What Is Biological Science?

Biological science is the study of living organisms and their environments. This broad field includes areas like genetics, ecology and zoology, offering diverse career paths in science, medicine and conservation.

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Read time 5 minutes

Georgia Farrokh

Published on Aug 11, 2025

Biological science is the study of all living organisms — from single cells to complex organisms like plants and animals —and how they interact within environmental systems. The field encompasses many areas of study. According to Adrienne Crawford, biology instructor at Grand Canyon University, “Biological science is a very broad area and there are a lot of disciplines that can be incorporated under the biological science umbrella.”

Biological science deepens our understanding of the environments that make up our world and how we can develop thriving ecosystems. Studying biological science impacts many industries, including agriculture, medicine, wildlife conservation and biotechnology.

Major Branches of Biological Science

There are seven major branches of biological science. This diversity makes the field exciting for anyone interested in learning more about the life that inhabits our planet. Understanding these branches of biological science can help you choose a degree and career path aligned with your interests and professional goals.

“Biological science is a multidisciplinary field that really allows individuals to dive into areas in biology that are of a specific interest to them.”

— Adrienne Crawford, Biology Instructor, College of Natural Science

Botany: If you are interested in the study of plants, botany may be a great area of biological science to explore. Botany studies the properties and structure of plants, as well as how they grow and adapt to different environments.

Ecology: Ecology studies how living organisms develop in their environment and the many interactions that happen between the two. Ecologists work to discover insights into the function of ecosystems and how we can manage and sustain natural resources.

Evolutionary biology: The study of how living organisms change over the course of time is called evolutionary biology. This branch of biological science focuses on mechanisms such as natural selection, the origin of life and how new species emerge.

Genetics: Genetics is the study of DNA, genetic variation and heredity in all living organisms. Geneticists study DNA sequences, genetic inheritance and genetic disorders.

Microbiology: Microorganisms are studied under the branch of biological science called microbiology. This area of science focuses on organisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi and algae.

Molecular biology: Living organisms have many activities that happen on a molecular level in order to sustain life. These activities and interactions are studied under molecular biology.

Zoology: Zoology is the study of animals, as well as their classification, behavior and physiology. Zoologists seek to understand how different species of animals live and contribute to conservation efforts.

What Can You Do With a Biological Science Degree?

There are many different career paths within biological science depending on the branch you choose to pursue. A biological science degree can teach you the skills necessary to pursue careers such as:

Natural sciences manager: The role of the natural sciences manager is to supervise and organize the research projects of their field. They oversee experiments, order equipment and materials for labs, and manage research staff and technicians.

Biological scientist: A biological scientist studies living organisms and how they interact with and adapt to their environment. They conduct research experiments to learn more about the natural world.

Life scientist: Working as a life scientist involves studying and researching how living organisms grow and function. They work in various fields including ecology, microbiology, genetics and physiology.

Biological technician: Biological and medical scientists rely on their assistants, known as biological technicians, when they conduct research projects. Biological technicians set up laboratories and complete data collections.

Biological science teacher, postsecondary: Those interested in investing in the next generation of biological scientists can become biological science teachers. Postsecondary teaching positions typically require a postgraduate degree.

Key Skills for Biological Science

“Being an effective communicator, both written and verbally, is going to be really important in this field, especially being able to communicate with people in other disciplines from other parts of the world. Being tech savvy is another really important skill, as you need to be able to navigate the world of technology within each discipline,” said Crawford.

Careers in biological science demand both technical proficiency and soft skills to succeed in the industry. Some of the most important skills in biological science, according to Crawford, include

Technical skills for biological science include:

Conducting statistical analysis
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Operating lab technology and equipment
Understanding programming languages such as R
Utilizing AI in research projects
Maintaining accurate records and collecting data

Essential soft skills for biological science include:

Paying close attention to detail when collecting data for experiments
Teamwork when working with other lab technicians and scientists
Problem-solving and making informed decisions
Adaptability when projects need to change direction
Communication with organizations and fellow researchers
Organization within the lab

“One of the most valuable things students can do is get hands-on opportunities to learn different techniques and to work in the field of the area of their interest. That’s really going to be what makes you more marketable after graduation, because some of these jobs can be very competitive, and the hands-on skill base that you develop is going to be what sets you apart from other applicants.”

— Adrienne Crawford, College of Natural Science

Education Requirements for Biological Science

Educational requirements for biological science careers vary depending on the role and employer. However, most positions within the biological science industry require a strong foundation in biology along with lab and research experience. Earning a bachelor’s degree in biological science is a key first step toward entering the field.

Although biological science is a broad degree, some programs offer specialized courses or tracks that allow students to focus on specific branches. For example, GCU’s biological science degree focuses on animal and environmental conservation track. “If you're passionate about science but you're looking to explore many facets of it, going into a broader program, like something under biological science, might be a really good start,” says Crawford.

Related Article: What Is a STEM Degree?

Advice for Pursuing Biological Science Careers

Adrienne Crawford has guided many students in finding the area of biological science that most aligns with their personal interests. She encourages prospective students to explore coursework ahead of time and reflect on what type of career they want to pursue. Crawford shares, “It’s really important to ask yourself: ‘Do you prefer to be inside or outside? Do you see yourself more in a lab setting or do you see yourself working more with wildlife?’” Visualizing your ideal career can help you ask the right questions, make informed decisions and choose a path that aligns with your passions and strengths.

Your Future in Biological Science Starts Here

If you are excited about the possibilities within biological science, consider the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at GCU. This multidisciplinary program integrates genetics, ecology, conservation biology and chemistry to prepare graduates for working in STEM fields. This program is well-suited for students interested in animal and environmental conservation.

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Georgia Farrokh

Digital Content Specialist,

Grand Canyon Education

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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences on July 29, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.