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100 Ideas for Research Projects in Biology

• Published November 18, 2024

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.

• How stress affects physical health
• The impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
• The effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health
• Exploring addiction on a molecular level
• Investigating the effectiveness of birth control methods
• Understanding the causes of body dysmorphia
• Investigating the long-term psychological effects of organ transplantation
• How early marijuana use impacts brain development
• Exploring the role of neurotransmitters in mood regulation
• How different diets affect the gut microbiome
• The impact of caffeine on heart rate and blood pressure
• The link between exercise and cognitive function
• How space travel affects human physiology
• The biological effects of hormonal birth control
• Investigating the effects of toxins on brain development
• Investigating the relationship between endorphins and happiness
• Exploring the effects of fasting on metabolism
• The role of endorphins in pain relief

Ideas for Research Projects about the History of the Field 

• How did Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection revolutionize our understanding of evolution?
• What were the key observations that led to Gregor Mendel’s discovery of the laws of inheritance?
• How did the development of the microscope influence the early study of cells and biology?
• What impact did the discovery of DNA’s structure have on the field of genetics?
• How did the work of Alfred Russel Wallace contribute to the theory of evolution by natural selection?
• 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

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

Research Project Ideas about Environmental Science and Ecology

• The impact of deforestation on wildlife
• How air pollution impacts respiratory health
• How climate change is affecting bird migration patterns
• The impact of pesticides on bee populations
• The effects of climate change on coral reefs
• How climate change has affected polar bears
• The impact of ocean salinity on marine life
• The effects of noise pollution on animal communication
• The effects of acid rain on soil health
• The impact of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity
• How does climate change affect insect populations?
• The role of pollutants in affecting biodiversity
• Exploring how animals adapt to urbanisation
• The detrimental effects of microplastics on marine life
• The impact of water pollution on fish populations
• Investigating the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems
• The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
• Investigating the impact of single-use plastics on freshwater ecosystems
• The biology of pollination and its ecological role

Research Project Ideas about Nutrition and Metabolism

• Effects of malnutrition on child development
• The link between the gut microbiota and mental health
• The effects of different diets on gut microbiome health
• The impact of plant-based diets on disease risk
• The role of fatty acids in brain function and development
• The role of fibre in gut health
• The biological impact of supplements on athletic performance
• The effects of caffeine on sports performance
• How food additives affect metabolism
• The effects of antioxidants in preventing cellular damage
• Exploring the role of antioxidants in cellular health
• The impact of chronic dehydration on health
• How does the body’s response to dehydration differ between acute and chronic conditions?
• The long-term health effects of a vegan diet
• The impact of high-protein diets on metabolic health
• The role of vitamins in supporting cellular functions
• The relationship between diet and chronic disease
• Exploring the effects of vitamin deficiencies on health
• The impact of obesity on cardiovascular health
• Investigating the impact of artificial sweeteners on metabolism
• The role of BMI in assessing health risks
• How diet affects the risk of chronic diseases
• The link between gut microbiome health and anxiety

Research Projects about Animal Biology and Adaptation

• The biology of bioluminescent organisms
• The role of neurotoxins in animal defence mechanisms
• Exploring migratory animal navigation
• The role of parasites in host manipulation
• Investigating the biology of rare genetic diseases in animals
• The biology of ageing across species
• The impact of extreme climates on animal physiology
• Investigating evolutionary adaptations in aquatic animals
• How animals adapt to urban environments
• The effects of deforestation on mammalian species
• The effects of stem cells on animal regeneration
• Investigating animal communication methods under noise pollution
• Exploring how climate change impacts animal reproduction

Ideas for Research Projects about Plants 

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

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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