What Are the Common Branches of Biology?

What are the common branches of biology? If you're helping your child identify the branches of biology, you may be delighted to discover how many different areas there are to explore. Biology is the study of life in its many forms. If one aspect of biology does not appeal to your child, you can surely find another branch that will interest her.

• Agriculture: If your child is interested in gardening, crop production or livestock, this may be the branch of biology to explore. Consider starting with something as simple as enrolling in your local 4H club or starting a garden in your back yard.
• Anatomy: Is your child fascinated by the human body? Are bodily functions of interest? Anatomy is the study of the body, including skeletal, muscular, vascular and pulmonary systems. Kids interested in becoming veterinarians or doctors will need a good grasp of anatomy. It's also helpful for painters and sculptors.
• Botany: If your child likes plants in general, you may want to open her eyes to the wonders of botany. The field of botany goes beyond the crops studied under the umbrella of agriculture. Field trips to exotic locales can expose your botanist-in-the-making to the many different plant forms found in various environments.
• Cell Biology: If your child is aching to use a microscope, introduce her to cell biology, the study of life on a cellular level. From plant cells to human cells, the study of cell biology develops attention to detail as it examines building blocks of living things.
• Conservation Biology: If your student is interested in going green and saving the world, this branch of biology may be perfect. This segment of biology focuses on how humans can live in harmony with the enviornment.
• Ecology: Ecology investigates how different organisms impact one another. The study of ecology plays into conservation biology, so you may want to encourage a child interested in one of these fields to also explore the other.
• Genetics: If your child is interested in heredity and genes, this area of study is the perfect choice. Genetics is the study of DNA, chromosomes and medical conditions that are linked to heredity.
• Marine Biology: This field is usually a favorite amongst animal lovers. Marine biology explores animal life in the ocean.
• Pathology: This is the study of disease, including it's causes, effects, prevention and cures.
• Zoology: This branch of biology explores animal life, physiology, ecosystems and classification.

When helping your child choose a branch of biology to explore, you'll want to explain the difference between field biology, which takes place in real-world situations, and laboratory biology, which takes place indoors. Children who are more hands-on or who need room to explore may prefer field biology, while kids who show great attention to detail and prefer academic studies may fare better in the laboratory. If possible, expose your student to both aspects of the branch of biology of choice.