Learn About the Branches of Biology

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January 10, 2024

Branches of Biology from A to Z

A
Anatomy: Study of the structure of living things and their parts
Astrobiology: Study of the living universe

B
Biotechnology: Study of technology related to biology
Botany: Scientific study of plants
Biochemistry: Study of chemical processes within or related to living organisms
Biophysics: Study of physical processes and phenomena in living organisms
Bionics: Study of mechanical systems that work like living things or as part of a living
organism
Bioinformatics: Study of interpreting biological information through computer science

C
Cell Biology: Study of cell structure and functions
Chemical Biology: Study of the use of chemistry to solve biological problems
Computational Biology: Study of using biological information to develop algorithms to
comprehend biological systems
Conservation Biology: Study of environmental conservation and biodiversity on the
earth
Chronobiology: Study of effects of time on biological events as well as internal biological
rhythms and clocks

D
Developmental Biology: Study of the growth and development processes of plants and
animals

E
Evolutionary Biology: Study of evolutionary processes and diversification and
adaptation of life over time
Ecology: Study of how organisms and how interact with the environment around them
Environmental Biology: Study of evolution, habitats and adaptations of living organisms

G
Genetics: Study of genes, genetic variation and heredity in living beings
Geobiology: Study of how physical, chemical and biological processes influence each
other in natural habitats
Gerontology: Study of ageing, its physical, mental, social, psychological and cultural
effects, etc.

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H
Human Biology: Study of human species, their evolution, genetics, heredity, anatomy
and other aspects
Human Genetics: Study of the human genome and transmission of genes from one
generation to another

I
Immunology: Study of the immune system in all organisms

L
Lichenology: Study of Lichens

M
Marine Biology: Study of marine organisms and marine life
Mycology: Study of fungi
Microbiology: Study of microorganisms, i.e. minute life-forms
Molecular Biology: Study of chemical structures and biological processes of molecules

N
Neurobiology: Study of nervous systems and cell functions
Nutrition Science: Study of food, its nutrients and their effects on health and diseases

P
Pathology: Study of disease or injury
Physiology: Study of how the human body functions
Paleobiology: Study of applied life science biology on the earth science palaeontology
Phycology: Study of algae
Parasitology: Study of parasites, their hosts and their relationships
Plant Physiology: Study of plant function and behaviour, in terms of their inner
structures and functions
Photobiology: Study of beneficial or bad impact of light on living organisms

R
Radiobiology: Study of ionizing radiation and its interactions with human beings

S
Structural Biology: Study of the structure of biological molecules
Soil Biology: Study of living organisms in the soil
Systems Biology: Study of biological systems

T
Taxonomy: Study of naming, classifying, arranging, and describing living organisms

V
Virology: Study of viruses as well as virus diseases

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Z
Zoology: Study of the plant kingdom

Name the branch of zoology that deals with the study of fishes.
Ichthyology is the study of fishes. Know more about Branches of Zoology here!

25 Branches of Biology
Here are the major 25 branches of biology:

1. Anatomy
2. Botany
3. Taxonomy
4. Zoology
5. Microbiology
6. Mycology
7. Phycology
8. Parasitology
9. Virology
10. Physiology
11. Theoretical Biology
12. Cell Biology
13. Genetics
14. Ecology
15. Evolution
16. Biochemistry
17. Biophysics
18. Molecular Biology
19. Structural Biology
20. Biotechnology
21. Plant Physiology
22. Immunology
23. Marine Biology
24. Photobiology
25. Radiobiology

Also Read: How to Become a Geneticist?

Anatomy
Anatomy is one of the main branches of biology that allows an individual to understand
the structure and the parts of organisms including animals, human beings, and living
organisms. Moreover, it investigates how a living body adapts and maintains balance with
the physical environment and human health.

Botany

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Botany is another major branch of biology to scientifically studies plants, their structure,
histology, physiology, genetics, and ecology. Moreover, the course covers the economic
importance of various ecosystems and the impact of plants on the environment. After
12th, you can pursue BSc in Botany to start a career in this field.

Taxonomy

It is one of the most important branches of Biology that deals with categorising and
naming different organisms based on their characteristics.

Zoology

Zoology is one of the essential branches of Biology which is concerned with the study of
animal behaviour, physiology, structure, classification, and distribution. The best courses
to pursue in this field are BSc followed by MSc Zoology.

Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of life and actions of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, etc.
Through Microbiology courses you will get to understand their metabolism and growth
in a detailed way.

Branches of Zoology
BSc Biology
Mycology
Mycology is the scientific study and research of fungi. Fungi are a group of multicellular
organisms that cannot make their food and play a major role in nutrient cycling in an
ecosystem.

Phycology

Phycology is the scientific study of algae which is known as a diverse group of aquatic
living beings who can perform photosynthesis.

Parasitology

Parasitology is one of the branches of Biology and Medicine that works to understand
parasitic organisms that live and feed on the host.

Virology
Virology is the most common branch of Biology that deals with the study of viruses and
viral diseases.

Physiology
Physiology is one of the lesser-known branches of Biology that studies the normal
functions of various parts of living organisms.

Paramedical Courses List

Theoretical Biology

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Theoretical Biology or Mathematical Biology is an interdisciplinary field of scientific
research with applications in medicine, biology, and biotechnology and is a lucrative
option when considering the branches of Biology.

Cell Biology
Cell Biology talks about the structure and function of the cell and the study revolves
around the basic concept of biology that the cell is the fundamental unit of life.

Genetics
Genetics is described as the study of genes, genetic variations, and principles of heredity
in living organisms. You will also be introduced to the concept of molecular genetics and
genetic mapping which are important when it comes to the branches of Biology.

Ecology
Ecology deals with the study of the interaction of living organisms such as plants, animals
including humans and microbial populations with one another and their physical
environment.

Evolution
Evolution is the study of heritable changes and diversification in different kinds of
organisms over multiple generations.

Courses in Biology after 12th Except for MBBS

MBA after BDS
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the intersection of biology and chemistry that studies various chemical
and physicochemical processes that occur within the living body. This subject is best
suited for students who are planning to work in medical and pharmacological fields.

Biophysics
Biophysics deals with the application of the laws of physics to biological occurrences or
phenomena.

Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology is the discipline of biology that deals with the structure of proteins and
nucleic acids and their functions.

Structural Biology
Structural Biology is the branch of biochemistry, biophysics, and microbiology that allows
individuals to study the molecular structure of biological macromolecules.

Biotechnology
Biotechnology refers to the exploitation of biological processes such as microorganism
genetic manipulation for the production of hormones, antibodies, and industrially relevant
products.

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Career in Biotechnology
MSc Biochemistry
Stem Cell Therapist
Plant Physiology
Plant Physiology is the sub-discipline of Botany that deals with the physiology and
functioning of plants.

Immunology
Immunology is one of the branches of biology and medicine concerned with immunity.
Individuals learn immunology mechanisms like finer points of tissue transplantation and
cancers. Also, immunology works on exploring the causes of autoimmunity responses.

Marine Biology
Marine Biology involves the scientific study of the behaviour and interactions of life
forms and marine creatures with the oceans, seas, and other forms of the marine
environment.

Photobiology
Photobiology is the scientific study of the interactions of living organisms with light
including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation.

Radiobiology

Radiobiology involves the study of the action of ionizing radiation on living beings and
their health effects.

FMGE

All Branches of Biology

Following is the list of all branches of biology:

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Science Organized form of Knowledge or systematic knowledge i.e.
knowledge through the process

Biology The branch of science which deals with the study of living
beings

Zoology The branch of science which deals with the study of animals

Morphology The branch of science which deals with the study of total
general structures and forms including shape, size and
appearance

Anatomy The branch of science which deals with the study of internal
structures after cutting or dissection

Histology The branch of science which deals with the study of tissue
i.e. microscopic anatomy

Cytology The branch of science which deals with the study of cells and
their organelles

Acarology Study of tics and mites

Actinobiology The branch of science which deals with the study of radiation
effects on an organism

Aerobiology This branch deals with the form of land use on which
herbaceous crops and tree crops are cultivated

Agroforestry The science that deals with crop plants

Agronomy The science that deals with the study of blood blood-vascular
system

Agrostology Study of grasses

Angiology Exobiology

Anthology Study of flowers

Anthropology Study of apes and man

Apiculture Study of beekeeping

Araneology Study of spiders

Arthrology Study of joints

Aschelitinthology Study of roundworms

Bacteriology Study of bacteria

Batrachology Study of frog

Biochemistry Branch of science that deals with the study of chemical

reactions in relation to life activities

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Biometrics Statistical analysis of different results of biological
experiments

Biotechnology Use of biological organisms in commercial processes for

producing fine chemicals such as drugs, vaccines and
hormones etc. On a large scale and at a reasonable cost.

Bryology Study of Bryophytes

Carcinology Study of crabs and crustaceans

Cardiology Study of heart

Chondriology Study of Cartilage

Chromatology Study of Pigments

Cardiology Study of Coelenterata

Conchology Study of shells

Craniology Study of skulls

Cryobiology Aetiology

Dendrology Study of shrubs and trees

Dermatology Study of skin

Study of effects on life Study of problems of existence of life in outer space

at very low temperature

Ecology Study of the relationship between organisms and the

environment

Embryology Study of embryo i.e. developmental stages after fertilization

or birth of young ones

Endocrinology Study of endocrine glands and their secretions

Entomology Study of insects

Enzymology Study of enzymes

Ethnology Study of man-kinds

Aetiology Study of conditions of animals or behaviour of animals, in a

natural contest

Study of molluscs Study of diseases

Eugenics Study of improvement of the human race by applying laws of

heredity. It is applied before birth. Eugenics is related to
future generation

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Euphenics Study of improvement of the human race by drug treatment
or gene engineering i.e. medical engineering of a genetic
disorder

Euthenics Study of improvement of the human race by improving the

environment. It applied after birth and is related to the
present generation

Evolution The branch of science that deals with the study of the origin
of new from old i.e. origin, variation, inter-relationship
between organisms of past and present days

Exobiology Space biology is also known as exobiology

Floriculture Study of flower-yielding plants

Genetics Study of heredity and variations

Gerontology Study of growing old

Gynaecology Study of female reproductive organs

Haematology Study of blood

Helminthology Study of helminths

Hepatology Study of liver

Herpetology Study of lizards and other reptiles

Hypnology Study which deals with sleep

Histochemistry Study of the chemical nature of tissues

Horticulture Study of flowering and fruits plants

Ichnology Study of fossil footprints

Immunology Study of resistance of organisms against infection

Kalology Study of sensory or sensory-emotional values sometimes

called judgments of sentiment and taste

Karyology Study of nucleus

Lepidopterology Study of moths and butterflies

Lichenology Study of lichens

Limnology Study of freshwater lakes, ponds and streams in relation to

plants and animals

Malacology Study of the development of organs under embryology

Mammology Study of mammals

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Mastology Study of breasts

Melanology Study of pigments

Molecular Biology Study of life sciences on the molecular level (i.e. RNA and
DNA level)

Mycology Study of fungi

Myrmecology Study of ants

Neonatology Study of the new-born up to 1 month of age

Nephrology Study of kidney

Neurology Study of the nervous system

Nidology Study of nests of birds

Nisology Study of diseases

Odontology Study of teeth and gums

Olericulture Study of vegetable-yielding plants

Oncology Study of cancer

Oneirology Study of dreams

Ontogeny Study of embryonic history

Oology Organology

Ophthalmology Study of eyes

Organocology Study of the egg of birds

Organology Study of organs

Ornithology Study of birds

Osteology Study of bones

Otorhinolaryngology Study of ear, nose and throat

Paedology Study of larval stages

Palaezoology Study of fossils and their distribution in time.

Palaeozoology Study of fossils of animals

Palynology Study of pollen grains in relation to taxonomy and evolution

Parasitology Study of parasites

Pathology Study of various diseases in human beings

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Parazoology Study of poifera (sponges)

Pedology Study of soils

Pharmacognosy Branch of science dealing with the medicinal plants

Pharmacology Study of synthesis and effect of medicines on organisms

Phenology Study of organisms as affected by seasonal climates e.g. of

bird migration, the opening of flowers etc.

Phrenology Study of mental faculties of the brain including feelings

Phycology (algology) Study of algae

Phylogeny Study of evolutionary history

Physiology Study of functions of various parts within the organisms

Pisciculture Study of rearing of fishes

Platyhelminthology Study of flatworms

Pomology Study of fruits

Poultry Study which deals with the keeping foul

Proctology Study of hindgut including rectum and anus

Protistology Study of protests. Its field of study overlaps with more

traditional disciplines of algology, mycology and protozoology

Pteridology Study of pteridophytes

Rainology Study of the nose and olfactory organs

Saurology Study of lizards

Sericulture Study of plant distribution on earth

The silk industry is Study of serum; interaction of antigens and antibodies in the
concerned with the blood
culture of silk moth and
pupa

Serpentology Study of snakes

(Ophiology)

Silviculture Study of the development of forests

Sitology Study of dietetics

Speciology Study of species

Spermology Study of seeds

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Splanchnology Study of visceral organs

Stomatology Study of forgetting including buccal cavity and stomach

Synecology Study of bony joints and ligaments

Taxi dermatology Study of skin and stuffing

Taxonomy The breach of science which deals with the study of the
classification of organisms

Teratology Study of foetal malformations

Torpedology Study of skates and rays

Toxicology Study of narcotics and the influence of narcotics on various

organisms

Traumatology Study of wounds and turnover

Trichology Study of hair

Trophology Study of nutrition

Urobiology Study which deals with the preservation of deals bodies in

liquids by chemicals

Urology Study of wine including diseases and the abnormalities of the

urinary and urinogenital tract

Virology Study of virus

Zoogeography The branch of science which deals with the study of the
distribution of animals on earth

Biophysics Study of physical aspects of living organisms

Cytogenetics Study of the cytological basis of inheritance

Ctetology Study of acquired characteristics of organisms

Ichthyology Study of fish and its culture

Kinesiology Study of muscle movements

Phytogeography Study of structural organization of the body

Palaeobotany Study of distribution and characteristics of fossils

Psychobiology Study of behavioural aspects of animals

Sarcology Study of muscles

Syndesmology Study of bone joints and ligaments

Tectology Study of structural organization of body

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 Zoophytology Study of drifting micro-organisms such as diatoms.

Branches of Biology and Their Fathers

Here are the different branches of Biology and their fathers:

Branches of Biology Fathers

Palaeontology Leonardo di Vinci

Botany Theophrastus

Immunology Edward Jenner

Medicine Hippocrates

Microbiology Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek

Taxonomy Carl Linnaeus

Histology Marie François Xavier Bichat

Indian Mycology Edwin John Butler

Zoology Aristotle

Modern Botany Linnaeus

Indian Ecology Ramdeo Misra

Indian Phycology Parthasarthy Iyengar

Bacteriology Louis Pasteur

Plant Physiology Stephen Hales

Botanical Illustrations Krateuas

Mutation Theory Hugo de Vries

Modern Genetics Thomas Hunt Morgan

Cytology Robert Hooke

Modern Embryology Karl Ernst von Baer

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