Biological Sciences, BS

The Biological Sciences, BS at the University of Pittsburgh gives students plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience alongside their classroom learning. Students can get involved in authentic research from as early as the second semester of their first year, working with faculty in Biological Sciences and research environments across Pitt, including the Medical School and Dental School. Through laboratory courses, research projects and internships, students can build hands-on skills in scientific investigation, laboratory techniques, problem-solving, data analysis and scientific communication. Pitt's Biological Sciences facilities also provide access to specialized resources such as microscopy, real-time PCR, high-throughput DNA sequencing, molecular imaging, and cell and virus culture facilities.

Students can develop these practical skills through a range of hands-on opportunities:

• BIOSC 0157 Foundations of Biology Research Labs: Students gain early research experience through dedicated introductory biology research laboratories while earning laboratory credit.

• BIOSC 0267 Intermediate Biology Research Laboratory: Students continue developing their practical laboratory and research skills through intermediate-level research laboratory work.

• Faculty-led research: Students can work with Biological Sciences faculty on research projects in departmental laboratories and other Pitt research environments, including the Medical School and Dental School.

• SEA-PHAGES: Through the BIOSC 0058 and BIOSC 0068 course sequence, students participate in authentic research and communicate their findings through a research poster.

• Research for academic credit: Students can receive academic credit for approved research through BIOSC 1901, BIOSC 1903 and BIOSC 1904.

• Internships: Students have completed internships with organizations and departments such as UPMC, Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Museum, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Allegheny County Coroner's Office and Pitt's Pathology Department.

• Research laboratories: The Clapp, Langley, Crawford and Life Sciences Annex facilities provide teaching and research spaces supporting Biological Sciences activities.

• Molecular biology equipment: Research facilities include real-time PCR machines, high-throughput DNA sequencing machines, dedicated microscopy equipment and PhosphorImage workstations.

• Cell and virus research: Specialized virus and tissue culture facilities support research involving animal viruses, cells and tissues.

• Molecular imaging: Students involved in research can benefit from advanced digital imaging systems designed for sensitive imaging and quantitative analysis.

• Plant research facilities: Greenhouses and plant-growth facilities provide resources for biological research involving plants and controlled growth conditions.

• Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology: Students interested in ecology and organismal biology can benefit from this research and academic facility located near Pymatuning Lake.

• George M. Bevier Science & Engineering Library: The department has access to a dedicated science and engineering library supporting students' academic and research work.

• Research presentations: Students can share their research through events such as the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Fair, Pitt Science Symposium and Honors College Undergraduate Research Fair.

• Scientific communication: Research experiences help students develop skills in reading scientific literature, forming hypotheses, applying the scientific method, solving research problems, and presenting their findings through writing and presentations.

The Biological Sciences, BS at the University of Pittsburgh gives graduates a broad scientific foundation that can lead to opportunities in biological and medical research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, environmental organizations, and other life-science fields. The degree also provides strong preparation for students who want to continue into graduate school or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, and other health-related fields.

Typical career roles: Biological Researcher, Pharmaceutical Industry Professional, Scientific Journalist, Biological Sciences Educator

Students can strengthen their career prospects and prepare for their next step through:

• Career support: Pitt provides career guidance and resources to help students explore career options, develop professional skills, and prepare for employment or further education.

• Undergraduate research: Students can work with faculty researchers in Biological Sciences and across the University of Pittsburgh, including research environments within the Medical School and Dental School. This experience can help students develop practical research skills and build professional connections.

• Internship opportunities: Biological Sciences students have completed internships with organizations and departments such as UPMC, Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Museum, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Allegheny County Coroner's Office, and Pitt's Pathology Department.

• Employment outcomes: The University of Pittsburgh reports a 96.3% successful career outcomes rate for the Class of 2024 across the Pittsburgh campus. This university-wide figure includes graduates who were employed, continuing their education, serving in the military, or volunteering, rather than being specific to the Biological Sciences program.

• Salary information: Pitt does not publish a specific salary figure for graduates of the Biological Sciences, BS, so a program-specific salary should not be assumed.

• Professional preparation: The program can provide the foundational science coursework needed for students planning to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, and other health-professional programs, subject to the individual requirements of each institution.

• Industry experience: Research and internship opportunities can expose students to professional settings across healthcare, biological and medical research, pharmaceuticals, pathology, environmental organizations, museums, and other life-science areas.

• Long-term academic value: The degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in biology and related fields. Students can build on their undergraduate research and coursework when applying for advanced academic or professional programs.

• Graduation outcomes: Pitt graduates move into employment, further education, military service, or volunteering. The university's 96.3% successful career outcomes rate for the Class of 2024 provides a broader indication of graduate progression across the Pittsburgh campus.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biological Sciences, BS, students can continue their education through graduate programs in areas such as Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution, biology, and related life sciences. The degree can also serve as a foundation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, and other health professions, depending on the specific prerequisites of the institution they choose.