offers many opportunities for curiosity-driven projects.

This blog is dedicated to igniting a passion for scientific discovery for high school students by showcasing 30 research ideas in biology.

These topics are intended as more than just academic tasks; they serve as openings into the fascinating world of biology, enabling students to contribute to our understanding of life.

Exploring biology offers high school students a fascinating journey into the study of life. This field touches everything from the tiny genes that make us who we are to the vast ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

Here are 30 research ideas for high school students to stimulate inquiry and enhance their understanding of biological principles.

Group of students working on a project.

1. Genetics and Heredity: Understanding Life’s Blueprint

Genetics and heredity are the foundation of life’s diversity. High school students can explore how DNA acts as life’s blueprint through simple experiments like DNA extraction from fruits or studying genetic traits and inheritance patterns.

Projects could involve investigating genetic disorders or examining Mendel’s principles through pea-plant experiments.

This area helps students grasp how traits are inherited and the importance of genetics in health while also considering the ethical aspects of genetic engineering.

2. Microbiology: Tackling Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a critical challenge in microbiology, impacting global health. Students can study this by examining how bacteria grow and respond to antibiotics, showcasing natural selection and mutation.

Projects may include testing the effectiveness of various antibiotics on bacteria and demonstrating how these microorganisms evolve to resist treatment.

This research highlights the need for responsible antibiotic use and the search for new treatments, connecting students to a pressing real-world issue.

3. Botany: The Role of Soil in Plant Growth

The type of soil is crucial for plant health and agricultural output. Students can investigate plant growth in different soils—clay, loam, sand, silt—or analyze the impact of soil pH and nutrients.

By measuring plant growth indicators under varied conditions, this research underscores the importance of soil management for sustainability and food security. It offers a practical look into botany and ecology, with implications for environmental care and agricultural practices.

4. Zoology: Understanding Local Wildlife Behavior for Conservation

Exploring research ideas in biology for high school students can begin right in their backyard by studying local wildlife behavior. This research idea allows high school students to observe wildlife, noting their feeding, social habits, and how they adapt to seasons or changes in their habitat.

This work is crucial for conservation, as understanding animal behavior can help protect them, especially as their environments change due to human actions.

Simple tasks like tracking animal movements or using basic technology to monitor them can offer insights into how to keep local species thriving.

5. Ecology: The Effects of Human Actions on Local Ecosystems

This project focuses on how our activities impact nearby nature. Students can look at local environmental issues, such as pollution or land development, and see how these affect plants and animals.

By collecting soil, water, and air samples or counting the types of species in an area, students can get a clear picture of human impact.

This teaches important ecological concepts and shows students how they can help preserve the environment.

6. Biotechnology: CRISPR and Its Role in Changing Genes

CRISPR technology is a groundbreaking tool in biology that allows scientists to edit genes with precision. This research idea introduces students to the forefront of genetic engineering, showing them how CRISPR can be used in medicine, agriculture, and more.

Students can learn about how CRISPR works and discuss its significant potential and ethical considerations.

Students get a well-rounded view of modern biotechnology by exploring real-world applications and engaging in debates about the moral aspects of gene editing.

Female student looking into a microscope in a laboratory.

7. Marine Biology: Coral Bleaching and Its Effects

Marine biology is a key area for high school research, especially looking into coral bleaching and its impact on ocean life. Coral reefs are crucial for marine ecosystems, acting as homes and food sources for many sea creatures.

However, they’re very sensitive to temperature changes. Global warming has caused more frequent coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and main food source due to stress.

This research topic is vital for understanding how coral bleaching affects marine biodiversity and the health of our oceans. It’s a chance for students to contribute to marine conservation efforts and highlight the importance of tackling climate change.

8. Neurobiology: Brain Plasticity and Learning

Exploring research ideas in biology for high school students, neurobiology presents an engaging field, particularly its focus on brain plasticity and its implications for learning and rehabilitation. Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new connections.

This is crucial for learning new skills, healing after brain injuries, and adjusting to changes. Research could examine how learning activities, like playing an instrument or a new language, influence the brain and improve cognitive functions.

This topic sheds light on how education and therapy can boost brain recovery and enhance learning abilities, showing the power of our brains to adapt and grow.

9. Immunology: How Vaccines Work

Given current global health issues, immunology, especially understanding vaccines, is a timely research topic. Vaccines teach the immune system to fight off diseases without getting sick.

Research in this area can explore the various types of vaccines, how they are developed, and their role in public health, such as stopping smallpox and controlling polio.

This topic is crucial for promoting informed discussions on vaccine development, effectiveness, safety, and the importance of vaccinations in protecting global health.

10. Environmental Science: Impact of Plastic Pollution on Aquatic Life

Plastic pollution is a major problem for water environments, hurting sea animals and ecosystems. High school students can explore how plastics harm fish, marine mammals, and other sea life. This project could include:

  • Understanding Plastic Pollution: Learn how plastic ends in oceans and lakes and its journey through these waters.
  • Case Studies: Pick a local water body to study the effects of plastic pollution on sea life, like how fish eat microplastics or turtles get tangled in plastic waste.
  • Effects on Sea Life: Look into how plastics harm sea animals, causing problems like less mobility, reproductive issues, and even death. See how plastics carry other pollutants, making things worse.
  • Solutions: End your project by suggesting ways to lessen plastic pollution, like community clean-ups, better waste management, or using less plastic.

11. Molecular Biology: Protein Synthesis Process

Protein synthesis is crucial for life, turning genetic information into proteins that cells need to function. High school students can explore this process through activities like:

  • The Basics: Start with the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, focusing on transcription (making mRNA from DNA) and translation (making proteins from mRNA).
  • Experiments: Try experiments with simple organisms to see how different conditions affect protein synthesis, such as changes in temperature or chemicals.
  • Genetic Engineering: Discuss how understanding protein synthesis helps make medicines and vaccines, and discuss the debates around GMOs.
  • Careers: Look into molecular biology and genetic engineering jobs, showing future possibilities.

12. Evolutionary Biology: Natural Selection

Natural selection explains how living things adapt to their environment. High school students can observe evolution through various methods:

  • Computer Simulations: Use software to simulate natural selection under different conditions, changing factors like mutation rates or environmental changes to see how populations evolve.
  • Field Work: Observe local wildlife over time to see natural selection, noting how certain traits become more common because they help survival.
  • Case Studies: Study well-known examples of natural selection, such as the peppered moth or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, to understand how these changes happen.
  • Debates: Discuss natural selection’s role in evolution, addressing misconceptions and examining evidence that supports this theory.

a female student working on a microscope

13. Conservation Biology: Protecting Endangered Species

Conservation Biology is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding species at risk of extinction. High school students seeking research ideas in biology can engage in projects to preserve wildlife and their habitats in this field.

Research could involve identifying endangered species in local areas, evaluating their living conditions, and suggesting ways to protect them.

This might include studying the effects of human actions on these species and proposing solutions to reduce negative impacts.

Such projects educate students about preserving biodiversity and empower them to advocate for environmental protection.

14. Biochemistry: The Basics of Fermentation

Biochemistry connects biology with chemistry by examining the chemical processes in living organisms. A compelling project topic in this area is the study of fermentation, a process where enzymes break down substances into simpler products.

This is key in making foods and drinks like bread, cheese, yogurt, and beer. Students can explore how fermentation works, what factors influence its efficiency, and the role of different microbes in this process.

Through these projects, students will learn about the practical applications of biochemistry in everyday life and gain valuable hands-on experience.

15. Astrobiology: Life in Extreme Conditions

Astrobiology explores the possibility of life in the universe, starting with life forms on Earth that survive in extreme conditions. Research projects can focus on extremophiles, organisms that live in harsh environments, such as very hot or acidic places.

Students can investigate how these organisms adapt and what this means for the existence of life beyond Earth. This research could include collecting samples from extreme environments and analyzing how these organisms survive.

Such studies broaden our understanding of life’s diversity on Earth and inspire curiosity about life in the wider universe.

16. Pharmacology: Natural vs. Synthetic Medicines and Their Impact on Health

When exploring research ideas in biology for high school students, a fascinating topic is comparing natural and synthetic medicines.

This research can shed light on which type of medicine provides better health benefits, has fewer side effects, and is more cost-effective. Students can:

  • Study Effectiveness: Look into how well natural and synthetic medicines treat diseases.
  • Check Safety: Compare both medicine types’ side effects and safety.
  • Analyze Costs: See which medicines are more affordable and easier to get.
  • Understand Preferences: Find out why some people prefer natural or synthetic medicines, including cultural reasons.

This project can help understand the best treatment options, blending science with real-world health choices.

17. Anatomy and Physiology: How Exercise Influences Our Bodies

Another excellent topic among research ideas in biology for high school students involves studying how exercise affects our bodies, which is crucial for health and fitness. This research can:

  • Examine the Heart: Look at how exercises like running impact heart health.
  • Study Muscles and Bones: Investigate how lifting weights affects muscle size and bone health.
  • Look at Metabolism: Explore how exercise changes how our bodies use sugar and fat.
  • Explore Brain Health: Find out how being active benefits our brains, mood, and thinking.

This research highlights the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and mind.

18. Cell Biology: Understanding Mitosis and Meiosis

In cell biology, mitosis and meiosis are central to life. These processes are essential for growth, healing, and reproduction. High school students can study:

  • Processes: Outline the steps of mitosis and meiosis, noting key differences.
  • Genetic Diversity: Explore how meiosis creates different genetic combinations.
  • Regulation: Study how cells control these processes and why it’s important.
  • Errors and Consequences: Investigate what happens when these processes go wrong, like cancer from mitosis errors or genetic issues from meiosis mistakes.

19. Biophysics: Understanding Muscle Movement

Biophysics combines biology and physics to explore life’s physical principles. A captivating project for high school students is examining muscle movement.

This topic investigates how muscles turn chemical energy into motion, focusing on muscle types, energy use, and how temperature affects performance.

Such a study enhances understanding of human body functions and shows how physics applies to biological systems, emphasizing the value of cross-disciplinary study.

a female student looking through a microscope

20. Paleontology: Discovering Ancient Life through Fossils

Paleontology uses fossils to study ancient life, offering insights into Earth’s historical changes. High school students can create projects identifying and analyzing fossils to learn about past environments and life forms.

Activities might include visiting fossil sites or museums and conducting lab analyses to age and classify fossils.

This research links biology with Earth’s history, fostering appreciation for life’s complexity and developing scientific investigation and analysis skills.

21. Bioinformatics: Analyzing Biological Data with Computer Science

Bioinformatics is at biology’s forefront, using technology to manage and interpret complex data. For students interested in biology and tech, bioinformatics projects offer a chance to study gene analysis, protein structures, or genetic diversity.

This field involves coding, data management, and visualization, contributing to disease research, evolution, and ecosystems.

Bioinformatics projects prepare students for modern science careers and stress computational skills in addressing biological questions.

22. Virology: Understanding Virus Life Cycles

Virology, the study of viruses, is crucial, especially during global pandemics. Students can explore how viruses infect, replicate, and spread. Projects may focus on virus structures, immune system evasion, or vaccine impacts.

This area highlights virology’s role in public health and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to combat viral diseases effectively.

23. Agricultural Science: GMOs and Food Production

Investigating GMOs’ impact on food production is essential for addressing future food security challenges. Students can examine how GMOs have improved agriculture, from increasing yields to enhancing crop resistance to pests and diseases.

Students can assess productivity, environmental effects, and health implications by comparing GMO and organic crops, providing insights into sustainable and safe food production methods.

24. Entomology: Bees and Pollination

Studying bees’ role in pollination is critical for ecosystems and agriculture. Bees are key pollinators, supporting many food crops.

Research can focus on how environmental factors like pesticides and habitat loss affect bees and pollination.

Projects on bee conservation can also highlight the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem health and food security.

25. Ethology: Animal Behavior and Survival

Ethology looks at how animals behave and survive in their environments. High school students can explore animal behaviors, like how birds communicate or how ants organize their societies.

Students can learn about instincts and survival tactics by observing animals in nature or at home. This area offers a chance to develop observation and analysis skills, making it an engaging choice for high school students for research ideas in biology.

26. Pathology: Understanding Diseases

Pathology bridges biology and medicine by studying diseases and their effects on the body. Students can research diseases like diabetes or cancer, focusing on causes, symptoms, and impacts on organs.

Students gain insights into disease processes and the human body’s response through case studies or data analysis.

This field encourages critical thinking about health and disease prevention, positioning it as a valuable research idea in biology for high school students.

27. Toxicology: Effects of Toxins on Life

Toxicology examines how chemicals affect living organisms and the environment. Students can investigate the toxicity of household chemicals on plants or the accumulation of pollutants in wildlife, learning about the dangers of toxins and the importance of environmental protection.

Projects in toxicology can teach about chemical safety, environmental health, and sustainable practices.

It’s an important and relevant field among research ideas in biology for high school students, highlighting the link between human actions and the health of our planet.

28. Biomedical Engineering: New Medical Devices

Biomedical engineering merges medicine and engineering to create devices that improve health care. High school students looking into research ideas in biology can focus on projects like:

  • Designing Health Monitors: Making wearable devices that track real-time health data.
  • Improving Prosthetics: Working on prosthetic limbs that move more naturally.
  • Advancing Drug Delivery: Creating smarter ways to deliver drugs to specific body parts with minimal side effects.

This research is crucial for enhancing patient care and making treatments more affordable and accessible.

29. Nutritional Science: Understanding Healthy Eating

Nutritional science examines how our diet affects our health and how to prevent diseases through food. Students can explore various topics, such as:

  • Plant-based Diet Benefits: Investigating health impacts and potential gaps in plant-based diets.
  • Processed Foods and Health: How processed foods affect our long-term health.
  • Nutrition Education Programs: Designing projects to teach healthy eating in schools or communities.

This area of research helps inform better dietary recommendations and supports public health by promoting nutritional knowledge.

a nutritionist talking to. a female client

30. Developmental Biology: Growth and Development

Developmental biology studies how organisms grow from conception to adulthood. Research ideas in biology for high school students might include:

  • Genetics in Development: Analyzing how certain genes affect growth.
  • Regeneration Mechanisms: Studying how some animals regrow parts of their bodies and applying these insights.
  • Environmental Impacts on Growth: Examining how external factors like temperature or pollution affect development.

This research deepens our understanding of life’s processes and has broad implications across medicine, environmental science, and agriculture.

By engaging in these studies, students contribute to our knowledge and may discover a passion for biological sciences.

How to Start Your Biology Research Project

Starting a biology research project is an exciting step into discovering new insights about the natural world. Here’s how to get your project off to a great start, focusing on research ideas in biology for high school students.

  • Select Your Topic Carefully: Choose a topic that grabs your interest and is doable. Think about what resources you’ll need and whether you can get them through your school or local community. Talk about your ideas with a teacher or mentor for advice on shaping your project.
  • Do Your Homework: Before deciding on your hypothesis, explore existing studies. Look at scientific journals, articles, and books related to your chosen topic. This step helps you understand what’s already known and pinpoint areas that need more exploration.
  • Craft a Hypothesis: Your hypothesis is a prediction you aim to test. It should be specific and based on your initial research. For instance, if investigating how soil acidity impacts plant growth, you might predict that increased soil acidity reduces plant growth. This hypothesis will guide your entire project.
  • Plan Your Experiment: Consider how to test your hypothesis while keeping other factors constant. Outline everything from what you’ll need and how you’ll set up your experiment to how you’ll collect and analyze data. Make sure your plan follows safety rules.
  • Prepare for Data Collection and Analysis: Decide how you’ll record and analyze your findings. Choose methods that suit your project, whether using a notebook, a spreadsheet, or software. Think about the statistical techniques you’ll use for analyzing your data.
  • Set a Timeline: Organize your work with a timeline that includes key milestones from start to finish. Anticipate potential hurdles and how you might overcome them.
  • Get Feedback: Regularly share your progress with teachers, mentors, or classmates. They can offer valuable insights, help solve problems, and refine your approach.
  • Be Flexible: Research is about learning and adapting. Be ready to revise your hypothesis or methods based on new findings. Flexibility is crucial for successful scientific research.

By following these steps, you’ll manage your project more smoothly and enjoy uncovering new knowledge.

Every big scientific achievement starts with curiosity and a well-planned approach. Your work on research ideas in biology for high school students could be the beginning of an exciting scientific journey.

The Importance of Ethical Considerations in Biological Research

Exploring research ideas in biology for high school students requires a strong ethical framework. This ensures that our investigations respect life and have a minimal environmental impact.

Ethical research is crucial for the integrity of our findings and for teaching responsibility and ethical conduct in scientific work.

Respecting Life and Protecting the Environment

Ethical biological research prioritizes the welfare of all living beings involved. Whether dealing with plants, animals, or microorganisms, it’s essential to cause the least harm possible.

This means conducting studies to avoid disrupting natural behaviors or habitats. For projects involving fieldwork, it’s particularly important to conduct research without harming the ecosystem.

Additionally, considering the environmental impact of our research is vital. Projects should aim for sustainability, avoiding actions that could harm natural habitats or contribute to pollution.

This approach ensures that pursuing knowledge does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

Enhancing Credibility Through Ethics

Adhering to ethical guidelines enhances the reliability and respectability of scientific work. Ethical research is a testament to the pursuit of knowledge for the greater good, ensuring that findings are trustworthy and can serve as a foundation for future studies.

a female biomedical engineer working with a specimen inside a laboratory

Teaching Responsibility and Integrity

For students investigating research ideas in biology for high school students, ethical considerations are a critical part of learning. They encourage a deep sense of responsibility towards our planet and highlight the ethical dimensions of scientific inquiry.

Students learn the importance of conducting research honestly, acknowledging the limits of their studies, and respecting others’ work.

Ethical considerations are fundamental when exploring research ideas in biology for high school students. They ensure that our search for understanding respects all life forms and the environment, enriching the scientific community with credible, responsible work.

Teaching young scientists about ethics is key to fostering a future where research is conducted with integrity and a deep respect for the natural world.

Exploring research ideas in biology for high school students offers a unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of the natural world. These projects enhance academic skills and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexity and interconnectivity of life on Earth.

We encourage students to pursue these research ideas with curiosity, dedication, and a sense of responsibility toward the broader implications of their work.

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4 Simple Steps You Can Follow to Ace Your Research Investigation for QCAA Biology IA3

Scientist looking at microscope in greenhouse - QCAA Biology IA3

Just been assigned to complete your Research Investigation for QCAA Biology IA3 but have no idea how to get started?

No stress! We’ve come up with a simple 4-step guide for you to follow so that you can get great marks on every section.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get to it!

What is a Research Investigation? How do you write up a Research Investigation for Biology? Step 1: Set Up the Report With an Introduction Step 2: Analyse and Interpret the Data Step 3: Conclude the Investigation Step 4: Include a Reference List

What is a research investigation for QCAA Biology IA3?

A research investigation is simply a chance for you to showcase your ability to evaluate a claim in 1500 to 2000 words.

In the QCAA course, the IA3 Biology syllabus requires you to conduct research in order to gather, analyse, and interpret secondary evidence (obtained from scientifically credible sources). In order to do this, you may need to find information beyond your own knowledge. 

How do you write up a research investigation for QCAA Biology IA3? 

To successfully complete this task, QCAA states that you must:

  • Identify the relevant scientific concepts associated with your claim
  • Pose a research question addressing an aspect of the claim
  • Conduct research to gather scientific evidence that may be used to address the research question and subsequently evaluate the claim
  • Analyse data to identify sufficient and relevant evidence — identifying trends, patterns, relationships, and limitations
  • Interpret the evidence to construct justified scientific arguments and to form a justified conclusion to the research question
  • Discuss the quality of the evidence
  • Evaluate the claim by extrapolating the findings of the research question to the claim
  • Suggest improvements and extensions to the investigation

These are 4 steps that you can follow to complete this assignment:

Steps to Conduct - queensland curriculum assessment authority

Below is a breakdown for how, exactly, to complete a research investigation and hit all the marks along the way. 

Step 1: Set Up the IA3 Report With an Introduction

It is important that you show the development of your investigation through the rationale. You can’t simply jump straight to the crux of the investigation, as that doesn’t give any indication as to why you are doing the investigation and any important information that has informed your question.

You need to show the development of your research question from the claim you are investigating. For this reason, it can be helpful to think of your rationale as a funnel through which you are feeding the reader information.

For example , let’s look at the rationale mapping for an investigation into the link between lactose intolerance and the domestication of dairy cattle. 

It’s also important to make sure that your rationale addresses every component of your research question . The purpose of your rationale is, after all, to show how the question has been developed. 

For this assignment, in order to get top marks, your rationale should be “considered” — but what does this mean?

Your rationale must discuss any theory that is important for the investigation (you must also make sure you are referring to credible sources — this will ensure you meet the “sufficient and relevant sources” criteria”).

You are also required to show that your modifications to the methodology have been informed by theory. Using the funnel method shown above can help you produce a considered rationale. 

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar: The Homo sapien population has grown from an estimated 5 million people in the pre-Neolithic era to an estimated 7.4 billion in 2016 (Biraben, 2003) (Population Reference Bureau, 2016). The exponential growth observed in the last 50 000 years can be linked to a variety of cultural factors that have enabled a greater proportion of humans to reach reproductive age and live longer lives (Cochran and Harpending, 2009). Consequently, in this larger population, higher levels of gene flow and variation occur between individuals (microevolution) and the likelihood of macro evolutionary change is increased. This can be attributed to an increased range of favourable, advantageous genetic combinations arising in a population whilst smaller populations may be more likely to experience a high degree of genetic drift. However, large-scale scans using patterns of linkage disequilibrium to detect recent selection (i.e. in the last 10, 000 years) suggest that many genes may have evolved in response to agriculture (Richerson et al., 2010). 

Developing a Research Question

When developing your research question, the goal is to come up with a question that is concise but specific enough to provide results that can be analysed with ease . You want to ensure that both your dependent and independent variables are not only included in the question, but operationalised (if possible).

To improve your question, you should look into using an open-ended question. Rather than asking, “Does X impact Y?”, ask “ How does X impact Y?”.

By only asking “Does”, you are asking a yes or no question. The inclusion of “How” allows for a more in depth investigation of the relationship between the variables. 

As the goal of the rationale is to show the development of your research question, it is recommended that you include a broad research question which is then followed by a specific research question after you have conducted some research.

Your broad research question may not be directional (it asks “Does” rather than “How does”) and it may lack specificity with regard to the variables being studied. 

To get top marks , your research question needs to be “specific” and “relevant” — but what is meant by this?

You have to really consider the variables you are exploring and ensure that your question is linked well to your rationale. Every aspect of your IA3 research question should be addressed in the rationale. 

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar:  Broad research question: ‘Does cultural practice drive human evolution?’ Specific research question: ‘Is the prevalence of hypolactasia (lactose intolerance) in Finland linked to the practice of domesticating cattle for dairy purposes?’

Your background section will be smaller than your rationale. Your rationale shows how you have developed your research question and shows how you have further developed your understanding of the content by investigating some of the concepts explored in the specific research question.

More simply, your rationale will investigate the very broad topics, whereas the background will explore the finer details and more specific components of the investigation. 

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar: Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in milk. Typically, human infants can readily digest milk in order to grow and develop due to the presence of the enzyme lactase in their intestine. The production of this enzyme typically declines in adulthood removing a significant source of available dietary carbohydrate. Some humans continue to express lactase throughout adult life, and are thus able to digest the lactose found in fresh milk. This trait is called lactase persistence (LP) and the frequency of this phenotype is found in around 35 per cent of adults living in the world today (Gerbault, 2011). 

In this section, the criteria being assessed is as follows:

QLD Research Investigation - Guide 3

Refer to the “To get top marks” component of each section to see how you can ensure you meet all of the criteria. 

Step 2: Analyse and Interpret the Data

Evidence for the research investigation.

In this part of the QCAA Biology IA3, you need to draw upon any qualitative and/or quantitative data found during your research to generate a direct response to the research question. Rather than making explicit inferences, however, you should focus primarily on identifying trends, patterns, and relationships in the data.

You should be able to show, through the evidence you provide, the development of your arguments and position concerning the research question. In this section you can present any graphs or tables containing data. 

To get top marks , you must comment on any “trends, patterns, or relationships” observed within the evidence.

The resources must be “relevant” and this can be achieved by ensuring your data is valid — that is, ensuring it can actually be used to draw conclusions that will guide you towards an answer. It is important that you explicitly link your data/observations to the research question/claim. 

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar: In terms of the practice of ancient dairying, current evidence suggests domestication of livestock in Finland and large-scale animal husbandry was occurring during the Bronze Age (3500-2500 years ago) (Præbel, 2016). To further support this, analysis of core ware pottery may have ‘revealed Neolithic settlers in Finland may have been consuming dairy foods as early as 2500 BC (Cramp et al., 2014)’. However, data from Hansen et al. (2015), states that the prevalence of lactose intolerance in Finnish-speaking Finns has been documented at 17% whilst in the Finnish Sami population the prevalence ranges from 25 to 60%. This is a noticeable variance which could be explained by the access to cow’s milk between the different populations. 

Evaluation of Research

In this section, you will comment on any limitations of the evidence that have potentially impacted your ability to accurately answer the research question or draw a conclusion .

You must also comment on how, exactly, it impacts your ability to come to a conclusion. Examples of limitations include Type I and II errors.

Within your Evaluation, you must also suggest any improvements or extensions you would make to the investigation .

Lastly, you must talk about what your results mean with regard to answering the research question. You are required to draw justified conclusions that link to the research question.

To get top marks , you must show the “thorough and appropriate identification of limitation”, and insightfully discuss the “quality of evidence”. This can be achieved by identifying the shortcomings of the investigation and how they impact your ability to draw a conclusion.

You’ll also need to identify “trends, patterns or relationships” in the data, and discuss how this behaviour of the data can be used to draw a “justified” conclusion. To do this, you must ensure that all of your observations and arguments link directly to the question.

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar: This data also doesn’t take into account that the change in alleles between populations isn’t just because of strong genetic drift. Without further research to support how the Finns and Sami differ it is difficult to comment on this. Therefore, this would be a plausible area of further research to find out more on. 

qcaa biology IA3 - Guide 1

Refer to the “To get top marks” component of each subsection to see how you can ensure you meet all of the criteria. 

Step 3: Conclude the Investigation

In this section of your Biology research investigation, you simply summarise the results and your answer to the research question.

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar: In conclusion, the claim that human evolution is still occurring is not fully supported. Because the question is broad it requires more experimentation than is possible. If the specific research question is considered this also cannot be fully supported. This is because the evidence supplied for the research question is about historical data. A longitudinal study could be done to track the Finn and Sami populations over time. Also, further research could be done to see if there are more unknown alleles in the population. 
Interested in what IA3 mark you need to get an ATAR 90+?

Step 4: Include a Reference List

Since this assessment is research based, you will need to list the various sources you’ve used in order to complete the task.

From QCAA Biology IA3 exemplar: Note: This exemplar uses APA style referencing. 

There you have it!

You’ve now got a simple structure you can follow in order to complete your IA3 Biology research investigation. We hope this has given you more confidence to attempt the task and do well!

Don’t just wonder how you’re doing – know it! With our FREE QCE Cohort Comparison Tool you can see exactly where you sit compared to your peers and see your predicted ATAR result!

If you’re on the hunt for other resources to help you study or prepare for QCAA Biology assessments, here are some you can look at:

  • Unit 3 Biology Data Test IA1 Practice Questions
  • Unit 3 & 4 Biology External Assessment Practice Questions
  • Unit 3 & 4 Biology External Assessment Multiple Choice Practice Questions
  • How to Write a Student Experiment Report for Biology
  • The Essential List of QCE Biology Terms You Need to Know for Unit 3

Are you looking for some extra help with the IA3 Research Investigation for QCAA Biology?

We have an incredible team of qld biology tutors and mentors.

We can help you master the QCAA Biology syllabus and ace your upcoming Biology assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!

Looking for more Term 3 relevant content ? Check out our complete Term 3 Resource Guide !

We’ve supported over  8,000 students over the last 11 years , and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational QCE tutor and mentor,   get in touch today  or give us a ring on  1300 267 888!

Katelyn Smith  was a pioneer in the Queensland ATAR system. After graduating in 2020 with an ATAR of 98.40, she now studies a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland — majoring in Physics. Through her studies, she hopes to develop a greater appreciation for how the wonders of the universe work. When she isn’t slaving away behind her unnecessarily large textbooks, she enjoys catching up with friends, scrolling mindlessly through TikTok, and sleeping.

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Biology Research Guide

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Scholarly vs Popular Sources

Researching an assignment topic, research tips, empirical research, identifying empirical research, reading and analyzing information sources, atkins resources.

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The scope of the literature search and type of information required will depend on the requirements of the assignment.

Books provide a useful starting point for an introduction to the subject. Books generally also provide an in-depth coverage of a topic.

Journal articles : for current research or information on a very specific topic, journal articles may be the most useful, as they are published on a regular basis. it is normally expected that you will use some journal articles in your assignment., free web publications : useful information can also be found in free web publications from government or research organizations. any web publications should be carefully evaluated. you are also required to view the whole publication, not just the abstract, if using the information in your assignment., empirical research is research that is based on experimentation or observation, i.e. evidence.  such research is often conducted to answer a specific question or to test a hypothesis (educated guess)..

Research articles that consist of empirical research are written in a specific manner.    They are always divided into the following sections: title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.   Each of these sections may be further divided into subsections.   One quick way to determine if you are looking at an article that consists of empirical research is to see if it has these sections.

Title – offers a brief description of the research and includes the author(s).

Abstract – is a brief but comprehensive summary of the research, usually a paragraph long.  .

Introduction – this section gives background information about the research problem.   It often includes information on similar studies, explains the reason(s) for conducting the research and offers any additional information that might be needed to understand the research problem or research that is being described in the paper.   Sometimes the Introduction section isn’t titled, but it is always present.

Methods – gives a detailed description of how the research was conducted.   Some methods that could be used include surveying, experimentation and observation.   This is occasionally titled Methodology instead.

Results – the ‘answer’ to the research question.   the results section shows, describes and analyzes the data found by the research., discussion – discusses the implications of the results found.   the discussion section may also compare, contrast and discuss the data obtained to other research articles on similar topics.   it is sometimes called the conclusion or divided into a ‘discussion’ section and a ‘conclusion’ section ., references – is a list of citations for other books, journal articles, reports or studies mentioned in the article. sometimes called works cited or bibliography..

 Various phrases or keywords can identify articles that use empirical or qualitative research.  These include:

  • How to Read Scientific Articles This link provides strategies for the active reading of an article.
  • Critical Appraisal of Information Should the chosen material be included as a resource? Use this information to do a critical review of each item.
  • Evaluating Information A guide for evaluating information from various sources.
  • Case study: Reading a Primary Research Article from Plant Physiology Illustrative process of evaluating an article from the journal, Plant Physiology
  • International Centre for Allied Health Evidence Critical Appraisal Tools A list of links to critical appraisal tools designed to be used when reading research. more... less... University of South Australia
  • Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Critical Appraisal Tools Information and worksheets to assist in critical appraisal of clinical research papers
  • Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine CATmaker CEBM's computer-assisted critical appraisal software for the creation of Critically Appraised Topics
  • Research Evaluation for Computer Science A viewpoint regarding the computer science research culture and bibliometrics. Note that ISI has changed to the Journal Citation Reports found in the Web of Science.

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Top 100 biology research topics for high school and college.

biology research topics

Writing a biology essay may not sound like a very difficult thing to do. In fact, most students really like this subject. The problem is not that you can’t write a good paper on a topic in biology. The problem is with finding excellent biology research topics. Now, you may be wondering why you would want to invest so much time into finding great biology research paper topics. After all, what you write in the essay matters more than the topic, right? Wrong! We are here to tell you that professors really appreciate interesting and unique topics.

And it makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. If you simply pick one of the most popular biology research topics, you will never be able to pique the interest of your teacher. He has read dozens, if not hundreds, or papers on that exact same topic. What you want to do is come up with interesting biology research topics. You want to find topics that none of your classmates are thinking of writing an academic paper about. You will shortly see why this is important. And we will also give you 100 biology topics for research projects that you can use for free – right now!

Biology Research Paper Topics Really Are Important!

It doesn’t matter what area of biology you need to write about. This information applies to everything from zoology and botany to anatomy. The reality is that your professor will really appreciate good topics. And you can rest assured that he or she knows how to spot them. The moment the professor starts to read your paper, he or she will immediately realize that you really did your best to find an excellent topic. And if you write a good introduction paragraph (which contains a captivating thesis statement as well), you are in the best position to earn bonus points.

You may not be aware of it, but teachers are willing to treat great papers with more leniency. This means that you will not get penalized for minor mistakes if you come up with a great topic. In other words, you will get a better grade on your papers if you manage to come up with good research topics for biology. This is a fact and it is based on thousands of pieces of feedback from our readers.

How Do You Choose Good Biology Research Topics?

Choosing research topics for biology can be a daunting task. Frankly, the research paper topics biology students are looking for are not easy to come by. The first thing you want to avoid is going to the first website that pops up in Google and getting your ideas from there. Most of your peers will do the same. Also, avoid topics that are extremely simple. You will simply not have enough ideas to write about. Of course, you should avoid overly complex topics because finding information about them may be extremely difficult.

The best way to find a good topic, in our opinion, is to get in touch with an academic writing company. You will get access to a professional writer who knows exactly what professors are looking for. A writer will quickly give you an amazing research topic in biology.

Eloquent Examples of Popular Biology Research Topics

To make things as simple as possible for you, we’ve put together a list of biology research project ideas. You will find 100 topics on various subjects below. Of course, you can use any of our topics for free. However, keep in mind that even though we are doing our best to maintain this list fresh, other students will find it as well. If you need new topics for your next biology essay, we recommend you to get in touch with us. We monitor our email address, so we can help you right away. Also, you can buy a research paper from our service.

Biology Research Topics for High School

Are you looking for biology research topics for high school? These are relatively simple when compared to college-level topics. Here are a couple of topic ideas that high school students will surely appreciate:

  • Identifying Three Dead Branches of Evolution.
  • What Is Sleep?
  • How Does Physical Exercise Affect the Metabolism?
  • A Behavioral Study of Birds.
  • How Does Music Affect Your Brain?
  • Climate Change and Biodiversity.
  • Are Bees Really Becoming Extinct?
  • Rainforest Extinction Is Dangerous.
  • The Benefits of Organic Farming.
  • Can the Brain Repair Itself?
  • The Effect of Bacteria on Depression.
  • How Do Sea Animals Camouflage?

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

Research topics in biology for undergraduates are more complex than high school or college topics. Our researchers did their best to find topics that are relatively complex. However, each one of the following topics has plenty of information about it online:

  • What Is the Mechanism of Metastasis in Cancer Patients?
  • How Do Tumor Suppressor Genes Appear?
  • How Can We Destroy Cancer Cells Without Damaging Other Cells?
  • The Benefits of Gene Therapy.
  • Analyzing the Huntington’s Disease (the HTT Gene).
  • How Does the down Syndrome (Trisomy of 21st Chromosome) Appear?
  • Analyzing the Brain Activity During an Epileptic Seizure.
  • How Are Our Memories Formed and Preserved?
  • The Effect of Probiotics on Infections.
  • Analyzing Primate Language.
  • Analyzing Primate Cognitive Functions.
  • The Link Between Darwin’s Theory and Biology.

Biology Research Topics for College Students

Biology research topics for college students are of moderate difficulty. They are easier than undergrad topics and more complex than high school topics. While compiling this list, we made sure you have more than enough information online to write the paper quickly:

  • Using DNA Technology in the Field of Medical Genetics.
  • The Effect of Drinking on Embryonic Development.
  • How Are Genes Mapped and Cloned?
  • Explain What Genetic Polymorphism Is.
  • What Is a Hereditary Disease?
  • The Effect of Drugs on Embryonic Development.
  • Describing Oligogenic Diseases (like Hirschsprung Disease)
  • What Is the Mendelian Inheritance?
  • How Transcriptomics and Proteomics Changed Modern Medicine.
  • The Risk Factors of Infertility Explained.
  • How Does Aging Effect Infertility?
  • What Do Ash Elements Do in a Plant?
  • Explaining the Pigments in a Plant Cell.
  • How Is Photosynthesis Done?
  • The Role of Fats in Plant Cells.
  • The Effect of Smoking on Embryonic Development.

Cell Biology Research Topics

Some of the best biology topics are cell biology research topics. The scientific community is constantly making progress in this area, so there is always something new to write about. Here are some of the best examples:

  • What Is Regenerative Medicine?
  • A Closer Look at Tissue Engineering.
  • Discuss the Future of Regenerative Medicine.
  • Analyzing Therapeutic Cloning.
  • The Pros and Cons of Creating Artificial Organs.
  • How Do Cell Age?
  • Can We Reverse Cell Aging?
  • Advances in Cell Therapy.
  • What Is Cell Adhesion?
  • Explaining Cell Division.
  • What Is Cellular Metabolism?
  • Describe Active and Passive Transport in Cells.
  • What Are Cell Plastids?

Evolutionary Biology Research Paper Topics

If you want something more complex, you can try your hand at writing on evolutionary biology research paper topics. As with all our topics, you will be able to find a lot of ideas and information online. Here are our picks:

  • Where Did Plants Come From? (The Evolutionary Theory)
  • Explaining the Host-parasite Coevolution.
  • How Did Parasites Evolve over Time?
  • What Is Natural Selection and How Does It Work?
  • Explain Sexual Selection.
  • Explain Sexual Conflict.
  • How Did Our Immune Systems Evolve?
  • How Do New Species Appear in the Wild?
  • The Evolution of Cell Respiration.
  • What Is the Hippo Pathway? (Developmental Biology)

Various Topics

Antibiotics resistance, agriculture and cloning are hot subjects nowadays. Your professor will surely be interested to learn more about biology research topics. Here is a mix of topic ideas from our established community of academic writers:

  • The Problem of Using Antibiotics on Large Scale.
  • Examining the Effects of Salt on Plants.
  • What Is DNA Technology?
  • The Effects of GMOs on the Human Body.
  • How Is the Quality of Antibiotics Controlled?
  • How Are GMO Food Crops Created?
  • The Effect of Veterinary Antibiotics on Humans.
  • The Allergic Reactions to Specific Antibiotics.
  • A Look at How Penicillin Works in the Human Body.
  • How Are Antibiotics Obtained?
  • What Are Natural Biochemicals with Pest-repellent Properties?
  • The 3 Most Toxic Effects of Antibiotics
  • How the Human Body Develops Resistance to Antibiotics.
  • The Impact of Biology on the Us Agriculture.
  • What Is the Green Revolution?
  • Analyzing the Minerals in the Plant Cell.
  • Analyzing Muscle Development and Regeneration
  • The Uses of Cancer Stem Cells.

Marine Biology Research Topics

There is a lot of talk about global warming, about microplastics in our oceans, and about endangered marine species. This means that marine biology research topics are a very hot topic today. Here are some of our best ideas:

  • Can GMO Organisms Break down Oil after Maritime Accidents?
  • Pollution-absorbing Bio-films.
  • Microbes That Can Absorb Toxic Compounds in the Water.
  • Can We Really Use Bioluminescence?
  • How Is Bio-diesel Created?
  • Analyzing the Coral Reef Biology.
  • Why Is the Lobster Population Dwindling?
  • The Effect of Mass Fishing on the World’s Oceans.
  • Global Warming and Its Effect on Marine Microorganisms.

Molecular Biology Research Topics

Writing about molecular biology research topics is not easy. However, it’s a foolproof way to get a top grade. Your professor will really appreciate your willingness to write an essay about a complex topic. Just make sure you know what you are talking about. Below you can find some of the best topics:

  • How Is Insulin Produced?
  • How Is the Growth Hormone Produced?
  • Analyzing the Repropagation of Translation.
  • What Is DNA-telomerase?
  • The Process of Sequencing Nucleotides in DNA.
  • What Is Telomerase?
  • The Link Between Telomerase and Cancer.
  • The Link Between Telomerase and Aging.
  • How Does DNA Forensics Work?
  • Describe the Process of Protein Metabolism.

There is no such thing as easy biology research topics. When the topic is too simple, you end up getting penalized. You can’t write 500 words about it without straying away from the subject. Also, no matter how interesting the topic may be, you should make sure that the essay is written perfectly. This means that not even interesting biology research topics can save you from a bad grade if you fail to follow all applicable academic writing standards.

Find it hard to cope with your college paper? Great news! Use promo “ mypaper20 ” and enjoy 20% discount on a biology writing assignment from our profs!

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230 Best Biology Research Topics and Ideas for Students

Table of Contents

Would you have to write a biology research paper? Are you searching for the best biology research topics and ideas for your assignment? If yes, then this blog post is for you. Especially, to help you in identifying the best topic for your biology research paper, here, in this blog post, we have shared some important topic selection tips. In addition to that, we have also uploaded a list of 100+ interesting biology research topic ideas. Explore the full list and pick any topic that is convenient for you to research and write about.

What is Biology?

Biology is one of the vast disciplines of science that deals with living organisms and their evolution, functions, growth, and structure. Apart from the study of living things, the subject also specifically focuses on the concepts of ecosystems, environment, food quality, development in the health sector, diseases, and other specializations that revolve around the human body.

Biology Research Topics

Biology Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

In the biology research paper writing process, topic selection is the first step that can’t be skipped. Since biology is a vast subject with plenty of topics and subtopics, it is extremely challenging to choose one great topic to compose a research paper. Therefore, in this section, we have shared some effective tips to make your topic selection phase easier.

Whenever you are asked to write a biology research paper on any topic, then before you choose the right topic for research, be sure to keep the following tips in mind.

  • Give preference only to the topic that is interesting to you and your audience.
  • Choose a topic that has a wide scope for research and discussion.
  • Select a topic that allows you to complete the discussion on time.
  • Avoid choosing too broad and too narrow a topic.
  • Pick a topic with numerous credible sources for gathering information.
  • Finalize the topic only if it matches your professor’s instructions or the university’s guidelines.

List of Biology Research Paper Topics

The following are some informative biology research topics and ideas that you can consider for academic writing.

Biology Research Topics

Research Topics on the History of Biology

  • Darwin’s theory and its significance to biology
  • Impact of Archeology on Animal Biology
  • Discover and explore evolution factors
  • Discovery and Impact of Natural Selection Theory
  • Edward Jenner and the history of vaccination
  • How are history and biology combined according to Stephen Joy Gould’s Paleontology?
  • Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: The Famous Biologist
  • Rachel Carson’s Stand on environmental safety
  • Dead branches of evolution
  • Effects of Whale Hunting
  • Discovery of the fundamental laws of inheritance by Gregor Mendel
  • Understanding chimpanzees
  • Plastic-eating bacteria
  • Dolly the Sheep
  • CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy: A ray of hope for cancer patients
  • Depiction of the human anatomy
  • Identification of Cells by Robert Hookie
  • Single-celled eukaryotic organisms and many species of bacteria
  • The scientific name of Human Beings
  • Implementation of technology in biology

Biology Research Topics on Genetics and Abortion

  • The history of genetics
  • Genetic disorders and related treatment
  • Modern technology of DNA analysis
  • The phenomenon of DNA-modified organisms
  • Explain DNA’s structure
  • The ethical aspects of experiments with stem cells
  • The Role of genetic in sex orientation preference
  • Depression and genes
  • How is abortion related to the feminist ideology?
  • Abortion law and society’s perspective in the USA
  • The biological insights of abortion
  • Is genetically modified food safe?
  • Genetic Mutation factors
  • How does public opinion hold back scientific progress?
  • Is homosexuality based on genetics?
  • Factors responsible for influencing gender identity
  • Impact of abortion on hormones
  • Behavioral genetics: Twin and family studies.
  • Cytogenetic: Karyotyping.
  • Epigenetics: Molecular basis.
  • Molecular genetics: Molecular basis for inheritance

Molecular Biology Research Paper Topics

  • The molecular evidence of human origin
  • Molecular biology in cancer treatment
  • The role of stem cell treatment in medicine
  • The role of genetically modified crops in the economy
  • Dangerous experiments on human DNA
  • The use of genetics on lifetime prolongation
  • The personal genome in modern medicine
  • Effective ways to conduct molecular biology research
  • The behavioral epigenetics phenomenon
  • Molecular and genome evolution
  • Difference between pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics
  • Discuss the effect of antibiotics on cells.
  • Challenges caused by diseases to molecular biology
  • Explain the biological reasons behind food intolerances.
  • What is the role of molecular chaperones in polypeptide folding?
  • Write about the production of growth hormones and insulin in genetic engineering.
  • What is cell biology, development, and cancer?
  • Describe genetics and genomics
  • Neuroscience and their role in the development of cells

Neurobiology Research Topics

  • Neuroscience and robotic technologies
  • The impact of music on the human brain
  • Brain and Memory
  • Visual cortex and models of orientation
  • What is visual-motor coordination based on?
  • Brain injuries and related disorders
  • The genetic defect that contributes to Schizophrenia
  • The role of Genes and proteins in neuron functioning
  • Cognitive Neuroscience on problem-solving
  • The connection between gut bacteria and anxiety
  • Causes of migraine
  • Brain capabilities of self-repairing
  • The innovations in neurobiology
  • Effective ways to improve human memory
  • Write about the changes in Bacterial Ecology
  • How sleep is described in Neurobiology?
  • Stem-cell therapy and its impact on patients
  • Discuss the negative consequences associated with neurosurgery.
  • Write about Depression and Oxidative Stress
  • Discuss the degenerative brain disorder including its causes and impact on the brain.
  • How does music in the brain impact mental and intellectual activity?
  • Discuss optogenetic excitation

Read more: Best Medical Research Topics To Analyze and Write About

Ecology Research Ideas

  • The relationship between living forms and their environment
  • Ecological and evolutionary factors influencing animal behavior
  • Developmental mechanism of resistance in animals
  • The effect of human behavior on animal forms in the USA
  • Environmental change and its involvement in the diversity of species
  • How do animals and plants respond to the changing environment?
  • Is global warming a threat?
  • Environmental Psychology
  • The problem of extinction
  • Rare species protection
  • Means of wildlife protection
  • Fast food industry and tropic forests extinction
  • Climate change and biodiversity
  • Oil spill effects on ocean wildlife
  • Is the extinction of bees real?
  • What is sustainability in biology?
  • Renewable energy and environmental pollution
  • Impact of rain forests extinction
  • Factors and benefits of organic farming
  • What causes toxic algae to bloom?
  • Explore the ecological footprint of cotton production.
  • Why biodiversity should be conserved?

Read more: Key concepts on ecology research topics that will ensure Your shining

Biology Research Topics on Bioremediation

  • The bioremediation education science
  • The phenomenon of bioremediation
  • Groundwater remediation
  • Bioremediation of hazardous waste
  • The bioremediation method’s explanation
  • The innovations in bioremediation
  • The improvement of ecology with bioremediation
  • Oil spill bioremediation protocol
  • The mechanisms and tools of groundwater bioremediation
  • Oil spill bioremediation: ways and tools

Animal Biology Research Topics

  • Animal growth and the factors to consider
  • Animal science and food sustainability
  • Projects on wild animals
  • The camouflage mechanism in sea animals
  • How does veganism actually influence meat production?
  • The fashion industry and its role in animal abuse
  • Is it ethical to test beauty products on animals?
  • Home pets and obesity
  • Modern home pets and traditional dog diet
  • Male pregnancy among animals

Biology Research Topics on Plant Pathology

  • The prevention measures in plant pathology
  • Natural disease resistance in plants
  • Plant evolutionary genetics
  • Fertilizers’ influence on plants
  • Weedy and invasive plants
  • Aspects and functions of photosynthesis
  • Plant diseases management facilitated by modern technology
  • Research on plant-associated microbes and current genomic tools
  • Literature review on microbial ecology and evolution

Biology Research Topics on Human Cloning

  • Human cloning and transplantation possibilities
  • Cloning: The moral aspect
  • Project on different types of cloning
  • History and development of human cloning science
  • How can cloning change medicine?
  • Should human cloning be made legal?
  • Cloning and ethical issues around it
  • Explain the significance of therapeutic cloning
  • Basic principles of cloning in humans
  • How effective is DNA-based cloning in the medical field?

Research Topics on Behavior and Hormones

  • How to improve metabolism?
  • The role of various hormones in our body
  • The hormone disorder and constant depression
  • The deficit of what hormone can destroy a life
  • The biological basis of hormonal disorder
  • The oxytocin science phenomenon
  • Psychopathic disorders and hormones
  • Hormonal therapy’s top methods
  • Mental disorders: gender specification
  • The Bipolar disorder: reasons and treatment
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy
  • Endocrine-related diseases
  • Steroid Hormones’ path to cells
  • How do hormones influence women’s mental health?
  • Cardio exercise influences hormones

Read more: Psychology Research Topics with Research Guideline

Research Topics on Immune System

  • Immunity and stress
  • Human immune system and its resistance capabilities
  • Diseases caused by improper functioning of the immune system
  • Tolerance and autoimmunity
  • The influence of immunotherapy on the human body
  • How do immune system agents function?
  • Asthma and allergic reactions
  • Immunology and transplantation
  • Society’s perspective on vaccination
  • Graft rejection prevention

Antibiotic Resistance Research Topics

  • Cell structure and antibiotic resistance
  • The effect of antibiotics on the human body
  • The reason for antibiotic resistance
  • The illness is caused by antibiotic resistance
  • Effective ways to improve antibiotics effects
  • The role of volatile antibiotics
  • Ways to prevent antibiotic resistance
  • The pathogenesis of antibiotic resistance agent
  • Antibiotic resistance and medicine
  • The development of antibiotic resistance

Popular Biology Research Paper Topics

  • Can Ebola be used as a biological weapon?
  • Can enhanced antibodies help curb COVID-19 cases?
  • Cell tissue engineering
  • How does miscarriage affect women’s health?
  • The role of clean water in preventing disease
  • Is it possible to increase brainpower?
  • The connection between environmental pollution and cancer rate
  • Threats related to Salmonella
  • Impact of BMI on Injuries
  • Effective ways to slow down the aging process
  • Implications of coral reef biology
  • How does the study of cell biology aid in fighting Alzheimer’s?
  • Sea challenges to marine life
  • Do sports help improve human biological makeup?
  • Is it possible for the brain to heal itself?
  • How do sleep and wake cycles affect learning?
  • Does following a paleo diet help athletes perform?
  • Biological reasons behind food intolerances
  • Are humans naturally omnivores or frugivores?
  • Is immortality a realistic goal for humans?

Impressive Biology Research Ideas

  • Analyze the causes of allergic responses that cause asthma in some persons.
  • What changes in the amount of depression do human hormones make?
  • Bioweapons and the background of laboratory leaks: the coronavirus
  • Consider the evidence that a pandemic might kill half the world’s population.
  • Compare and contrast cellular structure and function.
  • Describe the many forms of tissue engineering.
  • the methods used in tissue engineering, as well as the regenerative drugs that are used in tissue engineering
  • The genuine proof of immortality is found in the existence of beings who never perish from natural causes.
  • The causes of marine animals’ cellular metabolism
  • Analyze the most effective pandemic-fighting tactics.
  • Explore the molecular mechanisms and targets of ICD (Immunogenic Cell Death)
  • Discuss some new methods effective to use for ICD detection
  • What does it mean to turn a cold tumor hot and how to a cold tumor into hot tumor?
  • Discuss the mechanisms that regulate T-cell infiltration and activity in stiff/hard tumors
  • RNA-DNA Helicases and Nucleases: Defenders of the Genome
  • Identification and evaluation of novel prevention mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in upper digestive tract tumor metastasis
  • Examine the role of mechanisms (e.g., copper-induced death, ferroptosis, and mitophagy) that play in the progression of upper digestive tract tumor metastasis
  • Describe the clinical utility of Long Read Sequencing (LRS)
  • Discuss the different treatment options, including surgeries, radiochemotherapy, and immunotherapy for upper digestive tract tumor metastasis
  • Identify and characterize the complex chromothripsis events

Captivating Biology Research Topics

  • Describe the biological mechanisms that are responsible for the Camouflage.
  • Explain the Significance of Chemical Ecology in Oceania.
  • Anatomical Dissection of the Visual Cortex.
  • Explain the dependence Between Neuronal Circuits on the Genes and Proteins.
  • Describe the egg development in Drosophila.
  • Explain the reasons for Narcolepsy and Insomnia.
  • Repercussions of Deforestation.
  • Analyze the effects of Acidification on Aquatic Ecosystems.
  • Explain the significance of camels to the economic growth of Africa and the Middle East.
  • What are the causes of Dwarfism?

From the list of ideas suggested in this blog, choose any topic of your choice and compose an excellent biology research paper. If you need help with biology research paper topic selection, writing, and editing, then get in touch with us immediately.

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240 Interesting Biology Topics for Essays & Research Papers

Biology is often called the science of life. From bacteria to whales, biologists study all kinds of organisms. Have you ever wondered why bees dance? Or how can chickens be the closest modern relatives to dinosaurs? The buzzing world is full of complex wonders like these. That’s why it’s so easy to find a biology research topic of your liking.

If you need to craft a biology essay, this article is for you. Here you can learn about research areas and fields in biology. Besides, you will find 220 interesting biology topics to write about. Read on to refresh your knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, and more.

Tight deadlines are demanding for all students. Luckily, our custom writing service is there for you! With our help, your biology project will be done in no time.

🔝 Top 10 Biology Research Topics

📚 areas of research in biology, ⭐ top 10 interesting biology topics for essays, 🍎 biological topics for high school.

  • 🦠 Microbiology Topics
  • 💀 Anatomy & Human Biology
  • 🔬 Cell & Molecular Biology
  • ♻️ Environmental Biology
  • 🐬 Marine Biology
  • 🌻 Plant Biology
  • 🧬 Evolutionary Biology
  • 👶🧑 Developmental Biology
  • 😷 Epidemiology & Population Topics in Biology
  • 📜 History of Biology

🔍 References

  • Are viruses alive?
  • How do emotions work?
  • What is the role of hormones?
  • Ways to recover endangered species
  • Are allergies a sign of immune disorder?
  • What is the function of chromosomes?
  • Robert Hooke’s contribution to biology
  • The difference between Darwinism and evolution
  • The process of bacterial invasion of the body
  • Ways to strengthen the human immune system

Biologists operate on a vast scale. Naturally, there are plenty of research areas. Let’s sort them out:

  • Microbiology. Microbiologists examine minute organisms. Many of them, such as viruses, can cause infectious diseases. Because of this, microbiology is strongly linked with immunology.
  • Anatomy. Anatomical research focuses on the structure of tissues and organs.
  • Cell and molecular biology. Cells are the basis for every living being. The key topic in this area is the molecular organization of cells.
  • Environmental biology. Our environment needs support, and environmental biologists provide it. They study ecosystems to find out how humans affect nature. Scientists in this area also observe how organisms react to their surroundings.
  • Marine biology. This branch is concerned with life in the deep seas. Oceanography is a crucial part of marine biology.

Paul Watson quote.

  • Botany. This study is also called plant biology. It studies the properties of organisms that need sun and water to survive. Common categories of plants include trees, shrubs, and flowers.
  • Evolutionary biology. All that lives is always evolving. Organisms create, merge, and delete genes. Evolutionary biologists monitor these changes.
  • Developmental biology. Research in this area includes studying tissue regeneration and cell growth.
  • Epidemiology. Epidemiologists investigate diseases and health conditions. Key questions include: Where does a disease originate from? How does it transmit? What risks are there?

With this overview in mind, you’re ready to choose an interesting biological topic.

  • 4 types of biotechnology
  • Main branches of biochemistry
  • Pros and cons of gene therapy
  • Exobiology vs. astrobiology
  • Biological functions of the DNA
  • Levels of biological organization
  • Properties of the phylogenetic tree
  • Classification of invertebrate animals
  • History of modern light microscopes
  • The early modern period of plant systematics

From peas to platypuses: high school biology covers a wide range of topics. In your biology essay, you’ll have the chance to familiarize yourself with any of them. Your options are almost endless! Consult our list of 20 popular ideas to get your research started:

  • Compare the types of cell reproduction.
  • How did Gregor Mendel discover heredity?
  • Cell structure: prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes.
  • Enzymes: what do we need them for?
  • Explain how photosynthesis converts CO2 into O2.
  • How does the human metabolism work?
  • What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?
  • How do you predict the probability of inheriting a gene?
  • Describe the structure of DNA.
  • What is PCR used for?
  • Biotechnology: the mechanisms behind cloning.
  • Survival of the fittest: what does natural selection mean?
  • Discuss the latest evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution.
  • The tree of life: how does this concept depict the relationships between species?
  • What kind of strategies do organisms use to get nutrition?
  • Dinosaurs and their modern relatives: what do we know about them?
  • How does our nervous system transport information?
  • Explain the mechanisms behind the carbon cycle.
  • Examine the human impact on biodiversity.
  • What factors regulate population dynamics?

🦠 Microbiology Research Topics for Students

The world of microbiology consists of tiny organisms. Researchers study microbes and other simple life forms such as bacteria and fungi. This way, they aim to solve environmental as well as medical issues.

  • How do microbes develop resistance?
  • Give an overview of our immune system’s defense mechanisms.
  • Contrast the types of microbiomes.
  • What are the industrial applications for microbiology?
  • How do you degrade soil pollutants using microbes?
  • Investigate examples of agents that kill bacteria.
  • What makes yeast versatile?
  • The differences between virions and viroids.
  • What are acellular agents?
  • Give an overview of the biochemical properties of fungi.
  • What are possible causes for asthma?
  • The relationship between stress and our immune system’s performance.
  • How do vaccines work?
  • Examine the structure of archaeal genes.
  • Why is microbial diversity important?

Natural selection.

  • How do microbes contribute to an ecosystem?
  • The role of microbes in food contamination.
  • How do bacteria turn milk into yogurt?
  • Applications of microbial biotechnology.
  • Describe the four groups of protozoa.

💀 Anatomy & Human Biology Topics

Human biology studies people as single organisms and in the context of populations. Two of its essential parts are anatomy and anthropology. The latter studies the evolution of humankind. The former is more concerned with body structure. Combine all three subjects to gain a 360° view of humanity!

  • Describe the functions of the respiratory system. 
  • What happens to your body if you’re anemic?
  • Outline the history of the human population.
  • How does medical anthropology help us understand health?
  • Reading bones: what types of information can osteologists gather?
  • Biomechanics: what makes humans move?
  • Compare the proposed effects of various current trends in nutrition.
  • Explore the psychological factors that influence one’s health.
  • How does your brain control your behavior?
  • Synapses: structure and mechanisms.
  • Explain how kidneys filter blood.
  • What regulates muscle contraction?
  • Discuss the new reproductive technologies from an anthropological perspective.
  • Describe the structure of a skeletal muscle fiber.
  • The cerebral cortex: what does it do?
  • Brain, hormones, and emotions.
  • Functions of the sodium-potassium pump.
  • Examine what blood consists of.
  • What happens when your heart skips a beat?
  • Is the growth in the human population out of control?

🔬 Cell & Molecular Biology Research Topics

Your body’s fundamental structure is made up of cells. Their properties are in the center of interest for cell biologists. They investigate a cell’s life cycle and its vital functions. On a molecular level, this includes the role of chemical processes in cell activity.

  • How does cancer affect the body’s cell growth?
  • The protein paradox: what is the right amount of protein?
  • How do cells heal bones?
  • The ethics of stem cell research.
  • Investigate the communication methods between cells.
  • Explore the link between the environment and our DNA.
  • Current trends in molecular biochemistry.
  • Telomerase: will it ever be possible to reverse aging processes?
  • What do we know about axon guidance?
  • Where does our brain keep the memories?
  • Why do cells become sticky?
  • High-resolution microscopy: ways to advance molecular research.
  • How do cilia move cells?

Living organisms.

  • Treating glaucoma: is surgery always necessary?
  • The role of microtubules in the nervous system.
  • Diffusion: means of transport within cells.
  • What does the central dogma of molecular biology state?
  • Trace the steps of DNA translation.
  • Why do cells need to eat their dead counterparts?
  • How does protein biosynthesis work?

♻️ Environmental Biology Topics to Research

Environmental biologists ensure our harmonic coexistence with nature. They are also in charge of monitoring wastewater disposal and pollution levels. This branch is closely related to ecology.

  • Discuss the importance of light in different bodies of water.
  • Aftermath of building the Hetch Hetchy valley dam.
  • The devastating impact of deforestation in the Amazon.
  • Analyze the consequences of desertification.
  • How do genetically modified insects influence the environment?
  • What would happen if all the bees die?
  • Compare several methods of wastewater disposal.
  • What were the ecological effects of Indonesia’s Mega Rice Project?
  • The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: will we ever get rid of it?
  • How do worms indicate the state of an ecosystem?
  • Why is it important to conserve biodiversity?
  • DDT: how did it affect wildlife in the US?
  • What causes toxic algae bloom?
  • Compare the adverse health effects of common contaminants in the air.
  • The Aral Sea: how did it disappear?
  • How do genetically engineered crops impact the environment?
  • Indoor air pollution: causes and risks.
  • The pros and cons of using natural gas.
  • Trace the ecological footprint of cotton production.
  • What are the ways to ensure food security without harming the environment?

🐬 Marine Biology Topics for a Paper

Fun fact: the vast majority of our oceans are still unobserved. Research in marine biology encompasses all organisms living close to or under water. Do you want to participate in uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea? This section is for you!

  • How does luminescence in marine vertebrae work?
  • Dolphins: how do they communicate?
  • The impact of military sonar on whales.
  • What makes the Galapagos Islands so unique?
  • Compare different camouflage techniques of marine animals.
  • How do aquatic organisms live together in coral reefs?
  • Causes of high mercury concentrations in fish.
  • Investigate the impact of overfishing in China.
  • Explain how rising sea temperatures affect marine life.
  • Contrast the survival strategies of various penguin species.
  • The ethics of seafood farms.
  • Examine bacteria’s contribution to biological processes in the sea.
  • What are the types of invasive species?
  • The contribution of birds to a stable marine ecosystem.
  • Identify the biggest threats to marine biodiversity.
  • Inspect the predatory behavior of starfish.
  • How do corals form?
  • The importance of phyto- and zooplankton to ponds.
  • Whales: how did they evolve?
  • What are the four types of oceanography?

🌻 Plant Biology Research Topics

Plant biology, you guessed it, investigates plants. These green organisms are incredibly versatile. From redwood trees to algae, plants come in all sizes and shapes. Scientists use botanical knowledge to improve our food and medicine supplies. They also help to conserve forests, parks, and wilderness areas.

  • What causes diseases in plants?
  • What are the benefits of studying algae?
  • Recently, scientists engineered a plant to glow by itself. How does it work?
  • What makes some plants toxic?

Rainforest plants.

  • Compare various defense mechanisms of flowers.
  • Deciduous trees: what are the advantages of leaf loss?
  • How do Butterworts acquire nutrition?
  • Carnivorous plants: methods of luring prey.
  • Types of negative feedback in plants.
  • Give examples of thigmotropism. How does it work?
  • What problems are associated with the definition of kingdoms?
  • Investigate the anatomical structure of plant roots.
  • Phytohormones: how do they influence plant growth?
  • Plants and music: does sound have any measurable effects on plant development?
  • How do plants produce starch?
  • Why do weeds grow excessively?
  • Investigate plant disease management and intervention.
  • Industrial applications of synthesized plant mechanisms.
  • Cacti: how do they survive in the desert?
  • Examine the biological properties of medicinal herbs.

🧬 Hot Topics in Evolutionary Biology to Write About

Evolutionary biologists observe change in all living organisms. If you want to know why life on Earth is so versatile, evolutionary biology has the answer. Research areas cover ecology and genetics, as well as paleontology.

  • How does stabilizing selection ensure the same phenotype for a species during evolution?
  • Discuss Tinbergen’s four questions.
  • What are the benefits of sexual reproduction?
  • Cancer: why does it persist?
  • Society and evolution: are they connected?
  • Southeast Asia and the limited occurrence of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene.
  • Is there a scientific reason to divide humans into races?
  • Track the evolution of aging throughout human history.
  • How does speciation work?
  • Genetic drift and its effects on variation.
  • Describe problems concerning the Modern Synthesis.
  • Selective sweeps: how likely are they to cause disease?
  • What does the Red Queen hypothesis state?
  • How do you determine age in herbaceous plants?
  • Life history theory: how does a species’ life history influence its evolution?
  • What are the ways for a species to achieve its maximum fitness?
  • How did the bees learn to communicate information by dancing?
  • Investigate the evolution of stamina in animal locomotion.
  • How does an animal’s physiology adapt to its geographic range?
  • Compare the evolutionary process of endotherms and ectotherms.

👶🧑 Developmental Biology Research Topics

When animals and plants grow, their features change. It’s no surprise: every living being starts as a single cell. It’s a long way from there to a fully formed organism! Developmental biologists track this process at different levels.

  • Why are men more likely to be colorblind than women?
  • What is phylogenetic niche conservatism?
  • Identify origins of congenital disorders.
  • What causes birds to become territorial?
  • Explain the two types of developmental mechanisms.
  • Why does getting older make humans more susceptible to cancer?
  • Homeotic genes: how do they influence the development of body structures?
  • Describe the advantages of apoptosis.
  • What causes polycephaly?
  • How do stem cells differentiate?
  • Investigate regeneration in hydra.
  • Mechanisms of metamorphosis in frogs.
  • What happened during the Cambrian explosion?
  • How do plants produce new structures?
  • Examine the process of neurulation in fish.
  • What are the types of deformations found in plants?
  • Describe the ABC model of flower development.
  • Why are zebrafish good model systems for developmental studies?
  • Search for the origins of the vertebrate body plan.
  • What does the concept of morphogen gradient say about the fate of cells?

😷 Epidemiology & Population Topics in Biology

Investigating health-related events is a part of epidemiologic research. The goal is to find out what causes diseases in a specific population. Epidemiology analyzes other health issues such as natural disasters and injuries. Population biology focuses on the interaction between populations and their environment.

  • How does evolutionary game theory describe the development of a population?
  • When is a strategy evolutionarily stable?
  • How does phenotypic variety in plants help manage disease?
  • What diseases are caused by heavy metal pollution?

Cell in the human body.

  • How did the Coronavirus pandemic contribute to a rise in cases of domestic violence?
  • Reasons for an increased rate of congenital disabilities in a specific area.
  • Asian carp: a harmful disruption of the marine population in American rivers.
  • Compare the three kinds of population distribution.
  • Examine the consequences of the 1783 Laki eruption.
  • Examine various policies to moderate population growth.
  • How do predator-prey dynamics work?
  • Avoidance mechanisms of resource competition.
  • Describe the three types of symbiotic relationships.
  • How does a species regulate its abundance?
  • What happens if the equilibrium state of a community is disturbed?
  • Factors that encourage human population growth.
  • Contrast the survivorship curves of humans, birds, and trees.
  • Obesity: causes and solutions.
  • Depression: how does it affect society?
  • The role of causal inference in epidemiological studies.

📜 History of Biology Topics to Write About

Even before the emergence of scientific studies, humans had basic biological understanding. They were able to spot edible plants and domesticate animals. Assyrians and Babylonians were the first to implement biological knowledge. If you’re looking for a theoretical research project, this is the right research area for you.

  • Explore the medical knowledge available in ancient China.
  • The history of agriculture in India.
  • How did the Greek philosophers theorize about the origin of life?
  • Investigate the theory of the four humors.
  • Aristotle’s classification of animals.
  • Give an overview of discoveries in Galen’s medical writings.
  • What caused the stagnation in scientific progress during the Middle Ages?
  • Al-Jahiz’ discovery of the relationships between organisms.
  • Albertus Magnus: what was his contribution to botany?
  • How did Italy become the center for biological studies?
  • What factors impacted the development of biology during the Renaissance?
  • Trace the origins of modern anatomy.
  • What led to the establishment of the cell theory?
  • Jump starting biological progress: the invention of the microscope.
  • Louis Pasteur and the dismissal of spontaneous generation.
  • How did the discovery of heredity influence modern biology?
  • What led to the discovery of blood circulation?
  • How did the Royal Society of London impact scientific development in Europe?
  • What technology helped advance biological research in the 20th century?
  • The rise of bioinformatics: boosting progress in genetic data analysis.

We hope our article gave you some useful ideas for your biology paper. Good luck with your assignment!

You might also be interested in:

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  • What is Biology?: NTNU
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  • What Is Marine Biology?: MarineBio Conservation Society
  • Developmental Biology: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
  • Introduction to Epidemiology: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
  • The History of Biology: Encyclopedia Britannica
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A List of 185 Interesting Cultural Topics to Write About

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260 Interesting Math Topics for Essays & Research Papers

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Rhetorical analysis essay focuses on assessing the method used for delivering a message. This assignment isn’t about giving an opinion on the topic. The purpose is to analyze how the author presents the argument and whether or not they succeeded. Keep reading to find out more strategies and prompts for...

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The Australian National University

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Biology Research Project

An undergraduate course offered by the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre .

  • Code BIOL3208
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Offered by Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Biology
  • Work Integrated Learning Fieldwork
  • Academic career UGRD
  • Prof Spencer Whitney
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Offered in Summer Session 2025 First Semester 2025 Autumn Session 2025 Winter Session 2025 Second Semester 2025 Spring Session 2025 See Future Offerings
  • STEM Course

biology research assignment

  • Introduction

Learning Outcomes

Work integrated learning, indicative assessment, inherent requirements, requisite and incompatibility, prescribed texts, other information, specialisations.

  • Offerings and Dates

This course is specially tailored for students attracted to, or wondering about research. Students are immersed in a real research environment and in the practice of research. They are integrated in a research team and get direct experience in core components of research activities, from posing a question, defining hypotheses to address it, and the appropriate approaches to examine these hypotheses; data analysis and rigorous presentation, interpretation of results, and most importantly their critical assessment and discussion in the context of the current body of knowledge. Students are experiencing first-hand the joys and tribulations of probing the unknown, the drive, curiosity, discipline, and perseverance this requires.

This course is designed to be flexible and allows for a broad range of research areas and environments to be experienced by students. Interested students are encouraged to contact the convener and prospective supervisors in Biology. Many research areas are available, please see: Themes | ANU Research School of Biology

It is also possible to be hosted at the Genetic Counselling Unit of The Canberra Hospital for a Genetic Counselling Internship. This option is aimed at those with a special interest in the field of human genetics, specifically in the area of genetic counselling. Students who wish to be considered for this internship should have completed  BIOL3204  Human Genetics, or other relevant human genetics courses and the eligibility criterion of at least a 70% average across science courses during previous semesters. Please contact [email protected] for more information about Genetic Counselling Internship option.

NOTE: This course is an Honours Pathway Course that involves research oriented material of a greater conceptual difficulty than a typical 3000 level science course.

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic supervised by an academic
  • Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, apply them appropriately, and draw appropriate conclusions
  • Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
  • Understand and apply relevant research techniques and methods
  • Record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate
  • Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally

Enrolment in this course is dependent upon the availability of a suitable supervisor and must be approved by the course convener.

An average of 70% or above in relevant BIOL courses will be required to enrol in this course. Please fill in the application form and submit the completed form electronically via the permission to enrol portal

  • Written report, in a scientific paper format (70) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
  • Seminar (15) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
  • Notebook/Lab book (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
  • Blog entry (5) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:

  • The project is expected to involve 65 hours of laboratory or fieldwork throughout the semester.
  • Approximately 85 hours of individual work which will include preparation individual work, including preparation of a report (up to 9000 words), presentations and other assessment tasks.

Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.

To be determined

You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

  • Plant Science

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees . 

If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place  or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at  Fees .

Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage .

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Department of Molecular Biology

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Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology

Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology subfield banner

Biochemistry and Biophysics are the foundation of all cellular processes and systems. Biochemical processes account for the functions of cellular building blocks, from nucleic acids and proteins to lipids and metabolites, and the formation of complex networks that make a cell or system work. Biophysics explains the complexity of life with the simplicity of physical laws and math.

The mission of our collaborative unit ‘Biochemistry & Biophysics’ is to train the next generation of scientists and to uncover how life works at the molecular level. Our scientists study macromolecular complexes and their specificity, protein design and evolution, and molecular networks. We illuminate how the cytoskeleton determines cell shape, how cells transduce signals, how membranes fuse, how chromatin organizes the genome, how metabolism is coordinated, how viruses hijack cells, how the immune response works, and how cells form patterns and communicate with each other.

We are experts in bioengineering, structural biology, computation and modeling, optics and microscopy, and microfluidics. Some examples of the approaches being used, and in some cases developed, at Princeton include X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, super-resolution optical microscopy, single-molecule methods, and computational modeling. These tools are being applied to biological problems ranging from protein folding and design, to signal transduction, to intracellular trafficking.

A long-standing tradition and strength of our University is that biologists, chemists and physicists work closely together in an interdisciplinary setting. It is also common to see computational biologists working together with wet-lab biologists to address problems that neither could tackle alone with spectacular results. This is facilitated by the intimate connection between the Department of Molecular Biology with the Departments of Chemistry , Physics and Chemical and Biological Engineering , as well at the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics

Bonnie Bassler

Associated Faculty

José Avalos, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment

Bethel University

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Bethel University

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Research and Learning Opportunities

Undergrad Majors & Programs Department of Biological Sciences

  • + Majors & Minors
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
  • Biology Major (B.A.)
  • Biology Major: General Biology (B.S.)
  • Biology Major: Cellular/Molecular Emphasis
  • Biology Major: Human Biology/Biomedical Emphasis
  • Environmental Science Major
  • Neuroscience Major
  • Biology Minor
  • Pre-Medicine Program
  • - Research and Learning Opportunities
  • C. Weldon Jones Memorial Research Scholarship and Assistant Program

Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In any major or minor biological sciences department, you’ll have numerous opportunities to apply what you’re learning and gain experience through research, lab work, internships, and more. It’s all part of how we equip you with skills that transfer to any career. 

And you’ll be able to get involved right away. Bethel’s size and vibrant community present opportunities for you to get involved from your first day on campus. 

Conduct research

Research is an integral part of all biological science majors. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct research independently and alongside your professors, and you can seek a  full-time paid summer research opportunity  at Bethel along with other research and internship positions across the country. Many students also present their findings at regional and national conferences, and some research is published in leading journals.

Funded research opportunities

Students interested in research have the opportunity to apply for summer research funding through the biology department.

  • C. Weldon Jones Research Scholarships   are awarded annually to students following a competitive proposal process.
  • Conduct summer research. Edgren Scholars Program offers student and faculty collaborators a chance to apply for institutional funding. Learn more about Bethel’s support for research on the  Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship website .
  • Experience other institutions.   You can also take advantage of REU programs across the country, experience large-university research environments, or secure internships through our professional networks.

For more information on research opportunities, contact one of the following:

Gain extensive lab experience

Explore science in Bethel’s amazing science facilities with state-of-the-art instrumentation and modern labs. These include human cadaver and biotechnology labs, neurosciences labs, a cellular/molecular biology lab, a greenhouse, environmental science labs, 247 acres of outdoor laboratories, and much more. In all our labs, you’ll grow accustomed to modern instruments and equipment.

Join several clubs and organizations

Engage with your classmates and build connections through the Pre-Med Club, Creation Restoration Club, and Tri-Beta National Biology Honor Society. Some clubs also sponsor networking events that bring alumni and potential employers to campus.

Study around the globe

You’ll have many options for studying abroad over a full semester, January session, spring break, and the summer . If you’re studying environmental studies, you can learn in diverse locations like Ecuador, New Zealand, Michigan, and Washington through the Au Sable Institute, with programs built into the major to maximize college credits. And all students have the opportunity to travel around the world, including programs that where you can integrate your faith with your education. Bethel is a partner college of the Au Sable Institute, which offers faith-based environmental field courses in the summer.

Internships and experience

Internships are a vital part of your Bethel experience, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in practical, off-campus settings. Whether you’re pursuing a career in health sciences or exploring other biology-related fields, these internships help you evaluate your career goals and engage in real-world problem-solving. You’ll find opportunities in diverse fields—from bench research and field biology to clinical experiences, and from conservation to software engineering. 

biology research assignment

Get involved across campus

At Bethel, your opportunities aren’t limited to your major or department. You’ll be able to explore a wide range of interests, from worship to music to intramural sports and beyond.

Explore your options

Accreditation

University accreditation.

Bethel University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1959. This regional accreditation, recognized by the United States Department of Education, demonstrates that the university meets quality educational standards.

Thesis: Vasectomy: Goals, Practices, and Effects

Editor's note:

Cole Nichols defended his Barrett Honors College thesis entitled, "Vasectomy: Goals, Practices, and Effects" in Spring 2023 in front of committee members Jane Maienschein and Dina Ziganshina.  https://keep.lib.asu.edu/items/184626

Vasectomy is one of few widely available methods of contraception for people with male reproductive systems aside from condoms, abstinence, and the withdrawal method, and it is the only one of those options that can be permanent (Amory 2016). The procedure’s prominence has led me to investigate the history of vasectomy and particularly the evolution in vasectomy technique over time. Since its introduction in the late nineteenth century, the procedure has had a variety of impacts on many people across the world. In this research project, I have sought to analyze what the technical evolution of vasectomy reveals about the changing priorities of the medical systems that use it. In particular, I point to ways the eugenics movement’s attempts to control individual reproduction have led to both vasectomy’s efficacy and its restrictiveness.

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biology research assignment

Undergraduates Present Original Research at North American Congress for Conservation Biology

Biology students research presentation

In June 2024, Assistant Professor of Genetics Dr. Ashley Beck traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, with three of her undergraduate research students to visit the University of British Columbia (UBC) and present the findings from their research project conducted at Carroll College.

Dr. Ashley Beck and Students

Dr. Beck was awarded National Science Foundation funding through the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) initiative, which provided the funds to travel and present at the North American Congress for Conservation Biology. Her three undergraduate research students – Elliot Wald, June LePage, and Hunter Wetherelt – presented their work entitled, “Impacts of Urbanization on Peromyscus Sonoriensis Microbiome and Health”. Their talk was well received and was one of the only talks presented by undergraduate researchers at the conference.

Their presentation focused on the first results from Dr. Beck’s RUI grant-funded project, a collaborative effort with the University of Portland and Gonzaga University to characterize the wildlife health impacts of human-altered habitats using the western deer mouse (Peromyscus sonoriensis) as a model organism. Students were involved throughout the entire research process, participating in field research in Spokane, WA for two weeks collecting soil and fecal samples from urban/rural parks, followed by several weeks in Carroll College’s laboratories analyzing the microbiome of the samples with Nanopore sequencing to understand how microbial community composition plays a role in ecosystem health. In the long term, this microbiome data will be combined with other health, immune, and stress data collected by the University of Portland and Gonzaga University to build a mechanistic model to predict how the different aspects of wildlife health and environment interact with and affect one another.

Working in Dr. Beck's lab has been one of the most impactful experiences I have had at Carroll. Her guidance and expertise are invaluable and it was an honor to represent her research at the NACCB conference at UBC. Connecting with other passionate people and sitting in on conversations about the field surrounding conservation has left me with so much to think about and apply to future work. ~ June LePage, senior Biology major

While at UBC, they had the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions and talks regarding conservation biology, highlighting the many intersecting disciplines that are involved in conservation biology research and application. This year’s conference theme was “Celebrating Diversity in Conservation from Summit to Sea” and focused not only on the interdisciplinary nature of conservation biology but also emphasized the indigenous perspective on conservation research and provided opportunities to learn about the native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. They also had the opportunity to tour the Beaty Biodiversity Museum on campus.

My journey to Vancouver, Canada, was nothing short of incredible. We delved deeply into conservation efforts, uncovering numerous innovative strategies to mitigate human and climate impacts. Additionally, we had the privilege of presenting our research to a large audience, experiencing the entire scientific process from sample collection to DNA extraction and analysis, culminating in our final presentation. Working with Dr. Beck was an invaluable part of this experience; her mentorship significantly contributed to my growth as both a person and a scholar. I am immensely grateful for her guidance and support throughout this journey. ~ Hunter Wetherelt, Biology graduate, matriculating into Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Great Falls

Carroll's small size, individualized faculty mentorship, and unique focus on high-caliber undergraduate research, including recognition by federal grant awards, provide extraordinary opportunities for our undergraduate students that are uncommon at other colleges and universities. Dr. Beck will also present the research findings in August at the International Symposium for Microbial Ecology in South Africa.  

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STEM CURE Project Student Research Intern

STEM CURE Project Student Research Intern

A South Mountain Community College STEM-CURE Project funded by NSF is looking for student research interns. 

If you need undergraduate research experience and are thinking of applying to grad school, this is a great opportunity!

Positions are compensated as part of a WAESO grant, and there is potential authorship in poster presentations and research publications.

Study of microbial profile in soil, water and leafy greens in community farms around the Phoenix metro area.

Available Positions:

• Student Research Intern

Project duration:

To apply, contact Dr. Sudipta Biswas, RFP-Biology, MSE Dept.

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COMMENTS

  1. 200+ Interesting Biology Research Topics For Students In 2023

    Explore the concepts of biology and 200+ unique biology research topics for students in 2023. Choose your biology research topic wisely.

  2. 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics

    The 49 most interest biology research topics are explored. We also offer links to variety of resources for research topics in biology.

  3. Biology Research Projects for High School Students: 20 Ideas To Try

    Get inspired by our mentor's most exciting biology research project ideas. Whether you're just starting out or looking to do advanced research for a state science fair, we have ideas for you!

  4. 150 Actual Biology Research Paper Topics

    Looking for an interesting topic for your biology research paper? Read this article to find the most efficient and engaging biology topics for research that you can use in your biology paper!

  5. 100 Biology Research Topics for Students & Researchers

    Biology Research Topics Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

  6. 200+ Biology Research Topics for Students

    Check out these 200+ biology research topics that will help you master your study and create a well-grounded work. Find inspiration for your research paper. These topics will help you to build an argument and increase your grades.

  7. 212 Essential Biology Research Topics That Will Impress You

    212 Unique Biology Research Topics For Students And Researchers Every student studying something related to biology — botany, marine, animal, medicine, molecular or physical biology, is in an interesting field. It's a subject that explores how animate and inanimate objects relate to themselves. The field unveils the past, the present, and what lies in the future of the relationship between ...

  8. Examples of Undergraduate Research Projects

    Examples of Undergraduate Research Projects Examples of Undergraduate Research Projects.

  9. Integrative Biology Research Assignment

    Context The following sections offer: (1) An example of a research assignment for an Integrative Biology class; it is written as a set of instructions for students. (2) Tips and suggestions for GSIs for guiding students through this research assignment.

  10. The 10 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics

    Whether you're looking for a research topic for a college paper or an area to specialize in if you're majoring in biology, here are some of the most interesting things going on in the biology world right now.

  11. 100 Best Biology Topics

    Struggling to find the best biology topics for research papers and essays? If yes, here's a list of cool biology research topics to consider.

  12. PDF Sample Student Biology Proposal

    My preparation for this project comes both from the classes I have taken and my experience working in the lab. Some influential classes include Biochemistry 309, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 210-2, Genetics/Evolution 210-1, Cell Biology/Physiology 210-3, Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (taken in England), Cell Regulation and Cancer (England), as well as the General Chemistry 101-103 ...

  13. Biology Research Paper : Biology Research Paper Assignment

    Biology Research Paper : Biology Research Paper Assignment Write a 6-10 page informative/explanatory research paper on an approved biological science topic, argument, or question.

  14. Undergraduate Research

    Working in a Lab in Biology Students doing research in Biology Department labs can study anything from cell biology, genetics, and plants to ecology, conservation, and marine biology.

  15. 30 Research Ideas in Biology for High School Students

    High school students often discover that engaging with research ideas in biology significantly enhances their learning experience.

  16. PDF Biology 2019 v1.2 IA3 high-level annotated sample response

    Biology 2019 v1.2. IA3 high-level annotated sample response. Page 9 of 10. Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority. July 2018. Conclusion and evaluation [3-4] reasonable description of the quality of evidence. The response gives a sound account of the standard of evidence.

  17. QCAA Biology IA3

    Wondering how to ace your research investigation for QCAA Biology IA3? Here are 4 steps you can follow to get an awesome grade on this IA!

  18. Research Process

    Journal Articles: for current research or information on a very specific topic, journal articles may be the most useful, as they are published on a regular basis. It is normally expected that you will use some journal articles in your assignment.

  19. 100 Biology Research Topics Ideas For Students

    Read our biology research paper topics for 2019 right now! Get any research topic in biology, zoology, botany, and anatomy right here and write your paper.

  20. 230 Best Biology Research Topics and Ideas for Students

    If you want a good topic for your biology research paper, then explore this blog. Here, you will get 200+ best biology research topics.

  21. research assignments

    Research assignments: Teaching the production of knowledge. Ryan Enos, Associate Professor of Government, assigns an original research project—students define a question, design a study, collect data, and present their results—in his undergraduate and graduate political science courses. "It's an opportunity to gain first hand experience ...

  22. 240 Interesting Biology Topics for Essays & Research Papers

    Need help choosing a biology research topic? 🔬 This article has you covered 👍 Choose among 220 compelling biology topics ️ for high school or college.

  23. Biology Research Project

    Biology Research Project - ANU. This course is specially tailored for students attracted to, or wondering about research. Students are immersed in a real research environment and in the practice of research. They are integrated in a research team and get direct experience in core components of research activities, from posing a question ...

  24. PDF Instructions and Guidelines for Research in Biological Sciences (119:

    credits for which you would like to register. If you are unsure whether your research project is appropriate, meets departmental guidelines, or if this is your first time applying, please feel free to contact Dr. Carr-Schmid ([email protected]). • Initiate Research in Biology Contract Powerform. You will need your Faculty Research ...

  25. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology

    Biochemistry and Biophysics are the foundation of all cellular processes and systems. Biochemical processes account for the functions of cellular building blocks, from nucleic acids and proteins to lipids and metabolites, and the formation of complex networks that make a cell or system work.

  26. Research and Learning Opportunities

    Funded research opportunities. Students interested in research have the opportunity to apply for summer research funding through the biology department. C. Weldon Jones Research Scholarships are awarded annually to students following a competitive proposal process. Conduct summer research.

  27. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity/Diabetes

    Yang Lab, Anatomy and Cell Biology Project Details. Our research aims to identify the molecular components of integration between organelle stress responses that are in play in obesity and diabetes at the cellular organismic levels. Position Details. Performing basic research in cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, pathology and ...

  28. Thesis: Vasectomy: Goals, Practices, and Effects

    In this research project, I have sought to analyze what the technical evolution of vasectomy reveals about the changing priorities of the medical systems that use it. In particular, I point to ways the eugenics movement's attempts to control individual reproduction have led to both vasectomy's efficacy and its restrictiveness.

  29. Undergraduates Present Original Research at North American Congress for

    In June 2024, Assistant Professor of Genetics Dr. Ashley Beck traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, with three of her undergraduate research students to visit the University of British Columbia (UBC) and present the findings from their research project conducted at Carroll College.

  30. STEM CURE Project Student Research Intern

    A South Mountain Community College STEM-CURE Project funded by NSF is looking for student research interns. If you need undergraduate research experience and are thinking of applying to grad school, this is a great opportunity! Positions are compensated as part of a WAESO grant, and there is potential authorship in poster presentations and research publications.