BS in Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology (BCD) Track

The BS in Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology gives students plenty of opportunities to put what they learn in class into practice. Students can gain hands-on experience in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology laboratories, work with biological data using computational tools, and take part in independent research with University of Rochester faculty on the River Campus or at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The program also offers opportunities for collaborative research projects, including iGEM, while students can benefit from specialized research resources such as imaging, genomics, proteomics, and flow cytometry facilities.

Students can develop practical skills through a range of program-specific opportunities:

• Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory: BIOL 268: Lab in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology gives students hands-on laboratory experience directly related to the BCD specialization and is normally taken during the junior year.

• Independent research: Students can take 395 Independent Research courses and work on research projects supervised by University of Rochester faculty. Depending on the project, students may carry out laboratory or computational experiments, collect and analyze primary data, and prepare a final research report or poster.

• Computational biology: Courses such as BIOL 219L: Genomics of Quantitative Traits, BIOL 253L: Computational Biology, and BIOL 257L: Applied Genomics allow students to develop practical skills in working with biological and genomic data.

• R programming: BIOL 218P: Data Analysis in R Computer Laboratory gives students practical experience using R to analyze biological data.

• Collaborative iGEM projects: BIOL 228A&B: iGEM I&II gives students the opportunity to work as part of Team Rochester on a collaborative synthetic biology project. Students can help identify a problem, design and engineer a biological system, conduct experiments, and prepare for an international competition.

• Research at the Medical Center: Students can explore research opportunities both on the River Campus and at the University of Rochester Medical Center, giving them exposure to a wider range of biological and biomedical research.

• Specialized research facilities: The Biology Department's research environment includes shared Imaging, Proteomics, Genomics, and Flow Cytometry cores. These resources support research in areas closely connected to cell and developmental biology, including molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and cellular research.

• Research mentoring: Students interested in research can explore faculty research areas and contact professors about undergraduate research opportunities. The department also provides resources to help students find research mentors who match their interests.

• Summer research: Students can apply for undergraduate summer research fellowships, including the de Kiewiet Fellowship, Recny Fellowship, and Speakman Fellowship, providing additional opportunities to gain focused research experience outside the regular academic year.

• Advanced research-focused courses: Students can connect their practical experiences with advanced subjects such as BIOL 210: Cell Biology, BIOL 226: Developmental Biology, BIOL 220: Advanced Cell Biology, BIOL 243: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, BIOL 278: Biochemical Mechanisms of Cellular Processes, and MBI 473: Immunology.

Facilities and research resources: Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, River Campus biology research laboratories, University of Rochester Medical Center research facilities, Imaging Core, Proteomics Core, Genomics Core, Flow Cytometry Core, computational biology resources, and facilities supporting independent undergraduate research.

The BS in Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology prepares students for a range of opportunities in biological research, biotechnology, biomedical science, laboratory work, and related life-science fields. With its focus on cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, laboratory research, and scientific analysis, the program also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue into medicine, graduate research, or other advanced study.

Typical career paths include biological research scientist, laboratory research technician, biotechnology professional, and biomedical research assistant. Students can strengthen their career preparation through research opportunities, professional development, university employment, and connections across Rochester's scientific community:

• Career and employment support: Students can use the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections for career guidance, résumé development, interview preparation, networking, and support in finding employment and internship opportunities. Biology students can also explore undergraduate positions through JobLink.

• Independent research: Students can complete independent research for academic credit and work with University of Rochester faculty on projects at the River Campus or University of Rochester Medical Center. Depending on the project, students may carry out laboratory or computational experiments, analyze biological data, and prepare research reports or posters.

• Professional skill development: The SPARC pathway gives students opportunities to develop professional, technical, and communication skills that can be useful when working in research laboratories or preparing for employment and further study.

• Research environment: Students study within the University's R1 research environment, with research activity spanning cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and computational biology. This gives students exposure to areas that are closely connected to modern biomedical and life-science research.

• Collaborative project experience: Through the iGEM course series, students work as part of a student-led team to design and develop an engineered biological system using DNA technologies. The experience combines scientific experimentation with teamwork, project planning, problem-solving, and communication.

• Research fellowships: Students can apply for Biology Department opportunities such as the de Kiewiet Fellowship, Recny Fellowship, and Speakman Fellowship. Selected students may also participate in the Beckman Scholars Program, which provides a 15-month mentored research experience and $21,000 in research support.

• Employment and salary information: The University of Rochester's School of Arts & Sciences reports a 96% positive career outcome, with 53.5% of graduates entering the workforce and 42.7% continuing their education. The reported average first-destination salary is $65,827. These figures apply to the School of Arts & Sciences overall and are not specific to graduates of the BCD track.

• Graduation and research opportunities: Students who meet the relevant requirements can pursue Honors in Research, which includes completing and defending a senior thesis. This can be particularly valuable for students who want to demonstrate substantial research experience when applying for jobs, graduate programs, or professional schools.

• Industry-relevant preparation: The program develops knowledge and practical skills in areas such as cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, genomics, biochemistry, and laboratory research. These areas can provide a useful foundation for students interested in biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceutical research, and related life-science fields.

• Long-term professional value: The BCD track is a specialized biological sciences degree rather than a professionally accredited program tied to a specific occupation. Its long-term value comes from combining specialized biological knowledge with research experience and access to Rochester's wider scientific and medical research environment.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BS in Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology, students can continue into advanced study in biology and related life-science disciplines. The University of Rochester offers MS and PhD programs in Biology, allowing students to build on their undergraduate research experience and develop deeper expertise through advanced coursework and independent research.

The degree can also prepare students for medical, health-profession, biomedical research, biotechnology, and other graduate programs. Because students study cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and laboratory research, they have flexibility to shape their undergraduate experience around their intended next step.