Both the Biology and Biotechnology programs are related to the life sciences but have different foci and goals. They fall under different Ivy Tech schools, but they are both housed within the Indiana Center for the Life Sciences (ICLS; 501 N Profile Parkway). For questions or more information about either program, contact the Department Chair, Dr. Kyle Hetrick.
Biology is the study of life, and it is a great field for anyone who wants to learn about and study living systems. Biologists are curious about the inner workings of living things, and how organisms interact with the physical environments around them. There are many sub-fields of Biology, including biochemistry, molecular & cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, botany, zoology, mycology, and paleontology - just to name a few!
Some people study Biology because they want to work in a research lab, but there are may more career options beyond that. A Biology degree can be extremely useful in agriculture, healthcare, public health, engineering, industry, fitness, law, journalism, government/non-profits, conservation, and many other sectors.
The Biology Program is part of Ivy Tech's School of Arts, Sciences, and Education. We offer an Associate of Science "Transfer as a Junior" Degree, which means that all 60 credits from your associates degree will transfer to one of our 4-year Indiana partner programs!
Click here for Bloomington Biology Program information (advising and transfer info, course video descriptions, and more)
Once biologists learned about the importance of DNA structure and function, they began applying what they discovered to improve the lives of people. This is the basis of biotechnology. Biological organisms and materials have been manipulated to develop better crops as well as therapies that can be used to help people and other animals suffering from a variety of diseases. This has led to a booming life science manufacturing industry in Indiana and throughout the world!
People who work in biotechnology don’t need to be research scientists, but they do need to learn some science basics, and then they need to learn how to follow directions carefully and work in regulated environments. They get hired quickly and have a fulfilling job that earns high wages with great benefits! It is a career worth considering for people who want to promote the health of humans or other animals, but who don’t want to work in a hospital or other healthcare setting.
The Biotechnology Program is part of Ivy Tech's School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences. At Bloomington, we offer three short-term certificates and an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Click here for Bloomington Biotechnology Program information (advising and transfer info, course video descriptions, and more)
This outdoor space, complete with native gardens and wooded trails, began in 2021. It is open to the public and contains features that will appeal to all ages. Named the "OLL" for short, it is being used by our college students, grade-school students, and the community at large to explore and learn about biology, and to just enjoy being out in nature.
The OLL is located off the Karst Farm Greenway in front of the ICLS. Just park in the ICLS parking lot, walk 3 to 5 minutes south along the Greenway (past the pond and the wooden fence), and you'll be at the entry.
Click here for more information about is space as well as upcoming events!