Biotechnology BS

The Biotechnology BS at the University at Buffalo gives students opportunities to develop practical laboratory and professional skills alongside their academic studies. Students learn biotechnology techniques such as PCR, RT-PCR, gene chip analysis, FISH, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and tissue culture, and can apply these skills through research and internship experiences. The program also connects students with research centers, biotechnology companies, hospitals, clinical laboratories and other organizations, helping students understand how biotechnology is used in real-world settings.

Students can gain hands-on experience through several opportunities:

• Biotechnology laboratory techniques: Students develop practical skills in molecular biology, immunology and tissue culture, including PCR, RT-PCR, gene chip analysis, FISH, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

• MT 496 Internship in Biotechnology: Students can complete a credit-bearing internship that is matched to their academic background, career interests and experience. They maintain a laboratory notebook and prepare a poster documenting their internship work.

• Research and industry placements: Internships can take place in research centers, biotechnology companies, academic institutions, police laboratories and the food industry. Students may gain experience in research, quality assurance, quality control, forensic research, sales and marketing, or other biotechnology-related areas.

• Industry experience: Previous Biotechnology students have completed internships with organizations such as Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Erie County Medical Center, IMMCO Diagnostics, Invitrogen, Rich Products, Trinity Biotech and ZeptoMetrix Corporation.

• Advanced biotechnology courses: Courses including MT 302 Instrumental Analysis, MT 401 Clinical Biochemistry, MT 402 Clinical Immunology, MT 430 Bioseparation Techniques and MT 434 Cell and Tissue Culture give students opportunities to develop knowledge and practical skills relevant to biotechnology.

• Career preparation: MT 445 Career Preparation in Biotechnology helps students understand career opportunities in the biotechnology industry and connect their academic preparation with professional goals and internship opportunities.

• Professional project work: Biotechnology internships can involve practical workplace projects, including research activities, quality-control work, procedure development and other tangible assignments for the host organization.

• Flexible internship options: Students can complete biotechnology internships during the academic year or summer and earn academic credit while gaining professional experience.

• Research and clinical environments: Students can gain exposure to laboratories, research and development companies, hospitals, clinics and other biomedical organizations, helping them connect biotechnology concepts with scientific and healthcare applications.

Facilities and resources: Students have access to the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences research and laboratory environment, along with opportunities to work with research centers and biomedical organizations in the Buffalo area.

The Biotechnology BS at the University at Buffalo prepares students for careers that combine biology, laboratory science and biotechnology. Graduates can move into research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, healthcare-related fields, quality assurance, regulatory work and scientific communication, while others may choose to continue their education through graduate or professional study. The program's internship opportunities also allow students to gain practical experience with research centers, biotechnology companies, hospitals and other organizations.

Typical career options include biotechnology research associate, quality assurance scientist, regulatory affairs specialist and pharmaceutical product developer.

• Career support: UB's Career Design Center helps students prepare for employment through career advising, resume support, internship and job opportunities, and connections with employers. Students can also use Bullseye powered by Handshake to explore available internships and employment opportunities.

• Employment and salary: UB's official admissions information, based on 2024 U.S. Department of Labor and O*NET data, reports mean annual wages of $100,440 for biological scientists, $101,340 for biological science teachers at the postsecondary level and $173,500 for natural sciences managers.

• Industry experience: Biotechnology students have completed internships with organizations such as Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Erie County Medical Center, IMMCO Diagnostics, Invitrogen, Rich Products, Trinity Biotech, VWR International and ZeptoMetrix Corporation. Other opportunities have included organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, MIT and the Wistar Institute.

• Career-focused internships: Through MT 496 Internship in Biotechnology, students can gain experience in areas such as research, clinical research, quality assurance, quality control, forensic research, biotechnology sales and marketing. Students can earn academic credit and create a professional poster based on their internship experience.

• Life-sciences employer connections: UB's Career Experience Program connects students with eligible life-sciences and advanced-manufacturing companies in Western New York, giving students opportunities to gain paid industry experience while completing their studies.

• Graduate opportunities: Students who want to continue their education can build on the Biotechnology BS through UB's graduate programs. The Biotechnology MS can prepare students for research and industrial R&D positions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical careers, technical sales and related PhD study.

• Professional development: Students can make use of career advising, internships, employer connections and experiential learning opportunities to develop both technical knowledge and workplace skills before graduation.

• Career flexibility: The Biotechnology BS provides a broad scientific foundation that can support careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, quality control, research and development and other life-science fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biotechnology BS, students can continue into UB's Biotechnology MS or other graduate programs in biomedical and biological sciences. The Biotechnology MS offers advanced study in biotechnology and biomolecular science along with research experience and a thesis, while students interested in academic or advanced research careers can pursue PhD-level study in related biological and biomedical fields.