Biological Sciences BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University at Buffalo SUNY

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences BS at the University at Buffalo gives students a strong and in-depth understanding of biology, with plenty of opportunities to build practical laboratory and research skills. It suits students interested in areas such as healthcare, scientific research, biotechnology, graduate study or other science-related careers, while allowing them to explore subjects including genetics, cell biology, ecology, evolution and physiology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students start by developing a solid foundation in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Courses such as BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology, BIO 201 Cell Biology and CHE 101 General Chemistry I introduce students to evolution, cellular processes and the chemical principles that are important for understanding living systems.

Year 2

In the second year, students build on this foundation and move into more detailed biological and chemical concepts. BIO 203 and BIO 205 expand their biological knowledge, while CHE 201 Organic Chemistry I and CHE 202 Organic Chemistry II, together with biology laboratory courses, give students more experience with scientific investigation and laboratory techniques.

Year 3

Students then take more advanced biology courses while strengthening their understanding of genetics, physics and scientific communication. Courses such as BIO 319 Genetics, PHY 101 General Physics I and PHY 102 General Physics II help students understand how genetic information is inherited and expressed while connecting biological concepts with physical and quantitative principles.

Year 4

The final year gives students greater flexibility to explore advanced areas of biology that match their interests and career plans. Through upper-level BIO electives, advanced laboratory work and UBC 399 Capstone, students bring together the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the degree and prepare for graduate study, research or professional careers.

Focus areas

Cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, genetics and genomics, neurobiology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and immunology, laboratory science, research and pre-health studies

Learning outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of biological sciences along with practical laboratory skills, experimental design, quantitative reasoning and scientific data analysis. They also learn how to investigate biological questions, communicate scientific information clearly and approach research and professional work responsibly.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Biological Sciences BS does not have a separate professional accreditation listed by the University at Buffalo. Instead, the program focuses on building the scientific knowledge, laboratory experience, research skills and communication abilities that can support careers in science, healthcare, research and further professional or graduate education.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University at Buffalo's Biological Sciences subject area was ranked No. 92 in the U.S. in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. UB also highlights career preparation through laboratory learning, research opportunities, internships and faculty mentorship, helping students develop experience that can be valuable when entering further study or the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biological Sciences BS at the University at Buffalo gives students many opportunities to take biology beyond the classroom and develop practical skills through laboratory work, research and internships. Students can work with faculty researchers, take part in original research projects and gain experience in areas such as genetics, cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, ecology and evolutionary biology. The program also offers opportunities such as BIO 496 internships, paid experiential-learning fellowships and an eight-week summer research program, helping students build experience that connects directly with their academic and career interests.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Laboratory learning: Students complete biology laboratory courses where they develop hands-on experience with experimental techniques, scientific investigation, data analysis and laboratory procedures.
Faculty-mentored research: Students can join faculty research laboratories and work on real biological research questions. They can begin research early and continue their work over several semesters.
Honors research: Students in the Biological Sciences Honors Program can complete original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor and present their findings at a departmental symposium.
BIO 496 internships: Through BIO 496: Biological Sciences Internship, students can gain academic credit while working in professional settings related to biology, including laboratory, fieldwork, health and community-based experiences.
Paid internship fellowship: Eligible Biological Sciences majors can receive $3,375 for a semester-long internship while working 15 hours per week for 15 weeks and earning academic credit through BIO 496.
Summer research experience: The Biological Sciences Summer REU provides an eight-week, full-time research experience with one-on-one faculty mentoring, professional-development workshops and a final research symposium. Research areas include genome structure and expression, neuronal physiology, model organisms and human health, fungi and cellular processes, and biology education.
Undergraduate research projects: Through UB's Office for Undergraduate Research and Project Portal, students can find research opportunities across the university, work with faculty mentors and document their experience through a Digital Badge.
Field and professional experience: Biology-related internships can involve laboratory work, fieldwork, health settings and community-based projects, giving students opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world environments.
Research facilities and equipment: Students have opportunities to work within UB's wider research environment, which includes specialized scientific facilities and equipment supporting biological and life-science research.
Career and internship resources: Students can use UB's Bullseye platform powered by Handshake to search for internships and job opportunities while developing professional experience alongside their degree.
Faculty research areas: Research opportunities are available across areas including cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, neurobiology, microbiology and immunology, genetics and genomics, and computational and data-driven biology.

Facilities and experiential-learning resources: University at Buffalo provides Biological Sciences students with access to departmental laboratories, faculty research environments, research facilities, internship opportunities and university-wide undergraduate research resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biological Sciences BS at the University at Buffalo gives students a strong foundation for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, education and other science-related fields. The combination of advanced biology courses, laboratory training, research opportunities and faculty guidance can help graduates enter the workforce or prepare for further professional and graduate study.

Typical job roles include Biological Technician, Biological Scientist, Research Assistant and Laboratory Researcher.

Students can build their career and academic future through:

Career support: UB's Career Design Center offers career advising, internship and job-search support, networking opportunities, employer connections and help with resumes and interviews. Students can also use Bullseye powered by Handshake to explore available jobs and internships.
Internship experience: Students can gain professional experience through BIO 496: Biological Sciences Internship, which can include laboratory, fieldwork, health and community-based placements. Eligible students may also receive $3,375 through the department's experiential-learning fellowship for a semester-long internship.
Employment and salary information: UB's official career information, based on 2024 U.S. Department of Labor and O*NET data, reports mean annual wages of $58,020 for Biological Technicians, $100,440 for Biological Scientists (all other), $101,940 for Life Scientists (all other), $75,260 for Forensic Science Technicians and $101,340 for Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers.
University–industry connections: UB connects its research community with life-sciences companies through university partnership initiatives. Companies listed by UB include Curia, POP Biotechnologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Circuit Clinical and Formapath, giving students exposure to a university environment where scientific research can connect with industry.
Research opportunities: Students can work with faculty researchers and take part in real biological research across areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics and genomics, ecology, evolution, neurobiology and computational biology. This experience can be particularly useful for students considering research careers or graduate school.
Graduate and professional preparation: The BS provides deeper biological and laboratory training that can prepare students for master's and doctoral programs as well as professional programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
Graduate progression: UB's Biological Sciences alumni have progressed to advanced programs at institutions including Yale University, Duke University School of Medicine and the University of Cambridge, while others have moved into research and industry careers.
Long-term professional value: The program does not have a separate professional accreditation listed by UB. Instead, its long-term value comes from advanced scientific coursework, laboratory experience, research training and transferable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving and scientific communication.
Graduation outcomes: Biological Sciences graduates have gone on to graduate and professional programs as well as research and industry positions. The department's alumni profiles show students using their undergraduate research and academic experience as a foundation for their next stage of study or employment.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biological Sciences BS, students can continue into master's or PhD programs in biology and related fields, pursue research-focused graduate study or apply to professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health professions. Students interested in teaching can also explore UB's UB Teach pathway, which provides a route toward graduate-level teacher preparation and New York State professional teaching certification.