Diponegoro University established the Department of Biology in 1975. This unit consolidated biology courses from various biology-based faculties, such as the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries. The Department of Biology served as a facilitator of teaching and practical work in biology within the biology-based faculties. In accordance with the Diponegoro University Development Master Plan (RIP) at the time, the Department of Biology developed into the embryonic Department of Biology within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Implementation of the plan to establish the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences began in 1987, and in the 1988 academic year, Diponegoro University opened three new study programs: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The Mathematics Department remained structurally under the Faculty of Engineering. The operational management of the four study programs (Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) was under the Management Board for Mathematics and Natural Sciences (BP-MIPA), based on Diponegoro University Rector’s Decree No. 63/SK/PT09/1988.

Based on Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture No. 0369/O/1993, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA) was officially established at Diponegoro University. The legality of the Biology study program was supported by Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture No. 220/DIKTI/Kep/1996. Since then, the Biology study program at UNDIP has developed its internal organization and management to improve quality. In 2009, with Decree of the DIKTI No. 818/D/T/2009 dated May 27, 2009, the Biology Department established a Master’s Program in Biology (S2).

Based on Decree of the Rector of Diponegoro University No. 1122/UN7.P/HK/2016 of 2016 concerning the Establishment of Departments within Faculties within Diponegoro University, the Biology Department changed its name to the Department of Biology, with two study programs: the Undergraduate Program in Biology and the Postgraduate Program in Biology. In 2018, the Biotechnology Undergraduate Study Program was established. The Department of Biology currently coordinates three study programs: the Biology Undergraduate Study Program, the Biotechnology Undergraduate Study Program, and the Biology Master’s Study Program.