Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS - Biological Sciences Concentration

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS – Biological Sciences Concentration at the University at Buffalo gives students the chance to combine biology with computing, mathematics and data analysis through practical research and project-based learning. Students can work with real biological datasets, take part in undergraduate research and complete independent study or a senior capstone, while UB's computational and genomics facilities provide access to resources used for modern biological research. This combination helps students understand how computational methods are applied to areas such as genomics, genetics, molecular biology and other data-driven life sciences.

Students can develop practical skills through:

• Bioinformatics and genome analysis: Students study computational approaches to biological questions through coursework such as BIO 400 Bioinformatics/Genome Analysis, along with related study in areas such as comparative genomics and microbial genomics.

• Real biological datasets: The program gives students opportunities to work with real biological data and research questions, helping them develop experience in analysing and interpreting information rather than relying only on textbook examples.

• Independent study and capstone work: Students can undertake independent study, undergraduate research and a senior capstone experience, allowing them to apply their biological and computational knowledge to substantial projects.

• Faculty-mentored research: Students can work with UB faculty on research that combines computational approaches with biological sciences. Possible research areas include genetics, genomics, molecular biology and systems biology.

• Center for Computational Research: UB's Center for Computational Research provides high-performance computing resources and supports work involving software development, artificial intelligence and data analytics. Its bioinformatics resources support applications such as DNA and protein sequence analysis, database searching, gene-expression analysis, biological pathway analysis, statistical computing and phylogenetic analysis.

• Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility: UB's genomics infrastructure supports research involving next-generation sequencing, single-cell technologies, transcriptomics, epigenomics, microbiome research and spatial transcriptomics. Bioinformatics analysts and high-performance computing resources are available to support the analysis of large biological datasets.

• Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences: This university research center brings together expertise in bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics and bioanalysis. It also supports collaborations with researchers and industry, giving students exposure to a research environment focused on real-world life-science applications.

• Computational and data-analysis tools: Students develop skills in computational analysis, statistics, mathematical modelling and biological data interpretation. UB's research-computing environment also supports large-scale data analysis and machine-learning applications.

• Honors research: Eligible students can participate in the Biological Sciences Honors Program, conduct original research with a faculty mentor and present their findings at a departmental symposium.

• Research-based learning: The Biological Sciences department combines laboratory courses, experiential projects and faculty-guided research, helping students connect computational approaches with biological investigation.

• Industry-connected research: UB's bioinformatics and life-sciences research environment works with external partners and industry collaborators, providing opportunities to see how genomics, bioinformatics and computational methods are applied beyond the classroom.

Facilities and research resources: Students have access to UB's Center for Computational Research, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, biological research laboratories and university-wide undergraduate research resources.

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS – Biological Sciences Concentration at the University at Buffalo prepares students for careers that bring together biology, computing, mathematics and data analysis. Graduates can explore opportunities in biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, scientific research and technology, or continue their education in bioinformatics, computational biology and related fields.

Typical job roles include Bioinformatics Analyst, Biological Data Analyst, Computational Biology Researcher and Biotechnology Researcher.

Students can build their career and academic future through:

• Career support: UB provides career resources and academic guidance to help students explore career options, internships and opportunities after graduation. Students can also use university career platforms to search for jobs and connect with potential employers.

• Employment and salary information: UB's official 2024 U.S. Department of Labor and O*NET data reports mean annual wages of $152,310 for Computer and Information Research Scientists, $124,590 for Data Scientists, $116,700 for Computer Occupations, All Other, and $58,020 for Biological Technicians.

• Industry opportunities: UB identifies hospitals, research institutions, government agencies such as the CDC and NIH, and private companies as potential employment settings for students with bioinformatics and computational biology skills.

• Research experience: Students can take part in independent study, undergraduate research and a senior capstone experience. Working with faculty on research that combines biology and computation can give students valuable experience for research careers and graduate applications.

• Interdisciplinary career skills: Students graduate with a combination of biological knowledge, statistics, mathematics, computer science and data-analysis skills. This combination can be useful in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare, genomics and other data-focused areas of the life sciences.

• Research and technology environment: UB's Center for Computational Research and life-sciences research facilities provide an environment where students can see how computing, data analysis and biological research work together.

• Graduate preparation: The program provides a strong foundation for further study in bioinformatics, computational biology, biological sciences and related areas. Research and capstone experience can also strengthen applications to advanced academic programs.

• Graduation outcomes: UB Biological Sciences alumni have progressed into advanced study and professional careers. Alumni profiles include graduates who have used their bioinformatics and computational biology background to pursue interests in healthcare, medical innovation and research.

• Long-term professional value: The BS does not have a separate professional accreditation listed by UB. Its long-term value comes from combining biology with computational and quantitative skills, giving graduates a flexible foundation for a rapidly developing area of life-science research and technology.

• Career flexibility: The combination of biology and computing allows graduates to explore different sectors rather than being limited to traditional biology roles. Skills in biological data analysis, genomics, computational research and statistics can be applied across research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and technology.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can continue into master's or doctoral programs in bioinformatics, computational biology, biological sciences, data science or related fields. Students interested in healthcare can also use their undergraduate preparation as a foundation for professional programs, while those interested in research can progress toward advanced study and research careers in universities, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations or government institutions.