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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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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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• 10 Research Question Examples to Guide Your Research Project

10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project

Published on October 30, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on October 19, 2023.

The research question is one of the most important parts of your research paper , thesis or dissertation . It’s important to spend some time assessing and refining your question before you get started.

The exact form of your question will depend on a few things, such as the length of your project, the type of research you’re conducting, the topic , and the research problem . However, all research questions should be focused, specific, and relevant to a timely social or scholarly issue.

Once you’ve read our guide on how to write a research question , you can use these examples to craft your own.

Note that the design of your research question can depend on what method you are pursuing. Here are a few options for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical research questions.

Other interesting articles

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

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200+ Fascinating Biology Research Topics for Students in 2024

Updated 24 Jul 2024

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

• 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

Read also: Your personal  lab report writing service - EduBirdie!

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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How to Write a Science Research Question

Humans are a very curious species. We are always asking questions. But the way we formulate a question is very important when we think about science and research. Here we’ll lay out how to form a science research question and the concepts needed to formulate a good research question. Luckily, we’ve got some handy visuals to help you along.

In order to inquire about the world, produce new information, and solve a mystery of about the natural world, we always use the scientific process to inform research questions. So, we need to keep in mind the steps of the scientific process :

Observation

Data to be obtained

Ways to analyze data

Conclusions to obtain from the question

First, clearly define your population and your variables.

Now, what is a population ? Defined in ecologic terms, a population are all the individuals of one species in a given area (e.g. population of deer, leatherback turtles, spruce trees, mushrooms, etc.).

Now, what is a variable ? A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types (e.g. length, quantity, temperature, speed, mass, distance, depth, etc.).

So, using different combinations of these two components, we can create three different types of research questions: descriptive, comparative, and correlative. These three types also match three of the modern research methodologies. 

Descriptive field investigations involve describing and/or quantifying parts of a natural system. Includes generally 1 population and one distinctive variable (figure 1). Examples of descriptive research questions:

How many pine trees are in the Mammoth Hot Springs area?

What is the wolf pack’s distribution range?

How frequently do humpback whales breed?    

Comparative field investigations involve collecting data on different populations/organisms, or under different conditions (e.g., times of year, locations), to make a comparison. Includes two or more populations and one distinctive variable (figure 2). Examples of comparative research questions:

Is there a difference in body length between male and female tortoises?

Is there a difference in diversity of fungi that live in the forest compared with non-forested areas?  

Correlative field investigations involve measuring or observing two variables and searching for a relationship between them for a distinctive population (figure 3). Examples of correlative research questions:

What is the relationship between length of the tail and age in humpback whales?

How does a spider’s reproduction rate change with a change in season?

To practice how to write a research question, we suggest the following steps:

Find a nice place where you can be alone and connected with nature. Bring nothing else but a journal and a pencil. Take a few moments to breath and observe everything that surrounds you. Use all of your senses to obtain information from your surroundings: smell the flowers around you, feel the leaves, hear the birds, and recognize all the life.

Choose a population that is around you and that interests you (flowers, trees, insects, rocks), and think about what would you like to know about that population. Write down what you want to study from that population (your variable). It is easier to choose the population first and the variables second. Think about a feasible and simple measurement. One easy measurement is counting, since it doesn’t require an instrument.

Write down your question using your population and variable. Remember to write a question that is going to be simple, measurable, attainable, relevant, and limited to a particular time and place. Avoid why questions.

Next, write a prediction that answers your question. This is your hypothesis .

Now that you have a defined population, measure your variable, and obtain data. Don’t forget to write it down in your journal.

Finally, compare your hypothesis with your actual data and write a conclusion about your findings.

These simple and fun steps will help you create great questions that will lead you to find interesting answers and discoveries. But remember, this process not only works for scientific questions but also for daily issues, such as why the car stopped working. You can use it to investigate local environmental problems and provide possible solutions for the benefit of your community and future generations.

You can find more information about this topic in: Ryken, A. E., Otto, P., Pritchard, K., & Owens, K. (2007). Field investigations: Using outdoor environments to foster student learning of scientific processes . Pacific Education Institute. 

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Developing a Research Question

From Laurier Library. 

Selecting and Narrowing a Topic

Choose an area of interest to explore. .

For you to successfully finish a research project, it is important to choose a research topic that is relevant to your field of study and piques your curiosity. The flip side is that curiosity can take you down long and winding paths, so you also need to consider scope in how to effectively cover the topic in the space that you have available. If there's an idea or concept you've recently learned that's stuck with you, that might be a good place to start !

Gather background information.

You may not know right away what your research question is - that's okay! Start out with a broad topic, and see what information is out there through cursory background research. This will help you explore possibilities and narrow your topic to something manageable.    Do a few quick searches in OneSearch@IU  or in other relevant sources. See what other researchers have already written to help narrow your focus.  

Narrow your topic.

  Once you have a sense of how other researchers are talking about the topics you’re interested, narrow down your topic by asking the 5 Ws

• Who – population or group (e.g., working class, college students, Native Americans)
• What – discipline or focus (e.g., anthropological or art history)
• Where – geographic location (e.g., United States; universities; small towns; Standing Rock)
• When – time period or era (17 th century; contemporary; 2017)
• Why – why is the topic important? (to the class, to the field, or to you)

Broad topic: Native American representations in museums

Narrowed topic: Museum efforts to adhere to NAGPRA

Adapted from: University of Michigan. (2023 Finding and Exploring your topic. Retrieved from  https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283095&p=1886086

From Topic to Research Question

So, you have done some background research and narrowed down your topic. Now what? Start to turn that topic into a series of questions that you will attempt to answer the course of your research.  Keep in mind that you will probably end up changing and adjusting the question(s) you have as you gather more information and synthesize it in your writing. However, having a clear line of inquiry can help you maintain a sense of your direction, which will then in turn help you evaluate sources and identify relevant information throughout your research process. 

Exploratory questions.

These are the questions that comes from a genuine curiosity about your topic. When narrowing down your topic, you got a good sense of the Who, What, When, and Where of things. Now it’s time to consider

• Asking open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic, which can lead you to better explanations about a phenomenon or concept
• Consider the “so what?” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others? What are the implications of the information you’re discovering through the search process to the Who and the What of your topic?

Evaluate your research question.

Use the following to determine if any of the questions you generated would be appropriate and workable for your assignment. 

• Is your question clear ? Do you have a specific aspect of your general topic that you are going to explore further? Will the reader of your research be able to keep it in mind?
• Is your question focused? Will you be able to cover the topic adequately in the space available? Are you able to concisely ask the question?
• Is your question and arguable ? If it can be answered with a simple Yes or No, then dig deeper. Once you get to “it depends on X, Y, and Z” then you might be getting on the right track.

Hypothesize. 

Once you have developed your research question, consider how you will attempt to answer or address it. 

• What connections can you make between the research you’ve read and your research question? Why do those connections matter?
• What other kinds of sources will you need in order to support your argument?
• If someone refutes the answer to your research question, what is your argument to back up your conclusion?
• How might others challenge your argument? Why do those challenges ultimately not hold water?

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2018). How to write a research question. Retrieved from  https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/research-based-writing/how-to-write-a-research-question

Sample research questions.

A good research question is clear, focused, and has an appropriate level of complexity. Developing a strong question is a process, so you will likely refine your question as you continue to research and to develop your ideas.  

Unclear : Why are social networking sites harmful?

Clear:  How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as Facebook and TikTok?

Unfocused:  What is the effect on the environment from global warming?

Focused:  How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?

Simple vs Complex

Too simple:  How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?

Appropriately Complex:   What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

General Online Reference Sources

Reference sources like dictionaries and encylopedias provide general information about various subjects. They also include definitions that may help you break down your topic and understand it better. Sources includes in these entries can be springboards for more in-depth research.

A note on citation: Reference sources are generally not cited since they usually consist of common knowledge (e.g. who was the first United States President).  But if you're unsure whether to cite something it's best to do so. Specific pieces of information and direct quotes should always be cited. 

Encyclopedias and specialized reference resources in: Arts, Biography, History, Information and Publishing, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation and World, Religion, Science, Social Science

Why Use References Sources

Reference sources are a great place to begin your research. They can help you:

• gain an overview of a topic
• explore potential research areas
• identify key issues, publications, or authors in your research area

From here, you can narrow your search topic and look at more specialized sources.

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

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!

If you are having trouble with any kind of assignment or task, do not worry—we can give you the best microbiology assignment help at a value price. Additionally, you may look at nursing project ideas .

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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150 Actual Biology Research Paper Topics

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.

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

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?

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

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.

However, it is still hard to prepare a high-quality biology research paper, even with a brilliant topic. Not all college students can do it. Do you feel like you need some help? Then buy biology paper from our professional writers! Our experts will choose the best biology experimental research topics for you and can bring up top-level papers within the shortest time. Additionally, if you need help with a statistics project related to biology, our team of experienced professionals is equipped to provide you with the utmost quality of research and analysis.

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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 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?

Get Biology Research Help As Soon As Possible

Creating the best essays or papers is easier now that you have custom biology research topics. However, you may still need support writing your paper beyond these topic ideas. After all, the first stage of writing like experts is brainstorming ideas and researching which is most feasible to write about.

If you truly want to wow your professor or teacher but can’t afford to dedicate all the required time, here’s an alternative. You can hire writing helpers online for quality papers at a cheap price, and we can help with that. We are a team of writers with many years of writing experience for students in Europe and North America. You can even buy thesis online with us, as well as editing services.

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IB Biology IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

Charles Whitehouse

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers a variety of assessments for students, including Internal Assessments (IAs), which are pieces of coursework marked by students’ teachers. The Biology IA is an assessment designed to test students' understanding of the material they have learned in their biology course, their ability to conduct independent research, and their competence in applying their knowledge to real-world biological issues.

What is the IA?

The IA consists of a laboratory report that students must complete during their IB biology course. For assessments before May 2025, the report should be 6 to 12 pages in length, but after May 2025, the length requirement is updated to a maximum of 3,000 words.

What should the IA contain?

The research question for the internal assessment should be a testable question that is related to the biology curriculum. It's essential that the question is relevant to the biology curriculum, specific and clearly defined. The methodology section should explain how the research was conducted, including the materials and methods used. The methodology should be detailed and well-explained, and should include information on the materials and methods used, as well as any ethical considerations.

Data analysis is an important aspect of the IA. Students should present their data in a clear and organized manner, and should use appropriate statistical analysis to interpret their results. They should also make sure to include a discussion of the limitations of their study and the implications of their findings.

The conclusion should summarise the main findings of the study, relate the results back to the research question, and address the relevance of these findings to the broader context of the biological field.

In addition to the laboratory report, students must complete a reflective statement, which is mandatory. This statement should be around 500 words long and must include references to how the student has achieved specific learning objectives outlined in the IB Biology syllabus, and should reflect on the student’s learning during the internal assessment process. The reflective statement should include a description of the student’s personal learning process, including successes and challenges, as well as an evaluation of their performance on the internal assessment and the skills they have gained through the process.

Have a look at our comprehensive set resources for IB Biology developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

- IB Biology 2024 Study Notes

- IB Biology 2025 Study Notes

- IB Biology 2024 Questions

- IB Biology 2025 Questions

What are some example research questions?

Here are examples with details of potential research questions, written by expert IB Biology tutors and teachers, that could inspire your Biology IA:

1 - Investigating the effect of different types of sugars on the rate of fermentation by yeast. To investigate the effect of different concentrations of a specific herbicide on the growth rate of a particular plant species, one could set up an experiment in which the plants are grown in soil with varying concentrations of the herbicide. An appropriate range of concentrations and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the herbicide on the plant's growth.

2 - How does the pH of a solution affect the activity of an enzyme? To investigate the effect of pH on enzyme activity, one could set up an experiment in which the enzyme is exposed to solutions with varying pH levels. The enzyme's activity could be measured by monitoring the rate of a specific reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. Control variables such as temperature, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration would need to be kept constant. By comparing the activity of the enzyme at different pH levels, the optimal pH range for the enzyme could be determined.

3 - Can the concentration of vitamin C in different types of fruit juice be determined using titration?

To determine the concentration of vitamin C in different types of fruit juice using titration, a standardized solution of a known concentration of potassium permanganate would be prepared. A sample of the fruit juice would be titrated with the potassium permanganate solution until the endpoint is reached, indicating that all the vitamin C has reacted with the potassium permanganate. The concentration of vitamin C in the fruit juice can then be calculated based on the volume and concentration of the potassium permanganate solution used in the titration. This process would need to be repeated for each type of fruit juice being tested.

4 - Investigating the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Set up an experiment in which aquatic plants are placed in containers with varying levels of light intensity. The light intensity could be controlled by adjusting the distance between the light source and the plants. The rate of photosynthesis could be measured by tracking the amount of oxygen produced by the plants over a set period of time. Comparing the rates of photosynthesis of the different groups would determine the impact of light intensity on the plant's photosynthetic activity. Control variables such as temperature, water quality, and plant species would need to be kept constant.

5 - How does the concentration of carbon dioxide affect the rate of photosynthesis in terrestrial plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown under different concentrations of carbon dioxide. The plants would need to be grown in a controlled environment with consistent light, temperature, and watering. The rate of photosynthesis could be measured by monitoring the oxygen production of the plants using a dissolved oxygen probe. The results could then be analyzed to determine how the concentration of carbon dioxide affects the rate of photosynthesis in terrestrial plants.

6 - Can the presence of glucose in urine be determined using Benedict's test?

Collect a urine sample from the individual being tested. Add Benedict's reagent to the sample and heat it in a water bath. If glucose is present in the urine, it will react with the Benedict's reagent and cause a color change. The intensity of the color change can be compared to a color chart to determine the concentration of glucose in the urine. This process would need to be repeated for each urine sample being tested.

7 - Investigating the effect of temperature on the respiration rate of germinating seeds.

Set up an experiment in which germinating seeds are exposed to different temperatures. The respiration rate of the seeds could be measured by monitoring the amount of oxygen consumed or carbon dioxide produced over a set period of time. The experiment would need to control for other variables such as the type of seed, the amount of water and nutrients provided, and the length of time the seeds have been germinating. Comparing the respiration rates of the different groups would determine the effect of temperature on the seeds' respiration rate.

8 - How does the concentration of salt in a solution affect the growth of bacteria?

Prepare a series of solutions with varying concentrations of salt, and inoculate each with a known amount of bacteria. The solutions would need to be incubated at a constant temperature for a set period of time, and the growth of the bacteria could be measured by counting the number of colonies or by using a spectrophotometer to measure the optical density of the solution. Comparing the growth rates of the bacteria in the different salt concentrations would determine the effect of salt on bacterial growth. Control variables such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability would need to be kept constant.

9 - Can the concentration of nitrogen compounds in soil be determined using colorimetry?

Collect soil samples from different locations and extract the nitrogen compounds using a suitable method such as Kjeldahl digestion. The extracted compounds can then be analyzed using colorimetry, which involves adding a reagent that reacts with the nitrogen compounds and produces a color. The intensity of the color can be measured using a spectrophotometer, and the concentration of nitrogen compounds in the soil can be calculated based on the absorbance of the color. This process would need to be repeated for each soil sample being tested.

10 - Investigating the effect of different types of plant hormones on the growth of seedlings.

Set up an experiment in which seedlings are grown in different concentrations of plant hormones, with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the seedlings could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the plant hormones on the seedlings' growth. The experiment could also include observations of other plant characteristics such as leaf size and color, root development, and overall health.

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11 - How does the concentration of salt in water affect the hatching rate of brine shrimp?

Set up multiple containers with different concentrations of salt water and add brine shrimp eggs to each container. The containers should be kept at a consistent temperature and light level. After a set period of time, count the number of hatched brine shrimp in each container and calculate the hatching rate. Comparing the hatching rates of the different containers would determine the effect of salt concentration on the hatching rate of brine shrimp.

12 - Can the rate of mitosis be determined using microscopy techniques?

Collect a sample of cells undergoing mitosis and prepare them for microscopy. Using a microscope, observe the cells and record the time it takes for each cell to complete each stage of mitosis. The rate of mitosis can then be calculated by dividing the time taken for each stage by the total time taken for the entire process. This process would need to be repeated for multiple cells to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.

13 - Investigating the effect of different types of antibiotics on the growth of bacteria.

Culture bacteria in petri dishes with different concentrations of antibiotics. The growth of the bacteria can be observed and measured over a set period of time. The concentration of antibiotic that inhibits the growth of the bacteria can be determined, and the effectiveness of different types of antibiotics can be compared. Control variables such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

14 - How does the concentration of oxygen affect the respiration rate of crickets?

Set up a series of chambers with different concentrations of oxygen, ranging from low to high. Place crickets in each chamber and monitor their respiration rate by measuring the amount of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced over a set period of time. The results can be analyzed to determine the effect of oxygen concentration on the respiration rate of crickets. Control variables such as temperature and humidity would need to be kept constant throughout the experiment.

15 - Can the concentration of glucose in blood be determined using glucose oxidase and spectrophotometry?

A sample of blood would be mixed with glucose oxidase, which converts glucose to hydrogen peroxide. The amount of hydrogen peroxide produced is proportional to the amount of glucose in the sample. A spectrophotometer would then be used to measure the absorbance of the sample at a specific wavelength, which is also proportional to the amount of hydrogen peroxide present. The concentration of glucose in the blood sample can then be calculated based on the absorbance reading and a standard curve generated using known concentrations of glucose. This process would need to be repeated for each blood sample being tested.

16 - Investigating the effect of different types of pesticides on the growth of bean plants.

Set up an experiment in which bean plants are grown in soil treated with varying concentrations of different pesticides. An appropriate range of concentrations and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the pesticides on the plant's growth. Additionally, the health of the plants could be assessed by examining their leaves for signs of damage or discoloration.

17 - How does the concentration of light affect the growth of algae?

Set up multiple containers with different concentrations of light, ranging from low to high. In each container, add a sample of algae and monitor their growth over a set period of time. The growth rate of the algae can be measured by tracking their biomass or chlorophyll content. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of light concentration on the growth of algae. Control variables such as temperature, nutrient availability, and water quality would need to be maintained to ensure accurate results.

18 - Can the presence of starch in leaves be determined using iodine solution?

Obtain a sample of the leaf and grind it into a fine powder. Add a few drops of iodine solution to the powder and observe the color change. If the solution turns blue-black, it indicates the presence of starch in the leaf. This process would need to be repeated for multiple leaves from different plants to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results. Control variables such as the age of the leaf and the time of day the sample is taken should also be considered.

19 - Investigating the effect of different types of plant nutrients on the growth of tomatoes.

Set up an experiment in which tomato plants are grown in soil with varying concentrations of different plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be maintained. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the plant nutrients on the plant's growth. Additionally, the nutrient content of the tomato plants could be analyzed to determine if there is a correlation between the nutrient concentration in the soil and the nutrient content in the plant.

20 - How does the concentration of carbon dioxide affect the growth of marine plants?

Conduct an experiment in which marine plants are grown in water with varying concentrations of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide concentration could be controlled by bubbling different amounts of carbon dioxide gas into the water. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height, mass, or chlorophyll content over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of carbon dioxide concentration on the plant's growth. Other variables such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability would need to be controlled to ensure that any differences in growth rate are due to the carbon dioxide concentration.

21 - Can the concentration of protein in an egg be determined using the Biuret method?

To determine the concentration of protein in an egg using the Biuret method, the egg would need to be homogenized and the protein extracted. A Biuret reagent would then be added to the protein extract, which would cause a color change if protein is present. The intensity of the color change would be proportional to the concentration of protein in the egg. A standard curve could be created using known concentrations of protein to determine the concentration of protein in the egg sample. This process would need to be repeated for each egg being tested.

22 - Investigating the effect of different types of plant hormones on the root growth of seedlings.

Set up an experiment in which seedlings are grown in soil with different concentrations of plant hormones. An appropriate range of concentrations and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The root growth of the seedlings could be measured by tracking their length or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the root growth of the different groups would determine the impact of the plant hormones on the seedling's root growth.

23 - How does the concentration of oxygen affect the respiration rate of goldfish?

Set up multiple tanks with goldfish and varying levels of oxygen concentration. The respiration rate of the goldfish can be measured by tracking their oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production. The experiment would need to be conducted over a set period of time with control variables such as temperature and feeding schedules. Comparing the respiration rates of the different groups would determine the effect of oxygen concentration on the goldfish's respiration rate.

24 - Can the concentration of a specific hormone in blood be determined using ELISA?

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) involves coating a microplate with a specific antibody that binds to the hormone of interest. The sample of blood is then added to the plate, and any hormone present in the sample will bind to the antibody. A secondary antibody that is linked to an enzyme is then added, which will bind to the hormone-antibody complex. The enzyme will then catalyze a reaction that produces a detectable signal, such as a color change. The intensity of the signal is proportional to the amount of hormone present in the sample, allowing for the concentration of the hormone to be determined. A standard curve can be created using known concentrations of the hormone to accurately quantify the concentration in the sample.

25 - Investigating the effect of different types of pollutants on the growth of watercress.

Set up an experiment in which watercress plants are grown in water contaminated with different types and concentrations of pollutants. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the pollutants on the plant's growth. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results. The types and concentrations of pollutants used in the experiment would need to be carefully chosen based on their potential impact on watercress growth and their relevance to real-world pollution scenarios.

26 - How does the concentration of light affect the rate of respiration in germinating seeds?

Set up a series of experiments in which germinating seeds are exposed to different intensities of light. The rate of respiration could be measured by tracking the amount of oxygen consumed or carbon dioxide produced by the seeds over a set period of time. The experiment would need to control for other variables such as temperature and humidity. Comparing the rates of respiration for the different light intensities would determine the impact of light concentration on the rate of respiration in germinating seeds.

27 - Can the concentration of nitrates in water be determined using colorimetry?

Prepare a series of standard solutions of known concentrations of nitrates. A sample of the water would be mixed with a reagent that reacts with nitrates to produce a colored product. The intensity of the color would be measured using a colorimeter, and the concentration of nitrates in the water can be calculated based on the intensity of the color and the concentration of the standard solutions. This process would need to be repeated for each water sample being tested.

28 - Investigating the effect of different types of disinfectants on the growth of bacteria.

Prepare a culture of bacteria and divide it into multiple groups. Each group would be exposed to a different type of disinfectant, while control groups would not be exposed to any disinfectant. The growth rate of the bacteria in each group would be measured over a set period of time, either by counting the number of colonies or by measuring the turbidity of the culture. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the effectiveness of each disinfectant on inhibiting bacterial growth.

29 - How does the concentration of salt in water affect the growth of duckweed?

Set up multiple containers of water with varying concentrations of salt. Add duckweed to each container and monitor their growth over a set period of time. The growth rate of the duckweed can be measured by tracking their surface area or biomass. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of salt concentration on the growth of duckweed. Control variables such as light, temperature, and nutrients should be kept constant across all containers.

30 - Can the concentration of ethanol in different types of alcoholic beverages be determined using gas chromatography?

Use gas chromatography to separate the components of the alcoholic beverage sample. The ethanol would be detected and quantified using a detector such as a flame ionization detector. The concentration of ethanol in each sample can then be calculated based on the peak area or height of the ethanol peak in the chromatogram. This process would need to be repeated for each type of alcoholic beverage being tested.

31 - Investigating the effects of different types of exercise on heart rate and blood pressure.

Recruit a group of participants and randomly assign them to different exercise groups (e.g. running, cycling, weightlifting). Measure their heart rate and blood pressure before and after the exercise session. Repeat this process for each exercise group. Analyze the data to determine if there are any significant differences in the effects of the different types of exercise on heart rate and blood pressure. Control variables such as age, gender, and fitness level should be taken into account.

32 - How does the level of noise pollution affect the behavior and communication of animals?

Conduct a field study in which the behavior and communication of animals in areas with varying levels of noise pollution are observed and recorded. Control variables such as time of day, weather conditions, and animal species would need to be taken into account. The observations could include changes in vocalizations, movement patterns, and social interactions. Comparing the behavior and communication of animals in areas with different levels of noise pollution would determine the impact of noise on their behavior. Statistical analysis could be used to establish correlations between noise levels and changes in animal behavior.

33 - Investigating the effects of different types of fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient uptake.

Set up an experiment in which identical plants are grown in soil with different types of fertilizers. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Nutrient uptake could be measured by analyzing the nutrient content of the plants at the end of the experiment. Comparing the growth rates and nutrient uptake of the different groups would determine the impact of the fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient uptake. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant.

34 - How does exposure to light pollution affect the migration and behavior of nocturnal animals?

Conduct a field study in which nocturnal animals are observed in areas with varying levels of light pollution. The behavior and migration patterns of the animals could be tracked using GPS or radio telemetry. Data on the animals' activity levels, movement patterns, and habitat use could be collected and compared between areas with different levels of light pollution. This would allow for an assessment of the impact of light pollution on nocturnal animals and their ecosystems.

35 - Investigating the effects of different types of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems and organisms.

Set up multiple tanks or containers with different types and levels of water pollution, such as oil spills, chemical runoff, or excess nutrients. Populate each tank with a variety of aquatic organisms, such as fish, algae, and invertebrates. Monitor the health and behavior of the organisms over a set period of time, noting any changes in growth, reproduction, or mortality rates. Comparing the results from each tank would allow for an assessment of the impact of different types of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems and organisms.

36 - How does exposure to electromagnetic radiation affect the growth and development of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are exposed to different levels of electromagnetic radiation, such as UV light or radio waves. The plants would need to be grown in a controlled environment with consistent light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate and development of the plants could be measured by tracking their height, leaf size, and overall health over a set period of time. Comparing the growth and development of the plants exposed to different levels of electromagnetic radiation would determine the impact of the radiation on the plants. Control groups of plants not exposed to radiation would also need to be included for comparison.

37 - Investigating the effects of different types of air pollution on respiratory function and lung health.

Recruit a sample of participants who are exposed to different types of air pollution, such as those who live near busy roads or industrial areas. Conduct lung function tests, such as spirometry, on each participant to establish a baseline measurement of their respiratory health. Repeat the tests after a set period of time to determine any changes in lung function. Comparing the results of participants exposed to different types of air pollution would determine the impact of each type on respiratory function and lung health. Other factors, such as age and smoking status, would need to be controlled for in the analysis.

38 - How does the level of acidity affect the growth and survival of aquatic organisms?

Conduct experiments in which aquatic organisms are exposed to different levels of acidity. The organisms could be placed in tanks with varying pH levels, and their survival and growth rates could be monitored over time. Control variables such as temperature, light, and food availability would need to be kept constant. Comparing the survival and growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of acidity on the organisms. Additionally, other factors such as changes in behavior or reproduction could also be observed and analyzed.

39 - Investigating the effects of different types of food additives on human health and metabolism.

Conduct a literature review to identify the potential health effects of different food additives. Design a study in which participants consume a controlled diet with varying levels of the food additives being tested. Blood and urine samples could be collected at regular intervals to measure changes in metabolism and biomarkers of health. Statistical analysis would be used to determine if there are significant differences in health outcomes between the different groups.

40 - How does the level of UV radiation affect the growth and survival of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are grown under different levels of UV radiation. This could be achieved by using UV lamps of varying intensities or by placing the plants at different distances from a natural source of UV radiation, such as the sun. The growth rate, survival rate, and other relevant factors such as leaf size and chlorophyll content could be measured and compared across the different groups. This would help determine the impact of UV radiation on plant growth and survival. Control variables such as temperature, humidity, and watering would need to be carefully monitored and controlled to ensure accurate results.

41 - Investigating the effects of different types of drugs on human physiology and behavior.

Conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a group of participants who are given different types of drugs. The physiological and behavioral effects of the drugs would be measured through various tests and assessments, such as blood pressure, heart rate, cognitive function, and mood. The results would be analyzed to determine the impact of each drug on the participants' physiology and behavior, and any potential side effects or risks associated with each drug would be identified.

42 - How does the level of carbon dioxide affect the growth and development of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in controlled environments with varying levels of carbon dioxide. The growth rate, height, and biomass of the plants can be measured over a set period of time. The results can be compared to determine the impact of different levels of carbon dioxide on plant growth and development. Other variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be controlled to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.

43 - Investigating the effects of different types of pesticides on non-target organisms and ecosystems.

Conduct a series of experiments in which different non-target organisms are exposed to varying concentrations of the pesticide. The organisms could be chosen based on their ecological importance, such as pollinators or soil microorganisms. The effects of the pesticide on the organisms could be measured by tracking their survival rates, reproductive success, or behavior. Additionally, the impact of the pesticide on the broader ecosystem could be assessed by monitoring changes in the abundance and diversity of other species in the area. Comparing the results of these experiments would provide insight into the potential ecological risks associated with the use of the pesticide.

44 - How does the level of atmospheric pollutants affect the growth and development of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are grown in controlled environments with varying levels of atmospheric pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide or ozone. The growth rate, leaf area, and chlorophyll content of the plants could be measured over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates and health of the plants exposed to different levels of pollutants would determine the impact of atmospheric pollutants on plant growth and development. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

45 - Investigating the effects of different types of microorganisms on the digestive system and gut microbiome.

Conduct a study in which different groups of animals are exposed to different types of microorganisms, either through their diet or through direct exposure. The effects on their digestive system and gut microbiome could be measured through various methods such as analyzing fecal samples, measuring changes in gut pH, or monitoring the presence of certain bacteria. Comparing the results from the different groups would determine the impact of the microorganisms on the animals' digestive system and gut microbiome.

46 - How does the level of humidity affect the growth and survival of insects?

Conduct an experiment in which insects are exposed to different levels of humidity in a controlled environment. The survival rate and growth rate of the insects could be measured over a set period of time. The experiment would need to control for other variables such as temperature, food availability, and lighting. Comparing the survival and growth rates of the insects in different humidity levels would determine the impact of humidity on their growth and survival.

47 - Investigating the effects of different types of radiation on the genetic material and DNA replication.

Cultivate a sample of cells in a controlled environment and expose them to different types of radiation, such as gamma rays or UV light. The cells would then be monitored for changes in their genetic material, such as mutations or damage to DNA replication. The results could be compared to a control group that was not exposed to radiation to determine the effects of each type of radiation on the cells. Additional experiments could be conducted to investigate the long-term effects of radiation exposure on the cells.

48 - How does the level of soil salinity affect the growth and survival of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are grown in soil with varying levels of salinity. An appropriate range of salinity levels and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate and survival rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height, mass, and number of leaves over a set period of time. Comparing the growth and survival rates of the different groups would determine the impact of soil salinity on the plant's growth and survival. Additionally, the concentration of ions in the soil could be measured to determine the relationship between soil salinity and plant growth.

49 - Investigating the effects of different types of antibiotics on bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance.

Set up a series of petri dishes with agar and bacterial cultures. Each dish would contain a different antibiotic, with varying concentrations. The dishes would be incubated for a set period of time, and the growth of the bacteria would be measured. The results would show which antibiotics were most effective at inhibiting bacterial growth, and whether any resistance had developed. Control variables such as temperature, humidity, and the type of bacteria used would need to be carefully controlled to ensure accurate results.

50 - How does the level of soil pH affect the growth and survival of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in soil with varying pH levels. An appropriate range of pH levels and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of soil pH on the plant's growth and survival. Other factors such as nutrient availability and toxicity would also need to be considered and controlled for in the experiment.

51 - Investigating the effects of different types of hormones on animal behavior and physiology.

Conduct experiments with different groups of animals, each exposed to a different hormone. The behavior and physiology of the animals would be monitored and recorded over a set period of time. Control variables such as diet, environment, and age would need to be maintained across all groups. Comparing the results of the different groups would determine the effects of each hormone on the animals' behavior and physiology. Statistical analysis could be used to determine the significance of the results.

52 - How does the level of water availability affect the growth and survival of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in different levels of water availability, ranging from drought conditions to optimal watering. The growth rate, survival rate, and overall health of the plants would be monitored over a set period of time. The data collected would be used to determine the impact of water availability on plant growth and survival. Control variables such as light, temperature, and soil type would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

53 - Investigating the effects of different types of plant extracts on bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance.

Prepare bacterial cultures in petri dishes with different concentrations of the plant extracts. The growth of the bacteria can be observed over a set period of time, and the effectiveness of the plant extracts in inhibiting bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance can be determined by comparing the growth rates of the different groups. Control variables such as temperature and nutrient availability would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

54 - How does the level of nutrients affect the growth and development of microorganisms?

Conduct experiments in which microorganisms are grown in nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor environments. The growth rate and development of the microorganisms could be measured by tracking their population size and observing their morphology under a microscope. Comparing the growth rates and morphology of the microorganisms in the different environments would determine the impact of nutrient levels on their growth and development. Control variables such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels would need to be kept constant.

55 - Investigating the effects of different types of pollution on the reproductive systems and fertility of animals.

Select a suitable animal species and expose them to different types of pollution, such as air pollution or water pollution. The reproductive systems and fertility of the animals could be monitored over a set period of time, and compared to a control group that was not exposed to pollution. The impact of the pollution on the animals' reproductive systems and fertility could be determined by analyzing factors such as the number of offspring produced, the health of the offspring, and any abnormalities or complications observed during pregnancy or birth.

56 - How does the level of light intensity affect the growth and development of microorganisms?

Set up multiple petri dishes with agar and different levels of light intensity, ranging from complete darkness to bright light. Inoculate each dish with the same strain of microorganisms and incubate them for a set period of time. The growth of the microorganisms can be measured by counting the number of colonies or by measuring the turbidity of the culture. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of light intensity on the growth and development of the microorganisms. Control variables such as temperature, nutrient availability, and humidity would need to be maintained throughout the experiment.

57 - Investigating the effects of different types of food on the metabolism and energy balance of humans.

Conduct a randomized controlled trial in which participants are assigned to different groups and given different types of food to eat for a set period of time. The participants' energy intake, metabolism, and weight would be measured before and after the intervention to determine the impact of the different types of food on their energy balance. Other factors such as physical activity levels and sleep patterns would also need to be controlled for to ensure accurate results.

58 - How does the level of nutrients affect the growth and development of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in different nutrient solutions with varying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The growth rate, height, and mass of the plants could be measured over a set period of time to determine the impact of the nutrient levels on their growth and development. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant. The results could be analyzed to determine the optimal nutrient levels for plant growth and development.

59 - Investigating the effects of different types of hormones on plant growth and development.

Set up an experiment in which different groups of plants are treated with different types and concentrations of hormones. The growth rate, height, and mass of the plants could be measured over a set period of time. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the hormones on the plant's growth and development. Additional measurements such as leaf size, root length, and flower production could also be taken to further analyze the effects of the hormones.

60 - How does the level of water quality affect the growth and survival of aquatic organisms?

Set up multiple aquariums with varying levels of water quality, such as different levels of pollutants or pH. Introduce the same species of aquatic organism into each aquarium and monitor their growth and survival over a set period of time. The growth rate and survival rate of the organisms can be compared between the different aquariums to determine the impact of water quality on their growth and survival. Control variables such as temperature and feeding schedules should be kept consistent across all aquariums.

Remember to come up with your own original IA topic and check it with your teacher. It should be practical to conduct and relevant to the syllabus. Even A-Level Biology tutors say that this is a great opportunity to develop your personal interests, while advancing your knowledge of the Biology curriculum.

How can I prepare for the IA?

To prepare for the IA, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their biology course and should practice writing lab reports. They should also seek feedback from their teachers on their writing skills and their understanding of the research process. IB tutors provide personalized guidance and can help students understand complex topics and achieve higher grades as well.

TutorChase's IB resources , including IB Biology Q&A Revision Notes , are perfect for students who want to get a 7 in their IB Biology exams and also prepare for the internal assessment. They are completely free, cover all topics in depth, also have IB Biology past papers and are structured by topic so you can easily keep track of your progress.

How is the IA graded?

The IA is worth 20% of the final grade for the IB biology course, whether you are studying at Higher or at Standard Level. It is graded by the student’s teacher, who is trained and certified by the International Baccalaureate organization. The report is then sent to a moderator, who will check that the report adheres to the IB guidelines and that the grade awarded is appropriate.

Online Biology tutors emphasise that it is important for students to be familiar with the assessment criteria for the biology internal assessment. These criteria are used to grade the laboratory report and reflective statement, and include aspects such as the quality of the research question, the methodology used, the data analysis, and the conclusion. Students should also make sure that their report is well-written and properly formatted, and that it includes all the required sections.

Recent Changes to the IB Biology IA Guidelines

The IB has recently updated the guidelines for the Biology IA to better reflect the evolving nature of biological research and education. These changes include a greater focus on the application of biological principles to real-world situations, a more structured approach to reflective statements, and updated word count and grading criteria. It is important for students to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure they meet the new expectations.

Source: IB Biology Subject Guide, pre-May 2025

In summary, the IA in the IB is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the biology curriculum, as well as their ability to conduct independent research. It consists of a laboratory report and a reflective statement, and is worth 20% of the final grade for the course. To prepare for the assessment, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their IB Biology.

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Extended Essay: Sciences: Biology

• Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
• Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
• Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
• Step 4 - Finding Sources
• Step 5 - Evaluating Information
• Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
• Step 7 - Organizing Information
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• Assessment Criteria
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• Investigation

Extended Essay in Biology

Extended Essays in Biology

Choosing a topic

Choosing a Topic

Biology is the science that deals with living organisms and life processes. A biology EE should incorporate biological theory and emphasize why it is relevant today.

The topic must relates specifically to biology. Many topics can be approached from different viewpoints, but for an EE in biology the treatment of the topic must be clearly biological. For example, an EE in an interdisciplinary area such as biochemistry will, if registered under the subject of biology, be judged solely on its biological content.

Disease, for example, could be considered through many different lenses. A biology paper about diseases would focus on their impact on particular organisms or life processes, and not on medical treatment, or the economic effects of the disease on society.

Approaches to research

Primary Research

Essays in biology may be based on data collected by the student through:

Essays that involve lab work, or fieldwork, should include a clear and concise description of the experimental procedure. Students taking an experimental approach must also consult secondary sources.

Secondary Research

Students can base their essays on data or information obtained from literature (secondary studies). However, in this case they should use the data in an original way. Essays that simply restate facts or data taken directly from the sources are of little value.

Biology Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. And students relying entirely on secondary sources will need to find sources not only of written information but also experimental data which they can analyze.

Writing the Essay

An essay in the sciences requires is more than just generating and presenting data. Analysis of the data is also essential. The main body of the essay should consist of an argument or evaluation based on the data or information presented . You can gather your own data through a variety of methods, or rely on secondary data. You should use graphs, tables, or diagrams to point out the significance of your findings.

You should ensure that the main body of the essay is well structured and has an obvious logical progression. You can use numbered and headed paragraphs to impose a clear structure. Your evaluation should show that you understand the the data they have collected and its significance to the world.

In your analysis, you should also describe and explain the limitations imposed on the research by factors such as

• the suitability and reliability of the sources accessed
• accuracy and precision of measuring equipment
• sample size
• validity and reliability of statistics

Students  should also consider biological limitations such as:

• those arising from the problem of repeatability and control when using living material
• the difficulties of generalizing from research based on a single type of organism or environment.

Exceptions for Safety and Academic Honesty

Safety and Ethics in Choosing a Topic

In all cases where human subjects are used as the basis for an investigation, clear evidence of informed consent must be provided in accordance with the IB guidelines.

Some topics may be inadmissible because their means of investigation are unethical. For example, investigations that:

• are based on experiments likely to inflict pain on, or cause stress to, living organisms
• are likely to have a harmful effect on health, eg culturing micro-organisms at or near body temperature (37°C)
• involve access to, or publication of, confidential medical information.

Some topics may be unsuitable because of safety issues. Adequate safety apparatus and qualified supervision is required for experiments involving dangerous substances such as:

• toxic or dangerous chemicals
• carcinogenic substances
• radioactive materials.

Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard textbooks.

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4 Simple Steps You Can Follow to Ace Your Research Investigation for 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:

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:

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. 

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

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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.

• Topics: 🧬 Biology , ✍️ Learn

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Biology EE Topics: How to Choose, Plus Good Examples

by  Antony W

September 3, 2022

Have you scoured the web for Biology EE topics but came out empty? Or maybe you’ve considered writing an EE in the subject but you still have no idea what to focus your research on?

You’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best biology extended essay topic to explore in your assignment. In addition, we’ll give you some topic ideas as well as teach you how to treat the topic you choose.  

What’s the Purpose of a Biology Extended Essay? 

An extended essay in biology allows you to apply biological knowledge while conducting research on a topic of personal interest within the area of biology.

A concentration on biology within the framework of a broader scientific research is what defines the nature of a biology extended essay.

How to Choose Biology EE Topics

The following are important considerations to make when selecting a topic for your biology extended essay:

1. Select a Topic Focusing Strictly on Biology

Biology is the scientific discipline concerned with living beings and biological processes. Therefore, a biology extended essay should contain biological theory and underline the subject's fundamental character.

It is essential that the emphasis of the extended essay be clearly biological and not more closely connected to another subject.

Although identical grading criteria apply to all extended essays in the experimental sciences, the topic you choose for a biology extended essay must provide a distinct biological perspective.

2. Avoid Topics That May Cause Harm

Certain topics are inappropriate for research due to ethical concerns. Investigations based on trials that are likely to cause pain or needless stress to living beings are ineligible for submission.

Investigations that are likely to have a negative impact on health, such as microorganism cultivation at or near body temperature, or that may require access to or release of personal medical information are inappropriate.

Some topics may not be acceptable for examination due to safety concerns.

You need to avoid experiments involving the use of poisonous or hazardous chemicals, carcinogenic compounds, or radioactive materials, unless proper safety equipment and trained supervision are available.

3. Avoid Obvious Topics

Other topics may be inappropriate because the conclusion is already well known and documented in standard textbooks.

Biology Extended Essay Writing Help

Are you finding Biology Extended Essay topic selection process tedious? Have you selected a topic but have no idea how to proceed?

Or maybe you have other overwhelming assignments waiting for you and you can’t find the time to complete an EE in this subject?

We’re here to help. 

You can  buy an EE in Biology online   from Help for Assessment and get professional writing help within your time limit Whether you have a week left before submitting your first draft or you’re planning to attend the last reflection meeting to present your final draft, our writers are here to help.

Our writing service involves topic selection, preliminary research, development of a research issue, and writing and editing.

The topic we select is strictly within Biology, and we come up with research issues that we can address within the scope of the Biology Extended Essay assignment. 

10+ Biology Extended Essay Topics

The following are 20+ examples of Biology Extended Essay topics. You can pick a topic from the list, modify it further, and share it with your supervisor for review.

Or you can use this list as an inspiration to help you come up with a topic that would suit your research.  

• Determine the link between the growth hormone indole acetic acid and the growth of X.
• How much do living cultures in dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese lower the lactose content after 2 hours of incubation?
• The connection between photoreceptor cells in the human retina, “age, and gender."
• Are commercial techniques of oral rinse (mouthwash) more efficient at preventing the growth of Micrococcus luteus than traditional methods of oral hygiene?
• Which of hand sanitizer, hand soap, or antibacterial wipes inhibits the development of E. coli the most effectively?
• Investigating the time necessary for two distinct species of tadpoles to attain metamorphic climax from the pre-metamorphosis stage at four different temperatures
• How much does a 2-hour incubation at 37°C lower the lactose content in yogurts containing live cultures?
• The effect do different light combinations on the movement of red-eared sliders, in relation to the position of the light sources.
• What is the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among kids at Tanglin Trust School, and what are the related risk factors?
• Investigate the antibacterial effects of copper, barium, and silver on bacterial growth.
• Photo acclimation is the capacity of diverse symbiodinium-hosting coral species to endure aberrant light circumstances.
• Is it feasible for plants in the same ecosystem to act differently?
• The risk of painkillers and similar medications to the human brain
• Near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor are indications of life's development on Earth.
• Current ideas and evidence concerning the molecular reasons responsible for the rising prevalence of allergy disorders in industrialized nations
• Blood group relative frequencies in distinct geographic locations used to trace ancient migrations of humans.
• How millennia of breeding have caused domesticated dogs to respond to eye contact through bonding (by producing oxytocin hormone)
• An examination of malnourished children in Indonesia and the degree of their recovery following a period of supervised increased nutrition.
• The competitive and evolutionary nature of Paramecium Bursaria’s symbiotic connection

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide for Biology Extended Essay
• Learn About Chemistry EE From This Guide
• A List of Mathematics Extended Essay Topics

How to Analyze Your Biology Extended Essay Topic

You should explain early in the essay how you formulated the research topic and, if applicable, how you narrowed it by briefly elaborating on any relevant elements.

You should develop one or more hypotheses, especially since a single, well-formulated inquiry can generate a handful of specific hypotheses.

It’s possible to base your biology extended essays on data obtained through experiments, survey, microscopic observations, biological sketching, fieldwork, or any acceptable biological method.

Alternately, you can base the essay on facts or information collected from literature, ideally from primary sources, then alter or analyze in an innovative way. 

If you’re working on an essay that requires laboratory or fieldwork test, you should provide a clear and brief description of the experimental methodology.

Explain how you chose the research technique and methodology, as well as any options that you investigated but rejected.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve given you a list of 10+ Biology extended essay topics, it should be easy for you to identify an area to explore.

It can be an area you’re always interested in or a topic that you’ve always wanted to explore.

You should do research for your essay under the direct supervision of a supervisor.

Regardless of where or under what conditions you conduct studies, you must demonstrate your personal contribution to the research methodology and selection of methodologies in the essay.

Generating and presenting data should not be a goal in and of itself. Remember, proper scientific analysis is vital.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

IB Biology IA ideas (30+ topics) - A Goldmine You Can't Ignore.

Unleash your potential in IB Biology with our exclusive list of 30+ captivating IA ideas! Discover the secrets to scoring top marks & nail your IA now!

Table of content

Sitting in that quiet corner, sipping hot chocolate, hoping it rains IB Biology IA ideas, instead, going blank and utterly confused?

We don't want that to happen, do we? 

Choosing the perfect IB Biology IA idea is only the first step in making one's IB Biology Investigation, but definitely, the most significant. IB Biology IA Ideas won't strike out of the blue, but here's a list of  30+ IB Biology IA ideas  to inspire and stimulate your grey cells! Selecting an IBxq Biology IA idea has always been challenging! 

Before we look for IB Biology IA ideas, let's clearly comprehend the  IB Biology Diploma Programme Subject , its objectives, partwise breakdown, and what IB expects of you.

The IB IAs are essential to one's overall subject performance since they make up 20% of the final score. Internal Assessments are the perfect way to get students to put their knowledge to use by Observing, Questioning, and Investigating.   Personal engagement ,  Exploration ,  Analysis ,  Evaluation ,  and   Communication  are the criteria against which the investigation is assessed.            

The sure-shot way to ace one's IB Biology IA, or any IA, is by picking a topic that sparks one's interest. A well-planned , structured, and executed  IA has been undertaken with zeal and enthusiasm. It is all the same when choosing that one Biology IA idea from a platter full of inspiration. 

Before we dive more in-depth, you should check out our  premium IB Biology SL Notes  to own your Biology SL papers! Along with a bundle of  Past Papers , these  premium SL notes  include guides for your  Extended Essay  and  Internal Assessments  with helpful examples! You certainly want to take advantage of these! Browse  these  for more information! 

When it comes to selecting from several IB Biology IA ideas for your investigation, it is essential to note that your IA would either require you to:

• Carry out experimental research in the laboratory or
• Draw interpretation from a credible database or
• Make a detailed analysis using a simulation/modelling.

Either way, you must connect to your topic and portray personal engagement as it lays the foundation for the rest of your investigation. Proper research is a bare minimum, and the rest follows. Here's a quick summary of how you are supposed to choose an appropriate IB Biology IA idea for your report:

• Know your interest:  Go through several IA ideas to understand what all topics are in sync with the IB Biology curriculum and if something grabs your attention, hold on to it!
• Keep it specific:  The idea should be more generic and more complex. An ideal IA idea reeks of originality and leaves room for proper investigation and analysis.
• Let it be realistic:  Outline the Equipment, time, and resources to check its feasibility.

Tada! There you go! 

Now that you know how to settle on that one perfect topic, let's quickly brief ourselves on the proper planning and procedure involved in the making of an IB Biology IA:

Concise Research Question:  

Your Research Question and the Aim of the Investigation are separate sub-headings with different implications. Keep the research question brief and relevant. The Aim answers Why while the Research Question answers the What.

• It is essential to set the Research Question in the background of the chosen topic. My Background, IB expects you to briefly explain what encouraged you to select a particular topic and, hopefully, a personal story that validates your choice and engagement. For instance, if you choose to investigate how light levels affect the predation of peppered moths, you could set a background that you have gained a fascination for that species ever since it was introduced to you for some explanation in your regular classes and eventually give more scientific basis for your choice.
• Independent, Dependent variables need to be highlighted, as should the hypothesis. State your hypothesis; it is important in the context of your research. Constraints, if any, need to be mentioned as well. Remember, the Independent variable is one that you are allowed to change(just one); the Dependent variable is one that you measure as it changes with the Independent variable; all the other experiment conditions must be kept constant to ensure that the experiment is fair.
• The procedure used should be well structured.
• Tables, Graphs, etc., should be used.
• Perform the relevant analysis, consider the research question, and conclude. 
• Limitations and Improvements should be specified.

Acknowledging the safety protocols established by IB and considering the ethical aspects of your investigation is imperative. 

Focus on the question:

"If there are any ethical implications to your report, how do you plan on minimizing the environmental impact of your experiment?" 

Citing documents/web pages and giving references is another crucial aspect of your IA that needs to be taken care of. 

An important thing to note here is that although you are allowed to take inspiration from existing research, papers/journals, you are expected to give a novel perspective to the idea while producing it in your investigation.

For example, an idea inspired by how the soil pH affects seed germination could be investigated in a new light; think of other factors controlling/affecting seed germination. You could progress further in your report with a focus on quantitative data.

With all the necessary information at your disposal, it is time to present some fantastic IB Biology IA ideas to encourage you to put your thinking caps on and take on the challenge with newfound zeal! These ideas are meant to give you a little head start along this path; your final IB Biology Investigation idea is your interpretation of one.

Without further adieu, let's dive headfirst into  30+ IB Biology IA ideas  for your Biology IA Investigation!

• Reference to Course:   Molecular Biology  (Metabolism, Cell Respiration, Photosynthesis)
• Lab, Simulation-based
• Reference to Course:  Molecular Biology (Metabolism, Cell Respiration, Photosynthesis)
• Experimental 
• Reference to Course:  Cell Biology (Membrane Structure)
• Experimental
• Reference to Course:  Plant Biology
• Reference to Course:  Molecular Biology (Enzymes)
• Reference to Course:  Cell Biology
• Simulation/Modelling
• Reference to Course:  Cell Biology (Osmosis)
• Database based
• Reference to Course:   Molecular Biology (Enzymes)
• Reference to Course:  Ecology
• Reference to Course:  Microbiology
• Reference to Course:  Molecular Biology(Enzymes)
• Experimental, Simulation-based
• Reference to Course:  Buffers
• Reference to Course:  Human Physiology
• Reference to Course:  Molecular Biology(Enzymes)
• Simulation Analysis
• Database, Experimental
• Reference to Course:  Plants Physiology

These ideas are for you to start exploring and begin! Take inspiration from these and research further to land on that one idea that gets you going!

But is that it? Certainly not! 

Here are a couple of other ideas you could browse and eventually take inspiration from:

• Effect of Different Fertilizers on  Eutrophication .
• Analyzing Milk Spoilage under varying conditions of Temperature, Sunlight, etc.
• Exploring how a particular variable affects the  germination of seeds .
• Investigating the rate of oxygen production of seaweed with variation in light intensity.
• To prevent microbial growth, explore better ways to clean household items(for example - mats).
• Studying the effect of temperature on photosynthesis in Green Gram(Vigna Radiata).
• Understanding what effect different ethanol concentrations have on cell membranes.
• Studying the biology behind  Schizophrenia .
• Investigating the decay time of different  Genetically Modified Foods .
• Understanding the impact of different variables on vegetable decay/ Exploring other methods to prevent vegetable decay.

And that's that!

These little ideas will help you brainstorm and explore further the vast yet intriguing expanse of biology. IB Biology curriculum expects you to appreciate scientific problems in a global context with stimulating opportunities, and IB Biology IAs help you accomplish just that. It might seem like a lot of work, but with the right topic, you will surpass your expectations! On this note, we wish you all the very best for your IB Biology IA Journey :)

Want some A-quality guidance? Look no further; at Nail IB, we have assembled premium content for you to ace your IBs, and you should check out our resources for a smooth IB experience. Click  here  for top-notch IB resources or to assess how your prep is going! 

This article will be a foundation for you to get going on that IB Biology IA Investigation of yours!  

IB Resources you will love!

• Open access
• Published: 26 November 2018

The 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology series: questions 94–101

Edited by Cancer Communications

Cancer Communications

Cancer Communications volume  38 , Article number:  69 ( 2018 ) Cite this article

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Since the beginning of 2017, Cancer Communications (former title: Chinese Journal of Cancer ) has published a series of important questions regarding cancer research and clinical oncology, to provide an enhanced stimulus for cancer research, and to accelerate collaborations between institutions and investigators. In this edition, the following 8 valuable questions are presented. Question 94. The origin of tumors: time for a new paradigm? Question 95. How can we accelerate the identification of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? Question 96. Can we improve the treatment outcomes of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through precision medicine guided by a combination of the genetic and proteomic information of the tumor? Question 97. What are the parameters that determine a competent immune system that gives a complete response to cancers after immune induction? Question 98. Is high local concentration of metformin essential for its anti-cancer activity? Question 99. How can we monitor the emergence of cancer cells anywhere in the body through plasma testing? Question 100. Can phytochemicals be more specific and efficient at targeting P-glycoproteins to overcome multi-drug resistance in cancer cells? Question 101. Is cell migration a selectable trait in the natural evolution of carcinoma?

Until now, the battle against cancer is still ongoing, but there are also ongoing discoveries being made. Milestones in cancer research and treatments are being achieved every year; at a quicker pace, as compared to decades ago. Likewise, some cancers that were considered incurable are now partly curable, lives that could not be saved are now being saved, and for those with yet little options, they are now having best-supporting care. With an objective to promote worldwide cancer research and even accelerate inter-countries collaborations, since the beginning of 2017, Cancer Communications (former title: Chinese Journal of Cancer ) has launched a program of publishing 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology [ 1 ]. We are providing a platform for researchers to freely voice-out their novel ideas, and propositions to enhance the communications on how and where our focus should be placed [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In this edition, 8 valuable and inspiring questions, Question 94–101, from highly distinguished professionals from different parts of the world are presented. If you have any novel proposition(s) and Question(s), please feel free to contact Ms. Ji Ruan via email: [email protected].

Question 94: The origin of tumors: time for a new paradigm?

Background and implications.

“There is no worse blind man than the one who doesn’t want to see. There is no worse deaf man than the one who doesn’t want to hear. And there is no worse madman than the one who doesn’t want to understand.” —Ancient Proverb

In the past half-century, cancer biologists have focused on a dogma in which cancer was viewed as a proliferative disease due to mechanisms that activate genes (oncogenes) to promote cell proliferation or inactivate genes (tumor suppressor genes) to suppress tumor growth. In retrospect, these concepts were established based on functional selections, by using tissue culture (largely mouse NIH 3T3 cells) for the selection of transformed foci at the time when we knew virtually nothing about the human genome [ 14 ]. However, it is very difficult to use these genes individually or in combinations to transform primary human cells. Further, the simplified view of uncontrolled proliferation cannot explain the tumor as being a malignant organ or a teratoma, as observed by pathologists over centuries. Recently, the cancer genomic atlas project has revealed a wide variety of genetic alterations ranging from no mutation to multiple chromosomal deletions or fragmentations, which make the identification of cancer driver mutations very challenging in a background of such a massive genomic rearrangement. Paradoxically, this increase the evidences demonstrating that the oncogenic mutations are commonly found in many normal tissues, further challenging the dogma that genetic alteration is the primary driver of this disease.

Logically, the birth of a tumor should undergo an embryonic-like development at the beginning, similar to that of a human. However, the nature of such somatic-derived early embryo has been elusive. Recently, we provided evidence to show that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), which have been previously considered non-dividing, are actually capable of self-renewal, generating viable daughter cells via amitotic budding, splitting and burst, and capable of acquisition of embryonic-like stemness [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The mode of PGCC division is remarkably similar to that of blastomere, a first step in human embryogenesis following fertilization. The blastomere nucleus continuously divides 4–5 times without cytoplasmic division to generate 16–32 cells and then to form compaction/morulae before developing into a blastocyst [ 18 ]. Based on these data and similarity to the earliest stage of human embryogenesis, I propose a new theory that tumor initiation can be achieved via a dualistic origin, similar to the first step of human embryogenesis via the formation of blastomere-like cells, i.e. the activation of blastomere or blastomere-like cells which leads to the dedifferentiation of germ cells or somatic cells, respectively, which is then followed by the differentiation to generate their respective stem cells, and the differentiation arrest at a specific developmental hierarchy leading to tumor initiation [ 19 ]. The somatic-derived blastomere-like cancer stem cell follows its own mode of cell growth and division and is named as the giant cell cycle. This cycle includes four distinct but overlapping phases: the initiation, self-renewal, termination, and stability phases. The giant cell cycle can be tracked in vitro and in vivo due to their salient giant cell morphology (Fig.  1 ).

One mononucleated polyploid giant cancer cell (PGCC) in the background of regular size diploid cancer cells. The PGCC can be seen to be at least 100 times larger than that of regular cancer cells

This new theory challenges the traditional paradigm that cancer is a proliferative disease, and proposes that the initiation of cancer requires blastomere-like division that is similar to that of humans before achieving stable proliferation at specific developmental hierarchy in at least half of all human cancers. This question calls for all investigators in the cancer research community to investigate the role of PGCCs in the initiation, progression, resistance, and metastasis of cancer and to look for novel agents to block the different stages of the giant cell cycle.

The histopathology (phenotype) of cancers has been there all the time. It is just the theory of cancer origin proposed by scientists that changes from time to time. After all, trillions of dollars have been invested in fighting this disease by basing on its genetic origin in the past half-century, yet, little insight has been gained [ 14 ]. Here are two quotes from Einstein: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results”, and “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when created them”.

In short, it is time to change our mindset and to start pursuing PGCCs, which we can observe under the microscope. But with very little understanding about these cells, it is time for a shift in paradigm.

Jinsong Liu.

Affiliation

Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4095, USA.

Email address

[email protected]

Question 95: How can we accelerate the identification of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world with a dismal 5-year overall survival rate of less than 5%; which has not been significantly improved since the past decades. Although surgical resection is the only option for curative treatment of PDAC, only 15%–20% of patients with PDAC have the chance to undergo curative resection, leaving the rest with only palliative options in hope for increasing their quality of life; since they were already at unresectable and non-curative stages at their first diagnosis.

The lack of specific symptoms in the early-stage of PDAC is responsible for rendering an early diagnosis difficult. Therefore, more sensitive and specific screening methodologies for its early detection is urgently needed to improve its diagnosis, starting early treatments, and ameliorating prognoses. The diagnosis so far relies on imaging modalities such as abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and positron emission tomography (PET). One may propose to screen for pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations, which is highly recommended, however screening intervention for all the people is not a wise choice; when considering the relatively low prevalence of PDAC, and the difficulty for diagnosing it in its early stage [ 20 ].

Therefore, alternative diagnostic tools for early detection of PDAC are highly expected. Among the biomarkers currently used in clinical practice, carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19–9) is among the most useful one for supporting the diagnosis of PDAC, but it is neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific for its early detection. Yachida et al. reported in 2010 that the initiating mutation in the pancreas occurs approximately two decades before the PDAC to start growing in distant organs [ 21 ], which indicates a broad time of the window of opportunity for the early detection of PDAC. With the advancement in next-generation sequencing technology, the number of reported studies regarding novel potential molecular biomarkers in bodily fluids including the blood, feces, urine, saliva, and pancreatic juice for early detection of PDAC has been increasing. Such biomarkers may be susceptible to detect mutations at the genetic or epigenetic level, identifying important non-coding RNA (especially microRNA and long non-coding RNA), providing insights regarding the metabolic profiles, estimating the tumor level in liquid biopsies (circulating free DNA, circulating tumor cells and exosomes), and so on.

Another approach to identifying biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer is using animal models. In spontaneous animal models of pancreatic cancer, such as Kras-mutated mouse models, it is expected that by high throughput analyses of the genetic/epigenetic/proteomic alterations, some novel biomarkers might be able to be identified. For instance, Sharma et al. reported in 2017 that the detection of phosphatidylserine-positive exosomes enabled the diagnosis of early-stage malignancies in LSL-Kras G12D , Cdkn2a lox/lox : p48 Cre and LSL-Kras G12d/+ , LSL-Trp R172H/+ , and P48 Cre mice [ 22 ].

These analyses in clinical samples or animal models hold the clues for the early detection of PDAC, however, further studies are required to validate their diagnostic performance. What’s most important, will be the lining-up of these identified prospective biomarkers, to validate their sensitivities and specificities. This will determine their potential for widespread clinical applicability, and hopefully, accelerate the early diagnosis of PDAC.

Mikiya Takao 1,2 , Hirotaka Matsuo 2 , Junji Yamamoto 1 , and Nariyoshi Shinomiya 2 .

1 Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan; 2 Department of Integrative Physiology and Bio-Nano Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.

E-mail address

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Question 96: Can we improve the treatment outcomes of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through precision medicine guided by a combination of the genetic and proteomic information of the tumor?

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant cancers, and nearly half of the patients had metastatic PDAC when they are initially diagnosed. When they are accompanied by metastatic tumors, unlike most solid cancer, PDAC cannot be cured with primary surgical resection alone [ 23 , 24 ]. Also, since PDAC has poor responses to conventional therapies, improvements in adjunctive treatment approach including chemo- and immuno-therapy are earnestly required. From this standpoint, recent results regarding the differences in the molecular evolution of pancreatic cancer subtypes provide a new insight into its therapeutic development [ 25 ], which may lead to the improvement of the prognosis of not only metastatic PDAC but also of locally advanced or recurrent PDAC.

In fact, new chemotherapeutic regimens such as the combination of gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX have been reported to show improved prognosis despite a lack of examples of past successes in the treatment of patients with metastatic PDAC who had undergone R0 resection [ 26 ]. While many mutations including KRAS , CDKN2A , TP53, and SMAD4 are associated with pancreatic carcinogenesis, no effective molecular targeted drug has been introduced in the clinical setting so far. A recent report of a phase I/II study on refametinib, a MEK inhibitor, indicated that KRAS mutation status might affect the overall response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival of PDAC in combination with gemcitabine [ 27 ].

While immunotherapy is expected to bring a great improvement in cancer treatment, until now, immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved limited clinical benefit for patients with PDAC. This might be because PDAC creates a uniquely immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, where tumor-associated immunosuppressive cells and accompanying desmoplastic stroma prevent the tumor cells from T cell infiltration. Recently reported studies have indicated that immunotherapy might be effective when combined with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor [ 28 ] or IL-6 inhibitor [ 29 ], but more studies are required to validate their use in clinical practice.

As such, we believe that if the dynamic monitoring of drug sensitivity/resistance in the individual patients is coupled with precision treatment based on individualized genetics/epigenetics/proteomics alterations in the patients’ tumor, this could improve the treatment outcomes of PDAC.

Mikiya Takao 1,2 , Hirotaka Matsuo 2 , Junji Yamamoto 1 , and Nariyoshi Shinomiya 2.

Question 97: What are the parameters that determine a competent immune system that gives a complete response to cancers after immune induction?

Recently, cancer immunotherapy has shown great clinical benefit in multiple types of cancers [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. It has provided new approaches for cancer treatment. However, it has been observed that only a fraction of patients respond to immunotherapy.

Much effort has been made to identify markers for immunotherapeutic response. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, PD-L1 expression, and tumor infiltration lymphocyte (TIL) have been found to be associated with an increased response rate in checkpoint blockade therapies. Unfortunately, a precise prediction is still challenging in this field. Moreover, when to stop the treatment of immunotherapy is an urgent question that remains to be elucidated.

In other words, there is no available approach to determine if a patient has generated a good immune response against the cancer after immunotherapy treatments. All of these indicate the complexity and challenges that reside for implementing novel man-induced cancer-effective immune response therapeutics. A variety of immune cells play collaborative roles at different stages to recognize antigens and eventually to generate an effective anti-cancer immune response. Given the high complexity of the immune system, a rational evaluation approach is needed to cover the whole process. Moreover, we need to perfect vaccine immunization and/or in vitro activation of T cells to augment the function of the immune system; particularly the formation of immune memory.

Edison Liu 1 , Penghui Zhou 2 , Jiang Li 2 .

1 The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; 2 Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P. R. China.

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Question 98: Is high local concentration of metformin essential for its anti-cancer activity?

Metformin was approved as a first line of anti-diabetic drug since decades. Interestingly, the fact that clinical epidemiological studies have shown that metformin can reduce the risk of a variety of cancers stimulates considerable recognition to explore its anticancer activity.

Although the in vitro and in vivo experimental results have demonstrated that metformin can have some potential anti-tumor effects, more than 100 clinical trials did not achieve such desirable results [ 33 ]. We and others believe that the main problem resides in the prescribing doses used. For cancer treatment, a much higher dose may be needed for observing any anti-tumor activities, as compared to the doses prescribed for diabetics [ 34 , 35 , 36 ].

Further, if the traditional local/oral administration approach is favored, the prescribed metformin may not be at the required dose-concentration once it reaches the blood to have the effective anti-cancer activities. We, therefore, propose that intravesical instillation of metformin into the bladder lumen could be a promising way to treat for bladder cancer, at least. We have already obtained encouraging results both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including in an orthotopical bladder cancer model [ 36 , 37 ]. Now, we are waiting to observe its prospective clinical outcome.

Mei Peng 1 , Xiaoping Yang 2 .

1 Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Changsha, Hunan 410083, P. R. China; 2 Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P. R. China.

[email protected]; [email protected]

Question 99: How can we monitor the emergence of cancer cells anywhere in the body through plasma testing?

The early detection of cancer is still a relentless worldwide challenge. The sensitivity and specificity of traditional blood tumor markers and imaging technologies are still to be greatly improved. Hence, novel approaches for the early detection of cancer are urgently needed.

The emergence of liquid biopsy technologies opens a new driveway for solving such issues. According to the definition of the National Cancer Institute of the United States, a liquid biopsy is a test done on a sample of blood to look for tumorigenic cancer cells or pieces of tumor cells’ DNA that are circulating in the blood [ 38 ]. This definition implies two main types of the current liquid biopsy: one that detects circulating tumor cells and the other that detects non-cellular material in the blood, including tumor DNA, RNA, and exosomes.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are referred to as tumor cells that have been shed from the primary tumor location and have found their way to the peripheral blood. CTCs were first described in 1869 by an Australian pathologist, Thomas Ashworth, in a patient with metastatic cancer [ 39 ]. The importance of CTCs in modern cancer research began in the mid-1990s with the demonstration that CTCs exist early in the course of the disease.

It is estimated that there are about 1–10 CTCs per mL in whole blood of patients with metastatic cancer, even fewer in patients with early-stage cancer [ 40 ]. For comparison, 1 mL of blood contains a few million white blood cells and a billion erythrocytes. The identification of CTCs, being in such low frequency, requires some special tumoral markers (e.g., EpCAM and cytokeratins) to capture and isolate them. Unfortunately, the common markers for recognizing the majority of CTCs are not effective enough for clinical application [ 41 ]. Although accumulated evidences have shown that the presence of CTCs is a strong negative prognostic factor in the patients with metastatic breast, lung and colorectal cancers, detecting CTCs might not be an ideal branch to hold on for the hope of early cancer detection [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ].

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is tumor-derived fragmented DNA in the circulatory system, which is mainly derived from the tumor cell death through necrosis and/or apoptosis [ 46 ]. Given its origin, ctDNA inherently carries cancer-specific genetic and epigenetic aberrations, which can be used as a surrogate source of tumor DNA for cancer diagnosis and prognostic prediction. Ideally, as a noninvasive tumor early screening tool, a liquid biopsy test should be able to detect many types of cancers and provide the information of tumor origin for further specific clinical management. In fact, the somatic mutations of ctDNA in different types of tumor are highly variable, even in the different individuals with the same type of tumor [ 47 ]. Additionally, most tumors do not possess driver mutations, with some notable exceptions, which make the somatic mutations of ctDNA not suitable for early detection of the tumor.

Increased methylation of the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes is an early event in many types of tumor, suggesting that altered ctDNA methylation patterns could be one of the first detectable neoplastic changes associated with tumorigenesis [ 48 ]. ctDNA methylation profiling provides several advantages over somatic mutation analysis for cancer detection including higher clinical sensitivity and dynamic range, multiple detectable methylation target regions, and multiple altered CpG sites within each targeted genomic region. Further, each methylation marker is present in both cancer tissue and ctDNA, whereas only a fraction of mutations present in cancer tissue could be detected in ctDNA.

In 2017, there were two inspiring studies that revealed the values of using ctDNA methylation analysis for cancer early diagnosis [ 49 , 50 ]. After partitioning the human genome into blocks of tightly coupled CpG methylation sites, namely methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs), Guo and colleagues performed tissue-specific methylation analyses at the MHBs level to accurately determine the tissue origin of the cancer using ctDNA from their enrolled patients [ 49 ]. In another study, Xu and colleagues identified a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) enriched methylation marker panel by comparing the HCC tissue and blood leukocytes from normal individuals and showed that methylation profiles of HCC tumor DNA and matched plasma ctDNA were highly correlated. In this study, after quantitative measurement of the methylation level of candidate markers in ctDNA from a large cohort of 1098 HCC patients and 835 normal controls, ten methylation markers were selected to construct a diagnostic prediction model. The proposed model demonstrated a high diagnostic specificity and sensitivity, and was highly correlated with tumor burden, treatment response, and tumor stage [ 50 ].

With the rapid development of highly sensitive detection methods, especially the technologies of massively parallel sequencing or next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays and digital PCR (dPCR), we strongly believe that the identification of a broader “pan-cancer” methylation panel applied for ctDNA analyses, probably in combination with detections of somatic mutation and tumor-derived exosomes, would allow more effective screening for common cancers in the near future.

Edison Liu 1 , Hui-Yan Luo 2 .

[email protected]; [email protected]

Question 100: Can phytochemicals be more specific and efficient at targeting P-glycoproteins to overcome multi-drug resistance in cancer cells?

Though several anticancer agents are approved to treat different types of cancers, their full potentials have been limited due to the occurrence of drug resistance. Resistance to anticancer drugs develops by a variety of mechanisms, one of which is increased drug efflux by transporters. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp or multi-drug resistance protein 1 [MDRP1]) has been extensively studied and is known to play a major role in the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy [ 51 ]. In brief, overexpressed P-gp efflux out a wide variety of anticancer agents (e.g.: vinca alkaloids, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, etc.), leading to a lower concentration of these drugs inside cancer cells, thereby resulting in MDR. Over the past three decades, researchers have developed several synthetic P-gp inhibitors to block the efflux of anticancer drugs and have tested them in clinical trials, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. But none were found to be suitable enough in overcoming MDR and to be released for marketing, mainly due to the side effects associated with cross-reactivity towards other ABC transporters (BCRP and MRP-1) and the inhibition of CYP450 drug metabolizing enzymes [ 52 , 53 ].

On the other hand, a number of phytochemicals have been reported to have P-gp inhibitory activity. Moreover, detailed structure–activity studies on these phytochemicals have delineated the functional groups essential for P-gp inhibition [ 53 , 54 ]. Currently, one of the phytochemicals, tetrandrine (CBT-1 ® ; NSC-77037), is being used in a Phase I clinical trial ( http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov ; NCT03002805) in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of metastatic sarcoma. Before developing phytochemicals or their derivatives as P-gp inhibitors, they need to be investigated thoroughly for their cross-reactivity towards other ABC transporters and CYP450 inhibition, in order to avoid toxicities similar to the older generation P-gp inhibitors that have failed in clinical trials.

Therefore, the selectivity for P-gp over other drug transporters and drug metabolizing enzymes should be considered as important criterias for the development of phytochemicals and their derivatives for overcoming MDR.

Mohane Selvaraj Coumar and Safiulla Basha Syed.

Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India.

[email protected]; [email protected]

Question 101: Is cell migration a selectable trait in the natural evolution of carcinoma?

The propensity of solid tumor malignancy to metastasize remains the main cause of cancer-related death, an extraordinary unmet clinical need, and an unanswered question in basic cancer research. While dissemination has been traditionally viewed as a late process in the progression of malignant tumors, amount of evidence indicates that it can occur early in the natural history of cancer, frequently when the primary lesion is still barely detectable.

A prerequisite for cancer dissemination is the acquisition of migratory/invasive properties. However, whether, and if so, how the migratory phenotype is selected for during the natural evolution of cancer and what advantage, if any, it may provide to the growing malignant cells remains an open issue. The answers to these questions are relevant not only for our understating of cancer biology but also for the strategies we adopt in an attempt of curbing this disease. Frequently, indeed, particularly in pharmaceutical settings, targeting migration has been considered much like trying “to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted” and no serious efforts in pursuing this aim has been done.

We argue, instead, that migration might be an intrinsic cancer trait that much like proliferation or increased survival confers to the growing tumor masses with striking selective advantages. The most compelling evidence in support for this contention stems from studies using mathematical modeling of cancer evolution. Surprisingly, these works highlighted the notion that cell migration is an intrinsic, selectable property of malignant cells, so intimately intertwined with more obvious evolutionarily-driven cancer traits to directly impact not only on the potential of malignant cells to disseminate but also on their growth dynamics, and ultimately provide a selective evolutionary advantage. Whether in real life this holds true remains to be assessed, nevertheless, work of this kind defines a framework where the acquisition of migration can be understood in a term of not just as a way to spread, but also to trigger the emergence of malignant clones with favorable genetic or epigenetic traits.

Alternatively, migratory phenotypes might emerge as a response to unfavorable conditions, including the mechanically challenging environment which tumors, and particularly epithelial-derived carcinoma, invariably experience. Becoming motile, however, may not per se being fixed as phenotypic advantageous traits unless it is accompanied or is causing the emergence of specific traits, including drug resistance, self-renewal, and survival. This might be the case, for example, during the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is emerging as an overarching mechanism for dissemination. EMT, indeed, may transiently equip individual cancer cells not only with migratory/invasive capacity but also with increased resistance to drug treatment, stemness potential at the expanse of fast proliferation.

Thus, within this framework targeting pro-migratory genes, proteins and processes may become a therapeutically valid alternative or a complementary strategy not only to control carcinoma dissemination but also its progression and development.

Giorgio Scita.

IFOM, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), School of Medicine, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Italy.

[email protected]

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• Tumor origin
• Polyploid giant cancer cell
• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Liquid biopsy
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• Chemotherapy
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• Circulating tumor DNA
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• Phytochemicals
• P-Glycoprotein
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Empowering Disabled Voices: A Practical Guide for Methodological Shifts in Biology Education Research

• Ariel Chasen
• Mariel A. Pfeifer

Department of STEM Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712

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*Address correspondence to: Mariel A. Pfeifer ( E-mail Address: [email protected] ).

Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677

Biology education research provides important guidance for educators aiming to ensure access for disabled students. However, there is still work to be done in developing similar guidelines for research settings. By using critical frameworks that amplify the voices of people facing multiple forms of marginalization, there is potential to transform current biology education research practices. Many biology education researchers are still in the early stages of understanding critical disability frameworks, such as Disability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit), which consists of seven tenets designed to explore the intersecting experiences of ableism and racism. Our Research Methods Essay uses DisCrit as a model framework and pulls from other related critical disability frameworks to empower disabled voices in biology education research. Drawing from existing scholarship, we discuss how biology education researchers can design, conduct, and share research findings. Additionally, we highlight strategies that biology education scholars can use in their research to support access for participants. We propose the creation and sharing of Access and Equity Maps to help plan—and make public—the steps researchers take to foster access in their research. We close by discussing frequently asked questions researchers may encounter in taking on critical frameworks, such as DisCrit.

INTRODUCTION

A wealth of disability-related research and scholarship shows that biology education, as a field, is clearly interested in disability as a matter of diversity. Much existing biology education research about disability predominantly addresses education and classroom practices that can promote equity, inclusion, access, and justice for students with disabilities. For example, Reinholz and Ridgway (2021) introduced the field to a framework called Disability Justice and offered concrete strategies for instructors to promote access talk in their teaching. Orndorf and colleagues ( 2022 ) described the design and implementation of a conference for biology educators and American Sign Language interpreters to explore and model Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in biology instruction. Hales (2020) offered examples of inclusive language for genetics instructors to use when discussing topics related to disability. Additional research in biology education has investigated experiences of disability in specific contexts. These contexts include the experiences of disability in research (e.g., Gin et al. , 2022 ), active learning (e.g., Gin et al. , 2020 ), and in biology courses when students are asked to speak in front of the entire class (e.g., Busch et al. , 2023 ). Other biology education research has focused on the experiences of students with disabilities 1 in specific groups such as those with depression (e.g., Cooper et al. , 2020b ; Busch et al. , 2022 ; Mohammed et al. , 2022 ; Araghi et al. , 2023 ), anxiety (e.g., England et al. , 2017 ; Cooper et al. , 2018 ; Brigati et al. , 2020 ; Downing et al. , 2020 ; Hsu and Goldsmith, 2021 ; Mohammed et al. , 2021 ), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (e.g., Pfeifer et al. , 2020 , 2021 , 2023 ), and the Deaf community ( Braun et al. , 2017 , 2018 ; Gormally, 2017 ; Gormally and Marchut, 2017 ; Majocha et al. , 2018 ; Marchut and Gormally, 2019 ). These contributions tend to advocate for crucial changes in biology classrooms and research mentoring, yet our field is still developing strategies to promote equity, inclusion, access, and justice for students with disabilities in the research process itself.

The purpose of our Research Methods Essay is to offer suggestions in how to design research processes that center disability and additional facets of individuals’ identities using critical perspectives. We attempt to accomplish our aim by using one particular framework called Disability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit) as a model. DisCrit has not been widely used in biology education research, to date. Yet the theory is suited to address questions about topics such as the social constructions of race and ability, material and psychological impacts of ableism and racism, and the legal and historical aspects of ability and race. Identifying these legal and historical aspects can shed light on the origins of policies or practices that lead to the denial of educational rights in biology contexts and help explain how our current status quo came to be and is (re)created in the biology education research structures we propagate.

In our article, we briefly explain the history of DisCrit and introduce the theory. From there, we walk readers through four phases of the research process. We highlight some potential applications of DisCrit and share strategies from additional disability-related frameworks that biology education scholars can apply to empower disabled voices throughout the research process. We contextualize the strategies we share using examples from a hypothetical biology education research study conducted by Dr. Okazaki and a team of participant-researchers. We propose and model the use of an “Access and Equity Map” as a tool to guide researchers’ decisions in the data collection process. We close our Research Methods Essay by discussing 1) the importance of equitably compensating participant-researchers, 2) strategies researchers may wish to consider when balancing nuance in their analysis with participants’ anonymity and confidentiality, and 3) some of the potential barriers researchers may encounter when taking up and implementing DisCrit-informed scholarship.

Two broad theoretical perspectives, the medical and social model, often guide disability-related research. How the medical and social models of disability developed and tenets of each are discussed and reviewed elsewhere (e.g., Berghs et al. , 2016 ; Haegele and Hodge, 2016 ; Gin et al. , 2020 ). Briefly, the medical model understands disability to be an individual deficit in need of a cure. The social model—which is heterogenous in that it is comprised of pockets of subtheories (e.g., Pfeiffer, 2002a , 2002b )—broadly understands the hardship associated with disability to arise from structural and societal barriers placed on people with disabilities. The social model and scholarship stemming from the model sees disability/ability as socially constructed. For more discussion of the social construction of ability, we refer readers to familiarize themselves with geographies of exclusion ( Beneke et al. , 2022 ), smartness as property ( Leonardo and Broderick, 2011 ) as well as a general history of disability as justification for exclusion ( Baynton, 2013 ). In the following sections, we highlight the evolution of theory within Critical Disability Studies in preparation for discussing how we can use these ideas to foster equity for disabled people in biology education research. We focus on theories related to DisCrit as we use DisCrit framework as a model for the methods we present in the article.

Overview of Theoretical Developments in Critical Disability Studies

As scholarship about disability developed across disciplines, Disability Studies 2 emerged as a field and advanced the social model (see Figure 1 and accompanying Image Description). The social model and its scholarship were additionally critiqued as mostly benefiting white men with physical disabilities and failing to fully address other lived experiences, such as those of disabled women and disabled people of color (e.g., Bell, 2006 ; Reid and Knight, 2006 ; Meekosha and Shuttleworth, 2009 ). Furthermore, the social model of disability was criticized for oversimplifying the causes of hardship and oppression in the lives of disabled people. Because the social model focuses on understanding large-scale structural and political barriers affecting disabled people, the nuance in the lived experiences of disability can be overshadowed (e.g., Barnes and Mercer, 1996 ). From critiques and conversations about the limitations of the social model, more critically-oriented perspectives of disability emerged within Disability Studies. This body of scholarship has been referred to by different names, including the term we will use here “Critical Disability Studies” (e.g., Meekosha and Shuttleworth, 2009 ; Goodley, 2013 ; Vehmas and Watson, 2014 ).

FIGURE 1. Theoretical origins and approximate timeline of DisCrit’s emergence. The figure summarizes the foundational theoretical origins of DisCrit and includes an approximate timeline of when critically-informed, disability-specific theories emerged or gained prominence in the literature. Many of the ideas that would eventually be recognized as Disability Studies and Critical Disability Studies first appeared in scholarship before the 1980s ( Vehmas and Watson, 2014 ; Smagorinsky et al. , 2017 ). The various theories here are presented as stand-alone entities. However, these theories often intersect and draw from one another. Bolded blue outlines indicate foundational theories (squares) and key disability-specific theoretical developments (circles) in the origins of DisCrit. Description.  Figure 1 is a modified timeline diagram. The intent of the figure is to show the foundational theories of Disability Studies, Critical Disability Studies, Disability Studies in Education, and DisCrit. The figure also includes an approximate timeline of when Disability Studies, Critical Disability Studies, Disability Studies in Education and DisCrit emerged. The timeline begins in the 1980s and ends in the 2010s. The figure shows that Disability Studies’ foundational theories are the Medical Model of Disability, Critical Theory, Vygotsky’s Cultural Historical Action Theory, and the Social Model of Disability. The foundational theories for DisCrit are Critical Race Theory, Gift Theory, Black Feminist Theory, and Feminist Theory. The figure also shows that Disability Studies is closely related to Critical Disability Studies. Disability Studies is shown to emerge roughly in the early 1980s, Critical Disability Studies to emerge in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From there, the figure shows Disability Studies in Education emerges in the early 2000s, which led to the emergence of DisCrit in the early 2010s.

Scholars employing Critical Disability Studies perspectives drew from foundational theories related to disability (i.e., the medical and social models), from Critical Theory, and Vygotsky’s iteration of Cultural Historical Activity Theory ( Smagorinsky et al. , 2017 ). The aim of much Critical Disability Studies scholarship is to recognize how the tacit norms of our society and specific situations, which are replete with power dynamics, shape the experiences of disabled people ( Meekosha and Shuttleworth, 2009 ; Goodley, 2013 ; Vehmas and Watson, 2014 ). Although Critical Disability Studies identifies system-level and individual-level factors affecting disabled people, scholarship stemming from Critical Disability Studies was seen by some as failing to bring about meaningful change in the lives of disabled people, especially disabled people of color (e.g., Erevelles and Minear, 2010 ; Annamma et al. , 2013 ; Vehmas and Watson, 2014 ), leading to the emergence of several distinct but related theories that inform DisCrit. Examples of these emergent theories include Crip Theory (e.g., McRuer, 2006 ; Kafer, 2013 ), Disability Studies in Education (e.g., Baglieri et al. , 2011 ), and Disability Justice (e.g., Sins Invalid, 2017 ; Reinholz and Ridgway, 2021 ). Because DisCrit was formalized by education researchers, we consider the most salient of these emergent theories in the origin story of DisCrit to be Disability Studies in Education ( Baglieri et al. , 2011 ; Annamma et al. , 2013 ).

Disability Studies in Education developed within a movement of critically-informed special education researchers. These scholars began to problematize the positivist paradigms and often deficit-focused perspectives of students dominating special education research at the time (e.g., Gallagher, 2004a ; Baglieri et al. , 2011 ). It was clear to special education researchers using a critical perspective that special education within western societies, such as the United States, is affected by systemic racism. Readers interested in learning more about the social construction of race are encouraged to consult existing references (e.g., Jones, 2000 ; Foster and Sharp, 2002 ; Smedley and Smedley, 2005 ; Saini, 2019 ). As noted by Annamma and colleagues ( 2013 , p. 2) “a disproportionate number of nondominant racial, ethnic, and linguistic [students] continue to be referred, labeled, and placed in special education.” The persistent overrepresentation of students of color in special education programs (e.g., Thorius and Stephenson, 2012 ; Kulkarni, 2020 ) necessitated a more specific and critically-informed theory that attended to ableism and racism in educational contexts ( Annamma et al. , 2013 ). DisCrit founders did not consider existing theories at the time (i.e., Disability Studies in Education or Critical Race Theory) to offer sufficient room to deeply conceptualize the experiences of disabled and multiply marginalized people ( Annamma et al. , 2013 ). From their perspective, a new theory was needed and thus DisCrit emerged.

DisCrit in Practice

DisCrit focuses on ways that the forces of racism and ableism circulate interdependently, often in neutralized and invisible ways, to uphold notions of normalcy.

DisCrit values multidimensional identities and troubles singular notions of identity, such as race, or disability, or class, or gender, or sexuality, and so on.

DisCrit emphasizes the social constructions of race and ability and yet recognizes the material and psychological impacts of being labeled as raced or disabled, which sets one outside of western cultural norms.

DisCrit privileges voices of marginalized populations, traditionally not acknowledged within research.

DisCrit considers legal and historical aspects of disability and race and how both have been used separately and together to deny the rights of some citizens.

DisCrit recognizes whiteness and ability as property and that gains for people labeled with disabilities have largely been made as the result of interest convergence of white, middle-class citizens.

DisCrit requires activism and supports all forms of resistance.

In the following section, we draw from these tenets to formulate methodological considerations for biology education researchers using DisCrit as a framework.

METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

Designing a Study focuses on the types of research questions that align to DisCrit as well as how to meaningfully engage communities in the research process while attending to researcher’s own positionalities. Box 1 models a positionality statement written by us (the authors of the article) using guidelines from DisCrit scholars.

Collecting Data provides suggestions for defining disability in research studies and facilitating access for both participants and researchers. Box 2 addresses research question development. Box 3 provides strategies to define disability within a research study and potential wording to use in participant screening questions. Box 4 includes an Access and Equity map, along with an image description of the map. Providing detailed image descriptions can support readers’ access to visual information ( Perkins School for the Blind, 2024 ).

Analyzing Data shares perspectives on the do’s and don’ts of intersectional analysis as deep or transformative intersectional analyses are a goal of the DisCrit framework. Box 5 shows an example reflection from Dr. Okazaki and their research team about the characteristics of a transformative intersectional analysis in the context of their study.

Disseminating Findings offers creative ideas for sharing research beyond the bounds of traditional academic publishing with a mind toward the accessibility of findings. Box 6 shares example dissemination ideas using the five Ws (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) to address accessibility of findings and diversity of target audiences.

We encourage readers to engage with these sections and examples in the order that makes most sense to them.

Designing a Study

Researchers should use a critical framework like DisCrit when they intend to delve into the nuanced and unique barriers experienced by individuals at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities (e.g., Grzanka, 2020 ). Researchers should be prepared to go beyond surface-level diversity considerations and explore the intricate ways in which various oppressions converge, shedding light on the complex challenges faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities ( Annamma et al. , 2018 ). Just because a research sample is comprised of participants from various races, ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic classes, etc., does not necessarily mean a critical framework, such as DisCrit, is needed or appropriate. If researchers do not intend to investigate intersections of oppressions as per Crenshaw (1989) or to unearth the form and functions of power in the lives of their study participants, naming a critical framework like DisCrit, may do more harm than good. For instance, a recent examination of disability-related studies in mathematics education found that a considerable amount of research portrayed disabled students as a “challenge” that needs resolution, with minimal attention given to understanding student sense-making in mathematics ( Lambert and Tan, 2020 ). Learners without disabilities were most commonly studied through constructivist lenses, while learners with disabilities were most often studied using behavioral research methods, which tend to adopt a medicalized understanding of disability. In this case, past research propagated deficit views of disabled students that could foster instructors’ misconceptions about students, which limits equity, inclusion, access, and justice for disabled students. It is imperative researchers read about the frameworks they intend to use and seek out examples of research that have used those frameworks (e.g., Dolan, 2013 ) to avoid conducting research that could inadvertently harm communities.

Using DisCrit’s Tenets to Develop Research Questions and Study Aims.

DisCrit underscores the interdependence of ableism and racism, the social constructions of ability and race, and the historical aspects of ability and race in the denial of rights for disabled people of color ( Annamma et al. , 2013 ). DisCrit can be used to answer various research questions, addressing concepts such as education systems as dysfunctional landscapes for disabled students of color (e.g., Annamma and Morrison, 2018 ), overrepresentation of minority students in special education (e.g., Connor et al. , 2019 ), and how race and ability shape teacher education (e.g., Schwitzman, 2019 ; Kulkarni et al. , 2020 ). Example research questions applicable to biology education research contexts that align to each tenet of DisCrit are provided in Table 1 (alternative versions of Table 1 and 2 are available in Supplemental Materials). As becomes evident when considering the complexity of each of DisCrit’s tenets, fully addressing every tenet of DisCrit in a single study is likely not feasible. Based on examples from DisCrit scholars (e.g., Fornauf and Mascio, 2021; Torres, 2021 ; Yeh, 2023 ), biology education researchers may wish to address approximately three DisCrit tenets in a single study to give each tenet the full attention it deserves. Identifying which tenets are most applicable to a study as well as the precise research questions the study will address requires thorough consideration by the research team and consultation with the community the researcher intends to study. As researchers identify which tenets they will attend to in their study, they should strive to clearly call out these tenets as they communicate the findings of their research (e.g., Yeh, 2023 ).

Engaging Communities in DisCrit Research.

DisCrit-informed researchers view community partners and participants as experts, and respect and value their expertise in the research process ( Annamma et al. , 2013 ). In alignment with this principle, which is reflected in Tenet 4, researchers using a DisCrit approach should aim to foster a reciprocal relationship to co-construct knowledge with participants and the communities they research. DisCrit calls upon education researchers to take accountability not only for their actions in affecting change but also for the methods employed in the process ( Yeh, 2023 ). Researchers using DisCrit must question whether the community they study will genuinely benefit from the research they plan to conduct ( Boveda and Annamma, 2023 ). Learning about methodologies used outside traditional biology education research approaches may help researchers generate research that advances equity, inclusion, access, and justice by meaningfully engaging people (students, instructors, etc.) who are multiply marginalized in biology to share the experiences derived from the meeting of their identities. Action research (e.g., Ellis-Robinson, 2021 ) and participatory action research (e.g., Bergold and Thomas, 2012 ), autoethnography (e.g., Ressa and Danforth, 2023 ), counternarratives (e.g., Mireles, 2022 ) and testimonios (e.g., Torres, 2021 ), critical race spatial analysis ( Morrison et al. , 2017 ) and life journey mapping ( Morrison et al. , 2017 ), as well as phenomenology ( Annamma et al. , 2024 ) are approaches and methods well-suited to DisCrit. It is also possible to use DisCrit to engage in quantitative research. Cruz and colleagues ( 2021 ) used DisCrit as a theoretical framework and QuantCrit as a methodological framework to study students’ sociodemographic labels and associations with enrollment in special education and instances of exclusionary discipline (i.e., school suspensions). In addition, Vaccaro and colleages ( 2015 ) offer resources for researchers seeking guidance on questions related to QuantCrit methods for disability-related questions.

Reflexive Positionality Statements.

In designing a research study using DisCrit, scholars should reflect on the intentions of their study, identify possible research questions that align to the interests of the community they intend to study, and take action to build reciprocal relationships with participants. Through this process, researchers should interrogate their own positionality and power in relation to the research they are planning. Positionality statements can help researchers be reflexive about their own biases. Positionality statements are also important for locating the researcher’s context within their study conditions and in relation to the aims of their study. Tenet 6 of DisCrit—recognizing whiteness and ability as property highlights that gains for people labeled with disabilities often result from interest convergence of white, middle-class citizens—implores researchers to reflect on the ways in which they are simultaneously privileged and oppressed. Simply providing a checklist of social identities can be interpreted by some scholars as merely “claiming authority” to address a research question based on one’s own identities ( Boveda and Annamma, 2023 , p. 312). Instead, personal evaluation of researcher positionality and power should go beyond a checklist of researchers’ own social identities. Researchers wishing to embody the DisCrit framework in their research should incorporate a deeper reflection that explores how their individual identities influence the entire research journey ( Martin et al. , 2022 ). Yet knowing how to go-about a deeper positionality evaluation can feel daunting for researchers new to this type of practice.

Fortunately, for biology education researchers wanting to learn more about writing deeper and more reflexive positionality statements, DisCrit scholars Boveda and Annamma (2023) provide a helpful and comprehensive resource. Boveda and Annamma (2023) highlight three major elements researchers should consider regarding positionality: the ontoepistemic, sociohistorical, and the sociocultural. Ontoepistemic refers to the ways in which researchers “know about the world and how we find knowledge within that world” ( Boveda and Annamma, 2023 , p. 311). Creswell and Poth (2016) offer an introduction to the philosophical assumptions, such as the ontoepistemic, that influence how scholars go about research. The sociohistorical element reflects “the interplay between biographical and social-historical junctures” ( Boveda and Annamma, 2023 , p. 311). The sociocultural attends to power dynamics across the research team and with participants, specifically asking researchers to reflect on their own salient identities, personal motivations, and approaches to the scholarship they generate ( Johnson and Fonbeuna, 2023 ).

We first read all guiding questions provided by Boveda and Annamma (2023) to query the ontoepistemic, sociohistorical, and sociocultural elements of our positionalities.

We then independently responded to the questions we found applicable.

Our next step was to select a handful of the most relevant questions related to the writing of this Research Methods Essay. In Table 2 , we highlight the questions from Boveda and Annamma (2023) that we used to examine our own positionality. We encourage readers to look at the questions in Table 2 and then consider how we used these questions to generate our positionality statement in Box 1 .

Box 1. Example positionality statement from the authors informed by the questions listed in Table 2 .

Ontoepistemic Positionality

The tenets of DisCrit highlight how notions of behavior, productivity, and intelligence are all mediated by perceptions of ability and race. We embrace this framework in our work understanding that intersectionality emphasizes multiple layers of social oppression and privilege simultaneously. In writing this article, we aim to critique some of the cultural norms and methodologies in our field that have failed to challenge some of these oppressions. In our Essay, we have prioritized a U.S. perspective as this is the context we are familiar and have conducted research in.

Sociohistorical Reflection

In conceptualizing this article, we read deeply on the foundational theories for critical work on disability. We also consulted DisCrit scholars. We considered current norms in discipline-based education research and biology education research. We then compared these norms to the tenets of DisCrit and other examples of what we consider to be critically-informed disability theories. We actively worked to outline assumptions of neutrality and objectivity that are commonplace in our field. We considered how assumptions of neutrality and objectivity have the potential to cause harm to disabled people of color when these assumptions are left unexamined or merely accepted as fact at face value. We propose using DisCrit to theorize on approaches we can take to challenge these assumptions.

Sociocultural Reflection

Together, our experiences of disability include receiving accommodations in academic spaces, distributing accommodations to other disabled students as instructors, working as disability service coordinators, being researched as students with disabilities, and researching students with disabilities. Together, we identify as disabled, deaf/hard of hearing, and as individuals with nonapparent disabilities. We identify as white-passing and white cisgender women, which are identities that offer us privileges in certain spaces. One author is a first-generation college student from a rural working-class background and both authors have experienced financial insecurity. We have seen firsthand the intersectional hurdles faced by multiply marginalized students with disabilities, such as economically-driven lack of access to diagnosis and accommodation. We share these identities not as a means of claiming authority as written by Boveda and Annamma (2023) as a matter of proximity, but to highlight the social identities that interact to shape our own experiences. We, the authors, represent unique experiences of disability that are transected by the additional facets of our identities. We acknowledge that our experiences are not and cannot be comprehensive of all aspects of disability. In other words, by saying that we are disabled people, we are not claiming inherent knowledge of the experiences of all other disabled people.

In light of our identities and as biology education researchers, we care deeply about the future of our field. By writing this article, we hope to contribute to the future of biology education research. Specifically, we aim to share our knowledge of disability-related theory and methodologies that can support access and inclusion for disabled people. We write to offer strategies for biology education researchers seeking to conduct investigations with and for disabled people using theories and methods that center the humanity of disabled people.

Insights about how researchers understand the ontoepistemic, sociohistorical, and sociocultural elements of their research and how they approach the research process are necessary in using DisCrit and other approaches that recognize the assumptions of objectivity in research. However, publishing positionality statements that achieve the level of depth requisite for DisCrit-informed research is not yet a commonplace practice in many discipline-based education research journals ( Martin et al. , 2022 ; Patrick et al. , 2022 ). This raises the question: could there be opportunities to advocate for the incorporation of deeper positionality statements in the field’s publishing norms? Some journals such as the Journal for Woman and Minorities in Science and Engineering require deep positionality statements and others such as the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships recommend them and provide author guidelines for their incorporation.

Collecting Data

In taking on a DisCrit framework, biology education researchers are committed to centering and honoring disabled and multiply marginalized participants (Tenet 4). In the research process what honoring disabled people means is respecting them as experts of their lived experiences, being vulnerable about what we as researchers know and do not know about those experiences. The disabled experience is not a monolith and is mediated by a multitude of intersectional and environmental factors (e.g., Bone, 2017 ). Even two people with the same disability might have different access needs or presentations of self (e.g., Reinholz and Ridgway, 2021 ). Accounting for these differences in participant experiences and how participants may best express themselves requires researchers to reflexively plan and incorporate accessible and inclusive data collection methods.

Here we discuss two pertinent data collection topics: 1) defining disability and categorizing identity and 2) facilitating access. We explore examples of accessible and inclusive data collection practices, drawing inspiration from disciplines, such as K-12 education research, sociology, and gender studies. We also build upon existing accessibility and inclusion suggestions from the biology education literature (e.g., Cooper et al. , 2020a ; Gin et al. , 2020 ) and frameworks such as Disability Justice ( Reinholz and Ridgway, 2021 ), Universal Design for Instruction ( Burgstahler, 2009 ), and UDL ( CAST, 2018 ). Universal Design for Instruction and UDL are frameworks designed to promote access and inclusion. The frameworks are meant to be used proactively to intentionally plan for human variation that one expects when working with people; the use of Universal Design for Instruction and Learning can help limit the need for retroactive modifications and accommodations ( Burgstahler, 2009 ; CAST, 2018 ). In addition, some of the approaches we present are synthesized from conversations with leading DisCrit scholars and reflections with disabled students about research methods.

In this section, we model data collection approaches in the context of a hypothetical biology education research study framed using DisCrit. The principal investigator of this study is called Dr. Okazaki. Boxes 2–6 detail Dr. Okazaki’s study and the methods they used to operationalize the tenets of DisCrit. We include these examples for readers to consider as they go about designing biology education research studies. The suggestions we offer here should be adapted based on the unique context and participants in a particular research study.

Box 2. A hypothetical biology education research study framed using DisCrit.

Dr. Okazaki has spent several months reading foundational DisCrit research and scholarship. They formed a weekly journal club with interested colleagues, which has helped them develop a deeper understanding of DisCrit as a theoretical framework.

Dr. Okazaki is now interested in studying how undergraduate biology classrooms have been historically shaped to give the most agency to students originally accepted in the academy. Dr. Okazaki has taken steps outlined in the Designing a Study section, and inspired by DisCrit Tenet 5, developed the following research questions:

Research Question 1 : How can students with physical disabilities actively assert, or manifest, agency within undergraduate biology classrooms?

Research Question 2 : To what extent does race influence the reasons behind manifestations of agency among students with physical disabilities?

Dr. Okazaki chooses to recruit a team of participant-researchers who identify as disabled students of color to help ground the investigation and co-construct data collection and analysis practices (Tenet 4). As Dr. Okazaki does not identify as disabled or as a person of color, this is a step they can take to ensure authenticity and respect for the community they study in the research process ( O’Boyle, 2018 ). See Discussion for more details about building an equitable research team with participant-researchers.

Defining Disability and Categorizing Identity.

Tenet 2 and 3 of the DisCrit framework problematize overreliance on labels—that is, medical diagnoses—to understand individual experiences of disability. DisCrit scholars tend to see disability as a “political identity, socially constructed in tandem with race and class rather than as an objective medical condition” ( Annamma et al. , 2018 , p. 48). The terms and categories researchers use to describe participants are influenced by the social and historical contexts of the researchers and participants. For example, different countries have different legal protections and support available to disabled people, which may influence how disability/ability is socially constructed within geographies. In addition, the setting of a study and who the participants are influence the categories and terms researchers use to describe participants in terms of disability, race, and ethnicity. For more discussion of terms and categories to describe race and ethnicity, see Burke (2024) and Flanagin and colleagues ( 2021 ).

Within higher education, receiving a medical diagnosis of a disability is required to access longer term institutional supports, such as academic accommodations (e.g., Eckes and Ochoa, 2005 ; Madaus, 2005 ). Many students who identify as having a disability do not seek out or use formal academic accommodations ( Newman et al. , 2021 ), and disabled students of color are more likely to be diagnosed, but less likely to be placed in more inclusive accommodation settings than their white peers (e.g., Aylward et al. , 2021 ). Thus, DisCrit encourages researchers to categorize individual identity in a way that does not rely solely on predetermined labels or formalized access to accommodations. The biology education research community has started to adopt more flexible data collection procedures to categorize gender (e.g., Cooper et al. , 2020a ; Casper et al. , 2022 ; Forrester et al. , 2022 ). A similar approach can be used to collect data about disability. Researchers can structure recruitment materials in a more open-ended nature to give the power of labeling disability back to the participant. Adopting an open-ended approach to collecting information about disability may ultimately help the researcher to better understand the mindset of the people they are studying.

As researchers expand definitions of disability to encompass more than an objective medical diagnosis, it becomes necessary to explicitly name a definition of disability and expectations for how disability will be viewed by the research team ( Grönvik, 2009 ; Rinaldi, 2013 ; Madaus et al. , 2018 , 2020 ). The research questions of a study and how researchers decide to define and bound disability will influence how the researchers choose to sample participants. For instance, it may be appropriate to focus on students who are registered with campus disability service centers (or not) depending on the study’s research questions and aims. Solely recruiting students with disabilities from disability service offices might erase diverse disabled experiences, which could limit the findings of a study, again depending on the nature of the study’s questions. Friedensen and Kimball (2017) present a conceptualization of the factors that influence disability identity in higher education that biology education researchers may find useful in developing a study’s definition and bounding of disability. As part of the research process, scholars using DisCrit should define disability early and often in conversations with their research team and participants. Sharing how the research team defines disability can help minimize the potential risk for harm by tokenizing or generalizing experiences. Box 3 shows how Dr. Okazaki went about defining disability and categorizing identity in their study.

Box 3. Strategies for defining disability and categorizing identity in a DisCrit-informed biology education research study.

Dr. Okazaki reads about how disability identity has been conceptualized in previous work. They learn that in some cases researchers might consider physical disabilities to include hearing and visual impairments, or they might be interested in only disabilities that impact mobility. Dr. Okazaki talks with their team of participant-researchers about how disability should be defined and bounded in the study they are planning. Together, the research team decides that “physical disabilities” will include hearing and visual impairments as well as disabilities that impact mobility. In writing up and presenting the findings of the study, the team will clearly define the ways in which they understand, define, and categorize disability.

Dr. Okazaki knows that DisCrit encourages researchers to recognize the multidimensional nature of a student’s identity and not to only use medical diagnoses to categorize disability. They designed the following recruitment questionnaire to give the power of labeling back to participants.

Do you identify as having a disability? (Yes/No)

Do you identify as disabled? (Yes/No)

Please describe the nature of your disability (Open-ended response option)

Which race do you most closely identify with? (Checklist of options where a participant can select multiple options as they see fit)

If the above options do not describe your race, please feel free to describe it here. (Open-ended response option)

Note that Questions 1 and 2 were designed to reflect that it is possible to be medically, legally, and perhaps even administratively recognized or labeled as having a disability (Question 1), which may or may not reflect if someone sees themselves as “disabled” (Question 2). Researchers interested in using a more specific definition of disability—such as a legal definition or a definition of disability already in use by a specific institution—could embed that definition in the questions they ask participants.

We note that asking participants whether they legally identify as having a disability may increase the risk associated with participating in a study. We encourage researchers to carefully consider if their research questions necessitate a potentially increased risk to participants.

Facilitating Access.

Researchers can use existing strategies and approaches to support access and inclusion during data collection. For example, Reinholz and Ridgway (2021) offer suggested language to ask people about access needs—or the types of supports someone needs in a particular context to fully participate and engage. In addition, principles of Universal Design for Instruction and UDL can be built into a study’s data collection and analysis procedures ( Burgstahler, 2009 ; CAST, 2018 ; McPadden et al. , 2023 ). Although data collection mechanisms can (and should) be created using principles of Universal Design and UDL frameworks what might be an access need by one person could inadvertently become a barrier for another (e.g., Burgstahler, 2009 ). Researchers should take steps to proactively address the access needs of participants at multiple times throughout the data collection process, which requires a careful balance of intentions, humility, and reflexivity.

Researchers may wish to generate what we term an “Access and Equity Map.” These maps encompass the various strategies a researcher intends to use before, during, and after data collection to foster access. In creating Access and Equity Maps, researchers are encouraged to presume competence in all people, which is a step towards addressing intersectional oppressions that arise at the nexus of disability, race, gender, and so on ( Annamma et al. , 2013 ). Research practices and processes can operate in a way that does not assume deficit where there is no evidence a deficit exists, or where supports have not been requested. Researchers should aim to leave space to encourage self-advocacy and broadly offer support, but to let disabled people tell researchers about their access needs rather than make assumptions.

Box 4 details an example map from Dr. Okazaki’s hypothetical interview study with references readers can consult for more information on how to implement a particular practice. Researchers may opt to incorporate Access and Equity maps in their research praxis to reflect their commitment to honoring the expertise of participants and to describe their maps in resulting research publications to showcase how their research has attempted to embody critical frameworks, such as DisCrit.

Box 4. Actions Dr. Okazaki and their research team plans to take before (i.e., when making initial contacts with potential participants and scheduling interviews), during, and after interviews to facilitate access for participants.

Initial Contacts

Invite access talk ( Reinholz and Ridgway, 2021 )

Reiterate confidentiality and purpose of the study to address stigma and anxiety ( Rose, 2006 ; O’Shea and Meyer, 2016 ; Nance, 2017)

Detail in-person, remote, and walking tour interviews as options for participation ( Kusenbach, 2003 ; Annamma, 2017 ; Bartlett et al. , 2023 )

Scheduling Interviews

Provide a list of supports and possible accommodations with space to write-in options ( McFarland et al. , 2024 ). Example language: “Are there any accommodations or adjustments our research team can offer to make the interview process more accessible for you?

”Release study materials and interview protocols ahead of time to participants ( Burgstahler, 2020 )

During Interviews

Have accessible, printed, or friendly versions of interview questions available ( Burgstahler, 2020 )

Implement the accommodations and adjustments requested by participants

After Interviews

Follow up with participants about their experience to reflect on access need practices ( Reinholz and Ridgway, 2021 )

Choose a method to engage in member checking to ensure research interpretations are reflective of participant experiences ( Birt et al ., 2016 ; Annamma and Morrison, 2018 )

Before Data Collection.

Researchers can take steps prior to data collection to facilitate participant access, for example, when making initial contacts with potential participants and scheduling interviews. Stigma is racialized when it comes to disability (e.g., Aronson and Boveda, 2017 ). Researchers should design data collection processes that are transparent about participants’ confidentiality and make the purpose of the study clear so that participants have the information they need to make informed decisions about their engagement in the research ( Rose, 2006 ). In addition, taking measures to address potential barriers, such as offering flexible interview times or providing alternative methods of communication, can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive experience for participants in which they can reduce anxiety about access needs and focus on sharing their lived experiences (e.g., Ashby, 2011 ; McPadden et al. , 2023 ). Providing a list of options for accommodations when scheduling might help those unfamiliar with supports to understand their access needs (e.g., Pfeifer et al. , 2020 ; McPadden et al. , 2023 ). Leaving space to let disabled people to tell researchers what they need reduces the onus on them to remember to bring it up. Releasing study materials, such as interview protocols, ahead of time and having a copy available during an interview can address a wide range of access needs from processing disabilities to hearing loss (e.g., McPadden et al. , 2023 ; Tools and Handouts – DeafTEC , 2024 ). It also reduces cognitive load for disabled participants, letting them focus on providing data rather than on their disability (e.g., Cawthon et al. , 2012 ; Gin et al. , 2020 ; Pfeifer et al. , 2023 ).

During Data Collection.

Biology education research can incorporate UDL by diversifying modality in data collection ( CAST, 2018 ; McPadden et al. , 2023 ). Providing multiple representations and opportunities for engagement can increase inclusivity and diversify thought (e.g., McPadden et al. , 2023 ; McFarland et al. , 2024 ). For instance, Zoom and other recording technology have become great accessibility tools for disabled people, permitting a means for people with many different types of access needs to participate in data collection (e.g., Feig et al. , 2019 ; Gin et al. , 2021 ; Lindsay, 2022 ; McPadden et al. , 2023 ). Researchers can also diversify modality by collecting data in multiple formats ( CAST, 2018 ). Example formats include using surveys to collect qualitative written responses or using questions where participants can sort or draw. For many biology education researchers, the default instinct may be to collect data in small private rooms, and for some studies this may be the best option. But for other studies, especially studies that seek to address a heavily-contextualized research question, researchers should consider data collection sites away from a traditional interview room to support participant access. For example, some participants may find that giving a walking tour of a particular space helps them best explain their embodied experiences to researchers (e.g., Kusenbach, 2003 ; Bartlett et al. , 2023 ).

After Data Collection.

After data are collected, researchers can use forms of member checking to honor participants’ expertise. Member checking is a process in which the findings of a study are presented to participants and is one tool researchers can use to ensure that their findings of the study—or the interpretations of participant data—reflect and incorporate the experiences of the participants (e.g., Tracy, 2010 ). Member checking can help ensure that researchers are not projecting their own preconceived narratives about participants’ experiences, which helps researchers avoid harmful narratives about participants (e.g., writing deficit narratives [Ávila Reyes et al. , 2023 ] or savior stories [ Straubhaar, 2015 ]). There are many possible strategies to use for member checking. Birt and colleagues (2016 ) provide examples of different types of member checking, walking through the epistemological stance, theoretical issues, methods, and ethical issues of each.

Analyzing Data

Tenet 1 of DisCrit represents a core feature of the DisCrit framework. Ableism and racism are two interlocking forms of oppression that impart distinct effects upon people embedded within our educational systems ( Annamma et al. , 2013 ). In taking up a DisCrit lens, researchers are called to engage in a nuanced analysis of their data that can illuminate “how [racism and ableism] interrelate and how they feel” to those embedded within our educational systems ( Tan et al. , 2022 , p. 873). In pursuit of a nuanced understanding of these experiences, researchers should deeply consider how social forces acting upon individuals impart unique oppressions (e.g., Grzanka, 2020 ). Simply stating that belonging to multiple marginalized groups (such as being disabled and being a person of color) contributes to more oppression in our educational systems is not considered a characteristic of “transformative” scholarship (e.g., Dill and Kohlman, 2012 ; Annamma et al. , 2018 ; Hernández-Saca et al. , 2018 ; Tan et al. , 2022 ). While pursuing transformative intersectionality, researchers should aim to move beyond an additive approach to understanding oppression and marginalization. That is, transformative intersectionality 3 “seeks to analyze institutions and identities in relation to one another”, acknowledging that “phenomena are mutually constituted and interdependent” and that researchers “must understand one phenomenon in deference to understanding another” ( Dill and Kohlman, 2012 , p. 20). In comparison, insipid intersectionality “explores differences” without any “true analysis” ( Dill and Kohlman, 2012 , p. 20). Insipid intersectionality merely skims the surface, acknowledging that differences exist but overlooking “how [these] differences came to be” and how these differences can be cast in new light to become “axes of strength and fortification” ( Dill and Kohlman, 2012 , p. 20).

The findings of a recent DisCrit study revealed the nuances of the experiences of disabled Black and Brown undergraduates in higher education contexts. Mireles (2022) , using a counternarrative approach, showed that racism and ableism can interact to produce unique oppressions depending on one’s identities. Black students reported difficulties accessing accommodations as they were perceived as lazy or too aggressive, whereas Asian and Pacific Islander students were assumed to be excellent in math and science, making it more challenging for them to disclose their disabilities and advocate for accommodations ( Mireles, 2022 ). The study also highlighted the assets of Black and Brown disabled undergraduates. Participants spoke of generational strength from their families that helped them navigate their mental health. This study illustrates how DisCrit-informed research can identify complex sociocultural and sociopolitical forces shaping individuals’ experiences, damaging power dynamics, as well as offer opportunities for intergroup solidarity and world-building (e.g., Annamma et al. , 2013 , 2018 ; Hernández-Saca et al. , 2018 ; Patrick et al. , 2022 ; Tan et al. , 2022 ). Insights gleaned from such analyses can inform policy and practice recommendations that could make meaningful changes in the lives of research participants.

For those new to intersectional analysis, a major goal of this type of analysis is to identify the “there-there” or the substance related to the study’s aims and research questions ( Grzanka, 2020 ). Yet finding a clear definition of the there-there is elusive. Grzanka (2020) developed a table discussing what transformative intersectional analysis are and are not, which may be a resource to consult as biology education researchers go about identifying the there-there in their own investigations. We offer an example of how biology education researchers may wish to use the table from Grzanka (2020) to reflect on their own approaches to intersectional analyses in Box 5.

Box 5. Dr. Okazaki’s structured reflection about their intentions for a DisCrit-informed intersectional analysis of participant data.

Leaving space for participants to share their unique experiences of agency in biology classrooms

Highlighting asset-based findings rather than solely focusing on deficiencies ( Celedón-Pattichis et al. , 2018 )

Identifying patterns and unique challenges faced by students at the intersections of multiple identities ( Annamma et al. , 2018 )

Member checking to compare assumptions and interpretations from the research team against participant feedback ( Burke Reifman et al. , 2022 )

Facilitating discussions among the research team about identities shared and not shared with our participants as we analyze data

Defining our ideas of agency compared with participants as part of analysis

Prescribing categories of experience for participants to choose from

Coding only for barriers and reasons that students are not the same as others

Capturing experiences along singular axes of identity without considering environmental and personal contexts

Assuming that researcher interpretations are representative of lived experience not shared by those researchers ( Goethals et al. , 2015 )

Imposing a dominant idea of agency upon individuals as only agreed upon by the research team

Disseminating Findings

In terms of disseminating the findings of DisCrit informed research, we consider Tenet 7 of the framework to be, arguably, most salient. Annamma and colleagues ( 2018 ) state that activism can take on many forms, ranging from more traditional notions of activism (i.e., participating in political marches, protests, etc.) to intellectual activism. In light of DisCrit and its tenets, intellectual activism can be characterized by writing up and presenting research findings in a way that clearly centers disabled people of color as knowledge producers, resists deficit-informed narratives of disabled people of color, and pushes toward a more complex understanding of identity with an eye to how a single person can be simultaneously “disabled and enabled” by the norms and accepted ways-of-being within a particular context ( Annamma et al. , 2018 , p. 62).

Biology education researchers are positioned to engage in intellectual activism as they disseminate research findings. Patricia Hill Collins has written extensively on intellectual activism and strategies scholars can use to engage in intellectual activism (e.g., Hill Collins , 2013a , 2013b). She describes “speaking truth to power” as one strategy of intellectual activism. The goal in speaking truth to power is to present ideas that may fall outside disciplinary norms and the status quo in a way that can be deemed credible by academic audiences. Scholars such as, Laing and colleagues ( 2022 ), Contu (2020) , and Bancroft (2022) explicate how researchers in the social sciences and education can embody intellectual activism in their work. In addition, Salazar and Rios (2016) and Patrick and colleagues ( 2022 ) offer recommendations critically-informed scholars may wish to consult as they seek to develop their own writing and rhetorical strategies as they pursue intellectual activism.

As researchers disseminate findings from DisCrit-informed studies, they must grapple with how scholarship about the experiences of disabled people can directly reach disabled populations. Piepzna-Samarasinha (2018) asserts that those most impacted by inaccessibility in our society are the ones reacting as a matter of survival and are, therefore, on the frontlines of transformative work. Biology education researchers can share in the responsibility of transformation by leveraging our privilege as researchers to seek out partnerships with activists who can guide researchers in identifying what information (or data) is needed and what venues or people this information (or research findings) needs to be shared with to enact change. We refer readers to examples of researcher activist partnerships in anthropology (e.g., Rasch and van Drunen, 2017 ), education policy (e.g., Ellis-Robinson, 2021 ), and urban education (e.g., Nygreen, 2006 ; Romero et al. , 2008 ). As researchers consider possible partnerships questions about time surface. In what ways could institutions and departments provide support and recognition for the time-intensive nature of partnerships given the potentially transformative findings of the work that could be accomplished in and through these partnerships?

Critical paradigms, such as DisCrit, center the belief that research is conducted for “the emancipation of individuals and groups in an egalitarian society” ( Cohen et al. , 2007 , p. 26). Yet many disabled students and practitioners who work with disabled students do not read academic journals ( Leddy and Atchison, 2023 ). Thus, an important question for biology education researchers seeking to conduct and disseminate DisCrit-informed scholarship emerges: How can this research reach students and practitioners? Reaching audiences with vested interests in research about disability in biology contexts likely requires dissemination efforts to expand beyond typical academic journal articles. For example, writing blog posts as well as designing presentations or workshops specifically for disabled STEM students or faculty and staff working with disabled students are some strategies that may help study findings reach new audiences.

Scholars disseminating research about disabled people should consider following principles of UDL and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to the extent possible in their dissemination products. One UDL principle is to provide multiple means of representation for content ( CAST, 2018 ). For example, here we have included Image Descriptions to accompany figures and figure legends to support access to visual content ( Perkins School for the Blind, 2024 ). Researchers interested in learning more about WCAG can visit the website (w3.org). Where possible, researchers can also work with publishers to ensure the accessibility of their work and in the review process. Topics researchers may wish to advocate for with publishers include screen reader access, designating symbols instead of colors to track changes when editing files during the review process, and the use of dyslexia-friendly fonts.

As scholarship in biology education research grows and diversifies, questions about our traditional dissemination practices arise. Is there a need for alternative outlets or formats for sharing research findings that are more connected with communities and emancipatory practices? How can researchers navigate the tension between established research dissemination norms and the critical perspectives they aim to represent? Box 6 shares Dr. Okazaki’s approach to considering accessibility in dissemination of findings. It might be helpful for researchers to break down the dimensions of dissemination into the five Ws (Who, What, Where, When, and Why?) in order to more holistically approach access. As seen in Box 6 , Dr. Okazaki plans to address not only the accessibility of venues in which to share findings but also the accessibility of what is shared within those venues.

Box 6. Dr. Okazaki’s five Ws (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) approach to diversifying dissemination of their research findings.

Who is reading our work?

Goal : ensure that findings are shared beyond only academic audiences

Strategies :

Publish in research centered journals as well as in practitioner journals

Share abbreviated reports with administration or department heads

Share with student listservs to increase advocacy

What formats are we presenting our findings in?

Goal: present findings in accessible forms in terms of both written and oral communications and in both expert and lay formats

Clearly communicate goals and key ideas at the start of any presentation.

Use tools such as W3C to check for web accessibility

Inquire with journals about accessible formatting for screen readers

Use captioning and accessible fonts for presentations

Where is our work being presented?

Goal : disseminate findings beyond traditional research talks to fellow biology education researchers

Work with community partners to identify alternative venues such as professional development sessions for practitioners, student organizations, or advocacy groups

When are we sharing our findings?

Goal : identify stages of the research process to share the knowledge we generate (not just at the end of the project) in the aim of effecting change for impacted populations in a timely manner

Discuss with research team when opportunities may arise for advocacy in our work

Empower community leaders in decision-making about sharing progress and findings

Why do we want people to know about this work?

Goal : communicate the findings of our work in a way that centers advocacy and anti-deficit perspectives of participants as well as helping to bring about change for students

Amplify the voices of our participants and highlight the ways exclusion occurs

Explicitly share strategies from our findings for increasing student agencies in biology classrooms

In our Research Methods Essay, we leveraged DisCrit as a model and provided practical approaches and methodological considerations for the design of biology education research studies. Our recommendations are not intended to be a comprehensive checklist of all aspects researchers should consider when using a DisCrit framework. Instead, our aim was to guide biology education researchers in approaches they can take to conceptualize and execute theoretically-aligned research that serves diverse disabled populations. In this pursuit, we drew from additional theoretical and instructional frameworks to supplement the tenets of DisCrit. We did this with the goal of offering suggestions to researchers who wish to prioritize access, inclusion, and justice for disabled participants throughout the research process. We hope our suggestions will undergo further iteration by biology education researchers as our field gains more experience using DisCrit and related critical frameworks. In the sections below, we discuss three frequently asked questions (FAQs) in the evolving field of critical methodology. We relate these questions to the methods and applications we presented in our article.

FAQ1. How can I Build and Foster an Equitable Research Team?

In centering disability, for example when using a DisCrit framework, researchers may want to consider recruiting a team that embodies the investigation. For Dr. Okazaki’s study outlined in Box 2 , this might look like recruiting participant-researchers who identify as disabled students of color as part of the research team. This approach and other participatory research methods ( Vaughn and Jacquez, 2020 ), can help researchers pursue authenticity and respect for the community they study in the research process ( O’Boyle, 2018 ). Vaughn and Jacquez (2020) outline multiple participatory research methods that investigators may pursue and that lend themselves well to centering disabled voices, such as Asset-Based Community Development ( Mathie and Cunningham, 2003 ), Decolonizing Methodologies ( Chilisa, 2019 ), and User-Centered Design Research ( Sanders, 2002 ).

When engaging in participatory methods, researchers such as Dr. Okazaki may also consider social power dynamics. Questions of authority and power may limit the freedom that participant-researchers have in the research process. For example, biology education researchers should question whether their participants or researchers are students in their classes. Could grades, assessments, or recommendations for these students be compromised based on their involvement as participant-researchers in the study? Further consideration should be given to who is selected for these roles beyond their alignment with identity-based research questions and aims. Are those considerations being made along multiple dimensions of power? Those at the margins of academia often may not be able to take on the role of participant-researcher due to various constraints, including financial burdens related to disabilities (e.g., Friedensen and Kimball, 2017 ). Researchers should avoid creating situations where disabled students serve as “unpaid disability consultants.” We encourage biology education researchers to adequately compensate participant-researchers for their time and effort based on the essential expertise they bring to the investigation. In cases that financial compensation is not possible, balancing the amount of work each participant-researcher is responsible for with nonmonetary forms of compensation (i.e., course credit students can use toward their graduate requirements, etc.,) should be considered.

FAQ2. How do I Balance Providing Sufficient Detail to Enable a Deep Intersectional Analysis While Maintaining Participant Anonymity and Confidentiality?

As researchers engage in intersectional analyses (i.e., Box 5 ), questions about the interplay between an appropriate level of nuance in the findings while maintaining participants’ rights to confidentiality and anonymity may arise. Researchers should pay attention to how they report findings about individual participants’ racial and disability identities. Because a participant could be the only individual who identifies as a particular race or who has a particular type of disability at an institution or within a department, revealing too many details about these identities could inadvertently identify someone. When writing up findings related to individual race and disability identity, researchers should carefully consider the level of detail needed to provide sufficient context to understand a particular piece of data and the amount of information needed to address a study’s research question. In some cases, researchers may decide to intentionally obscure potentially revealing details about participants or to lightly edit what participants have reported in the interest of confidentiality and anonymity (e.g., Tolich, 2004 ; Guenther, 2009 ; Petrova et al. , 2016 ).

We recommend that researchers engage in ongoing consent processes with participants to ensure they feel comfortable with the level of detail researchers decide to report in a paper or presentation ( Orb et al. , 2001 ). Participants have the right to choose their level of anonymity and, in some cases, may wish to use their full names instead of a pseudonym ( Baez, 2002 ; Giordano et al. , 2007 ; Guenther, 2009 ). Ultimately, we encourage researchers to negotiate confidentiality and anonymity with participants throughout the research process. Readers interested in learning more about continual informed consent are encouraged to consult recent discussions of ethics in qualitative research (e.g., Goodwin et al. , 2020 ; Moriña, 2021 ). Likewise, we refer readers who wish to learn more about local ethics approval processes for the research methods we have described in this article to excellent discussions regarding the need for both “procedural ethics” and “ethics in practice” (see Orb et al. , 2001 ; Guillemin and Gillam, 2004 ; Hammett et al. , 2022 ).

FAQ3. What are Some of the Potential Barriers to the Uptake and Implementation of DisCrit in Biology Education Research?

There are several potential barriers in the adoption of DisCrit-aligned research approaches within and outside of biology education research. A full accounting of these barriers is beyond the scope of our current article. Instead, we highlight just two potential barriers here: productivity pressure and a predominating positivist paradigm. DisCrit urges researchers to take responsibility for both the actions undertaken to bring about change and the methods employed in affecting that change ( Yeh, 2023 ). This type of work and collaboration involves self-education, the creation of solutions, and the empowerment of communities ( Yeh, 2023 ). The approaches discussed in our Research Methods Essay—reading across fields, forming partnerships with communities and participants, and engaging in reflexivity—require time. Time is not a luxury often afforded academics with pressures of productivity (e.g., Brown and Leigh, 2018 ).

In addition, some of the methods and approaches that align with the DisCrit framework are potentially at odds with the positivist paradigm that predominates biology education research currently ( Lo et al. , 2019 ). A positivist paradigm tends to prescribe a rigid and inflexible notion of rigor in research, which can bias how the field of biology education research views DisCrit-informed scholarship. However, if researchers want to engage in scholarship that more fully supports equity, inclusion, access, and justice for multiply marginalized people the positivist paradigm should be challenged ( Strunk and Locke, 2019 ; Grieshaber, 2020 ). Is there room to incorporate diverse methodological approaches in biology education research? How can assumptions and expectations about rigor and what constitutes valid knowledge be broadened while still retaining truth-value?

DisCrit scholars Boda and colleagues (2022 , p. 366) encourage researchers to consider a future in which “research about race, colonized peoples, and disability was put into practice in contextually specific ways, adapting to the Dreams of people and their communities.” One of the strengths of biology education research lies is in its embeddedness within biology departments. This fact uniquely positions biology education researchers and discipline-based education researchers to engage in research that can bring about change that reflects the needs of our own communities and contexts. However, the change practices we pursue must remain cognizant of the systemic elements that uphold oppressions. As disability-related scholarship continues to expand within biology education, so too will approaches to theoretical framing. Embracing a broader range of scholarship that extends beyond the established norms within biology education research—such as research informed by DisCrit—may support a paradigm shift toward inclusivity. In taking on critical perspectives, such as DisCrit, researchers are called to think beyond solutions and strategies that are merely responsive to oppressive structures. We levy our own privilege and encourage readers to levy their own to engage in transformative research that may bring about a new possible future for biology education research.

1 We note that many individuals, especially within communities such as the autistic, Deaf, and neurodivergent communities, may not identify as disabled. Throughout our Research Methods Essay, we use both identity and person-first language to discuss disability and people to reflect that today both language forms are used.

2 In our discussion of DisCrit’s history, we refer to Disability Studies as a field. We focus on specific theories that exist within Disability Studies, such as the social model of disability, Critical Disability Theory (which is also called Critical Disability Studies by some scholars), Disability Studies in Education, Crip Theory, Disability Justice, and DisCrit (e.g., Smagorinsky et al ., 2017 ).

3 Dill and Kohlman (2012) present a typology of intersectionality that uses the terms “strong” and “weak.” Here, we refer to “strong” intersectionality using “transformative,” a term from Grzanka (2020) . We use the term “insipid” to refer to what Dill and Kohlman called “weak” intersectionality.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Dr. Maura Borrego, Dr. Lisette Torres-Gerald, Dr. Cristine Donham, and Dr. Sharday Ewell for their helpful feedback on early versions of our manuscript. We are also grateful for the helpful comments of reviewers whose feedback strengthened our article.

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Submitted: 14 February 2024 Revised: 11 June 2024 Accepted: 18 July 2024

© 2024 A. Chasen and M. A. Pfeifer. CBE—Life Sciences Education © 2024 The American Society for Cell Biology. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). It is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

SQANTI-reads: a tool for the quality assessment of long read data in multi-sample lrRNA-seq experiments.

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SQANTI-reads leverages SQANTI3, a tool for the analysis of the quality of transcript models, to develop a quality control protocol for replicated long-read RNA-seq experiments. The number/distribution of reads, as well as the number/distribution of unique junction chains (transcript splicing patterns), in SQANTI3 structural categories are compiled. Multi-sample visualizations of QC metrics can also be separated by experimental design factors. We introduce new metrics for 1) the identification of potentially under-annotated genes and putative novel transcripts and 2) variation in junction donors and acceptors. All scripts are open source and customizable. Using two different datasets, one from Drosophila and one benchmark dataset from the LRGASP project, we demonstrate how low coverage does not automatically indicate low quality and how strong/weak splicing sites can be readily identified genome wide. SQANTI-reads is open source and available for download at GitHub.

Competing Interest Statement

A.C. has received in-kind funding from Pacific Biosciences for library preparation and sequencing. A.C. collaborates with Oxford Nanopore in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network project LongTREC (101072892).

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