Completing a biology research project is a great way to get ready for your studies. Whether you’re doing it for a qualification such as the EPQ or you wish to boost your knowledge, a research project can show what you’re capable of. Struggling to pick a research focus? We’ve got you covered with 100 ideas for research projects in biology.

What Makes a Great Research Topic in Biology?

Ask yourself the following questions in order to pick the ideal EPQ ideas for you:

  • Is there enough literature? Don’t make things difficult for yourself by choosing a research topic with limited literature. Make sure your topic is researchable with enough literature for analysis. 
  • Is it relevant? Choosing a topic that is relevant to current trends demonstrates that you are keeping up with the latest developments in biology. 
  • Is this research needed? Identifying and proposing a solution to a biology-based problem or addressing a gap in knowledge shows awareness of the information currently available.
  • Do you find it interesting? There is no point starting a project if you don’t find it interesting. Without interest you will find it difficult to stay motivated and on task. 

100 Research Ideas for Biology

Research Projects about Human Health and Physiology

  1. How stress affects physical health
  2. The impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
  3. The effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health
  4. Exploring addiction on a molecular level
  5. Investigating the effectiveness of birth control methods
  6. Understanding the causes of body dysmorphia
  7. Investigating the long-term psychological effects of organ transplantation
  8. How early marijuana use impacts brain development
  9. Exploring the role of neurotransmitters in mood regulation
  10. How different diets affect the gut microbiome
  11. The impact of caffeine on heart rate and blood pressure
  12. The link between exercise and cognitive function
  13. How space travel affects human physiology
  14. The biological effects of hormonal birth control
  15. Investigating the effects of toxins on brain development
  16. Investigating the relationship between endorphins and happiness
  17. Exploring the effects of fasting on metabolism
  18. The role of endorphins in pain relief

Ideas for Research Projects about the History of the Field 

  1. How did Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection revolutionize our understanding of evolution?
  2. What were the key observations that led to Gregor Mendel’s discovery of the laws of inheritance?
  3. How did the development of the microscope influence the early study of cells and biology?
  4. What impact did the discovery of DNA’s structure have on the field of genetics?
  5. How did the work of Alfred Russel Wallace contribute to the theory of evolution by natural selection?
  6. What role did the advent of molecular biology play in confirming and expanding upon Darwin’s theories of evolution?

Ideas for Research Projects about Genetics, Disease, and Immunology

  1. The relationship between high cholesterol and heart disease
  2. Investigating the effectiveness of different cancer treatments
  3. Exploring the genetic and environmental factors contributing to Alzheimer’s disease
  4. The role of epigenetics in cancer development
  5. How diseases mutate and form new strains
  6. How pathogens evolve to resist vaccines
  7. The role of stem cells in regenerative medicine
  8. The biology of rare genetic diseases
  9. Investigating neurodegenerative disease treatment with stem cell therapy
  10. Investigating genetic factors of male infertility
  11. The role of specific genes in height determination
  12. Exploring genetic diversity and species survival
  13. Vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases
  14. How do genetic factors influence an individual’s immune response to diseases?

Research Project Ideas about Environmental Science and Ecology

  1. The impact of deforestation on wildlife
  2. How air pollution impacts respiratory health
  3. How climate change is affecting bird migration patterns
  4. The impact of pesticides on bee populations
  5. The effects of climate change on coral reefs
  6. How climate change has affected polar bears
  7. The impact of ocean salinity on marine life
  8. The effects of noise pollution on animal communication
  9. The effects of acid rain on soil health
  10. The impact of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity
  11. How does climate change affect insect populations?
  12. The role of pollutants in affecting biodiversity
  13. Exploring how animals adapt to urbanisation
  14. The detrimental effects of microplastics on marine life
  15. The impact of water pollution on fish populations
  16. Investigating the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems
  17. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
  18. Investigating the impact of single-use plastics on freshwater ecosystems
  19. The biology of pollination and its ecological role
Students dissecting organs on a biology programme

Research Project Ideas about Nutrition and Metabolism

  1. Effects of malnutrition on child development
  2. The link between the gut microbiota and mental health
  3. The effects of different diets on gut microbiome health
  4. The impact of plant-based diets on disease risk
  5. The role of fatty acids in brain function and development
  6. The role of fibre in gut health
  7. The biological impact of supplements on athletic performance
  8. The effects of caffeine on sports performance
  9. How food additives affect metabolism
  10. The effects of antioxidants in preventing cellular damage
  11. Exploring the role of antioxidants in cellular health
  12. The impact of chronic dehydration on health
  13. How does the body’s response to dehydration differ between acute and chronic conditions?
  14. The long-term health effects of a vegan diet
  15. The impact of high-protein diets on metabolic health
  16. The role of vitamins in supporting cellular functions
  17. The relationship between diet and chronic disease
  18. Exploring the effects of vitamin deficiencies on health
  19. The impact of obesity on cardiovascular health
  20. Investigating the impact of artificial sweeteners on metabolism
  21. The role of BMI in assessing health risks
  22. How diet affects the risk of chronic diseases
  23. The link between gut microbiome health and anxiety

Research Projects about Animal Biology and Adaptation

  1. The biology of bioluminescent organisms
  2. The role of neurotoxins in animal defence mechanisms
  3. Exploring migratory animal navigation
  4. The role of parasites in host manipulation
  5. Investigating the biology of rare genetic diseases in animals
  6. The biology of ageing across species
  7. The impact of extreme climates on animal physiology
  8. Investigating evolutionary adaptations in aquatic animals
  9. How animals adapt to urban environments
  10. The effects of deforestation on mammalian species
  11. The effects of stem cells on animal regeneration
  12. Investigating animal communication methods under noise pollution
  13. Exploring how climate change impacts animal reproduction

Ideas for Research Projects about Plants 

  1. How do plants communicate with each other through chemical signals?
  2. What role do plants play in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation?
  3. How do plants regulate water loss through stomatal control?
  4. What are the mechanisms behind plant resistance to pests and diseases?
  5. How can plants be used in phytoremediation to clean up environmental pollutants?
  6. How do plants influence soil health and contribute to ecosystem stability?
  7. How do plants adapt to extreme environments?

Biology

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Biology

In-person

Unravel life’s complexities in Oxford, home to groundbreaking...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Biology skull and anatomy
Ages: 16-18

Kickstart Your Biology Research Project With Immerse Education

Whether you’re completing an EPQ or simply curious to learn more about biology, the subject of biology offers a range of engaging ideas to delve into and explore. Whether this list of 100 ideas for research projects in biology has helped you pinpoint your perfect topic or has simply provided a spark of inspiration, it’s an excellent starting point. 

Let your interests guide your research to carve your own unique path within the field of biology. Take a look at the Immerse Education Biology Online Research Programme Page. Here you’ll find expert academics who can guide you through the research process and help you to produce a university-level essay. Make a start and contact our knowledgeable team at Immerse Education today!

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