The Institute of Biological Sciences was formally established on 23 March 1983 under EO 889, as a system of centers of excellence in the basic sciences. The existing staff of the former Departments of Botany, Life Sciences and Zoology formed its core members. The Institute’s mission is to become a leading center for teaching, research and extension in biology in the Asian Region. Its vision is to have academic excellence in biology with relevance to present day needs for national economic development, productive ecosystems and improvement of human conditions. Its objective is to advance basic knowledge in the biological sciences relevant to national development.
Since its establishment, IBS has continued to provide full support for instruction, research, and extension for a nationwide and even international clientele. Today, it holds the distinction of handling the largest number of courses and students in the University. In recognition of its leading role, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reaffirmed its status as a Center of Excellence in Biology in 1999.
IBS for the past years has found its rightful place in the scientific community, attaining a leading position in instruction, research and extension among the National Centers of Excellence in the basic sciences. The degree programs being offered are:
- BS Biology
- MS Botany
- MS Genetics
- MS Microbiology
- MS Zoology
- PhD Botany
- PhD Genetics
- PhD Microbiology
- PhD Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Established in 1983 together with IBS as National Center of Excellence in Chemistry through EO889, the Institute is mandated to strengthen and expand both academic and research programs in basic and applied chemistry in support of the agricultural, industrial, and rural development thrust of the country. It offers the following degree programs:
- BS Chemistry
- BS Agricultural Chemistry
- MS Chemistry
- MS Agricultural Chemistry
- MS Biochemistry
- PhD Chemistry
- PhD Agricultural Chemistry
IC is also being recognized as one of CHED’s Center of Excellence in Chemistry.
As CHED’s Center of Excellence in Information Technology, the Institute is mandated to produce top caliber graduates to satisfy the manpower needs of the software industry in the Philippines and the information and processing requirements of private and government institutions. The degree programs being offered are:
- BS Computer Science
- MS Computer Science
- MS Information Technology
- PhD Computer Science
IMSP was established in 1983 as one of the National Centers of Excellence in the Basic Sciences to help advance science and technology in the country and to strengthen and broaden the national capability to train scientific leaders and conduct research in the basic sciences. In 1998 the Division of Mathematics of IMSP was recognized by CHED as a Center of Excellence in Mathematics Education and this was reaffirmed in 2006 until at present. On the other hand, the Division of Physics of IMSP was recognized as a Center of Development in Physics Education in 1998. As a degree-granting unit, IMSP offers the following programs:
- BS Applied Mathematics
- BS Mathematics
- BS Applied Physics
- MS Mathematics
- MS Physics
- PhD Applied Mathematics
Recognized as CHED’s Center of Development in Statistics since 2008 the Institute of Statistics is mandated to accelerate and intensify instruction, research, and extension efforts in statistics supportive of science and technology. It offers the following degree programs:
- BS Statistics
- MS Statistics
- PhD Statistics
The Department is tasked with language instruction, primarily English, the enrichment of literary taste through the promotion of literature and the audio-visual and performing arts, and the inculcation of values and the development of critical thinking through the general education or foundation courses of the University. The degree programs being offered are:
- BA Communication Arts
- BA Philosophy
- MA Communication Arts
The Department is engaged in instruction, research and extension activities in the field of Social Sciences at UP Los Baños. It offers the social sciences component of the General Education Program (GE) for UPLB and services academic programs of other colleges that require social science courses as electives. The DSS programs produce graduates imbued with the sociological consciousness and imagination, enabling them to increasingly relate themselves meaningfully to social change and national development. It offers the following degree programs:
- BA Sociology
- MA Sociology
The Department of Human Kinetics (DHK) fosters holistic physical education and well-being for students and the broader community. By offering diverse physical education courses and recreational activities, it promotes a healthy lifestyle tailored to individual needs. Recognizing physical well-being as both an academic requirement and a lifelong pursuit, the department empowers students to lead healthy, active lives and positively impact their communities through innovative and inclusive physical education. Through a balanced curriculum emphasizing foundational fitness education and elective courses, it shapes well-rounded individuals who value the importance of physical activity for overall well-being.
The Department’s core curriculum features HK11, a mandatory course introducing essential knowledge and skills for physical fitness. HK11 offers diverse physical activities to enhance fitness levels and promote lifelong healthy lifestyles. Meanwhile, HK12 allows students to explore a range of sports disciplines, such as basketball, volleyball, or badminton, catering to diverse preferences and skill levels, thereby providing a comprehensive introduction to sports.
DHK celebrates a major achievement with the launch of the Associate in Arts (Sports Studies) program in the 2023-2024 academic year. This groundbreaking initiative signals our commitment to becoming a leading center of excellence in sports and recreation. The two-year program is meticulously designed to cultivate a new generation of professionals ready to shape the future of the industry. Our graduates are equipped to excel in various roles, including sports educators, coaches, trainers, managers, and more. With an innovative curriculum and dedicated faculty, we empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape, driving positive change and setting new standards in sports education and practice.
The UPRHS has undergone several changes since its establishment in June 1929. It was founded as a subsidiary of the Department of Agricultural Education and Rural Studies as a center of research in agricultural education. To date, it serves as a laboratory arm of the Math and Science Teaching Program (MSTP).
With continuing evaluation of its programs, UPRHS has remained and continues to be recognized as “state university high school of high academic achievement and of strong commitment to its continuing task of molding the youth.”