Biology, the study of life, has many aspects to it and many specializations within this broad field. Below is an alphabetical list of many of the branches of biology.


Agriculture - study of producing crops from the land, with an emphasis on practical applications

Anatomy - the study of the animal form, with an emphasis on human bodies

Biochemistry - the study of the chemical reactions required for life to exist and function, usually a focus on the cellular level

Bioengineering - the study of biology through the means of engineering with an emphasis on applied knowledge and especially related to biotechnology.

Bioinformatics - also classified as a branch of information technology (IT) it is the study, collection, and storage of genomic data

Biomathematics or Mathematical Biology - the study of biological processes through mathematics, with an emphasis on modeling.

Biomechanics - often considered a branch of medicine, the study of the mechanics of living beings, with an emphasis on applied use through artificial limbs, etc.

Biophysics - the study of biological processes through physics, by applying the theories and methods traditionally used in the physical sciences

Biotechnology - a new and sometimes controversial branch of biology that studies the manipulation of living matter, including genetic modification
Botany - the study of plants

Cell Biology - the study of the cell as a complete unit, and the molecular and chemical interactions that occur within a living cell.

Conservation Biology - the study of the preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife

Cryobiology - the study of the effects of lower than normally preferred temperatures on living beings.

Developmental Biology - the study of the processes through which an organism develops, from zygote to full structure.

Ecology - the study of the ecosystem as a complete unit, with an emphasis on how species and groups of species interact with other living beings and non-living elements.

Entomology - the study of insects

Environmental Biology - the study of the natural world, as a whole or in a particular area, especially as affected by human activity

Epidemiology - a major component of public health research, it is the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations

Ethology - the study of animal behavior.

Evolution or Evolutionary Biology - the study of the origin and decent of species over time

Genetics - the study of genes and heredity.

Herpetology - the study of reptiles (and amphibians?)

Histology - The study of cells and tissue, a microscopic branch of anatomy.

Ichthyology - the study of fish

Macrobiology - the study of biology on the level of the macroscopic individual (plant, animal, or other living being) as a complete unit.

Mammology - the study of mammals

Marine Biology - the study of ocean ecosystems, plants, animals, and other living beings.

Medicine - the study of the human body in health and disease, with allopathic medicine focusing on alleviating or curing the body from states of disease

Microbiology - the study of microscopic organisms (microorganisms) and their interactions with other living things

Molecular Biology - the study of biology and biological functions at the molecular level, some cross over with biochemistry

Mycology - the study of fungi

Neurobiology - the study of the nervous system, including anatomy, physiology, even pathology

Oceanography - the study of the ocean, including ocean life, environment, geography, weather, and other aspects influencing the ocean. See Marine Biology

Ornithology - the study of birds

Paleontology - the study of fossils and sometimes geographic evidence of prehistoric life

Pathobiology or pathology - the study of diseases, and the causes, processes, nature, and development of disease

Parisitology - the study of parasites and parasitism

Pharmacology - the study and practical application of preparation, use, and effects of drugs and synthetic medicines.

Physiology - the study of the functioning of living organisms and the organs and parts of living organisms

Phytopathology - the study of plant diseases

Pre-medicine - a college major that covers the general aspects of biology as well as specific classes relevant to the study of medicine

Virology - the study of viruses and some other virus-like agents, usually considered part of microbiology or pathology