Department of Biology
Unleash your inner scientist.
Lab Research Opportunities
With a low student-to-teacher ratio and more individualized attention, you'll get hands-on experience early in your academic career. This not only builds your technical skills but also boosts confidence and prepares you for real-world research and professional environments.
Internships and Experiential Learning
You will have the ability to choose the kind of research you want to conduct during your time at UIndy, allowing you to direct your learning and bolster your experience.
Pathways and Opportunities
We have designed pathways to help you explore the areas you are passionate about. You'll begin with core courses that build your understanding of key biological principles. This groundwork prepares you to explore advanced, upper-level courses tailored to your specific interests within the field.
One-to-one Research with Faculty
Think it's impossible to do medical research as an undergraduate? Not at UIndy! With small class sizes, personal instruction, and accessible professors, UIndy is the perfect place to make your research interests known. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects, present at conferences, and even publish their work—all while building a strong foundation for graduate or professional school.
Field Research
Our Biology Department provides unique field research experiences that are closely guided by faculty mentors, allowing students to engage in real-world scientific exploration outside the classroom. In field biology courses, students can study ecosystems, collect data, and apply research methods in natural environments—all while receiving personalized instruction. These hands-on opportunities foster deeper learning, strong mentor relationships, and valuable experience that sets students apart in graduate school or future careers in biology and environmental science.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Along with the intensive learning in labs and courses at UIndy, you can expect to participate in field research that often involves traveling in the local community and/or internationally. Our faculty regularly offer travel courses during our Spring Term to places such as Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. Research from the undergraduate Biology Department has been presented at the Indiana Academy of Science, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and at other national meetings. UIndy students often participate in service activities like Birdathons and Bioblitzes to catalog biodiversity across the state.
Producing Medical Professionals
Many of UIndy’s biology graduates go on to receive further education in medical fields such as occupational therapy and physical therapy. If this is your anticipated journey, our highly-qualified professors will help guide you to be prepared for this transition. Small class sizes and individual attention produce a high graduation rate of empowered students like you.