BA in Biology

The BA in Biology at the University of Rochester gives students opportunities to learn by doing, not just through classroom study. Students can develop practical skills through laboratory courses, computational biology, independent research, summer research opportunities, and collaborative projects, with access to research environments across the River Campus and the University of Rochester Medical Center. These experiences help students become comfortable working with biological data, conducting experiments, using research methods, and communicating scientific findings.

Students can gain hands-on experience through a range of opportunities:

• Laboratory experience: Students can complete practical courses such as BIOL 198P: Principles of Genetics Lab, BIOL 204P: Principles of Human Physiology Lab, BIOL 225: Lab in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BIOL 250P: Biochemistry Lab, BIOL 268: Lab in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and MBI 221W: Microbiology Laboratory.

• Computational and data skills: Students interested in biological data can take courses such as BIOL 253L: Computational Biology, BIOL 219L: Genomics of Quantitative Traits, and BIOL 257L: Applied Genomics. BIOL 218P: Data Analysis in R Computer Laboratory also gives students experience working with biological data using R.

• Independent research: Through BIOL/NSCI/CHEM/IND/BCH/MBI/PHP/PTH 395/395W: Independent Research, students can work with University of Rochester faculty on research projects and earn academic credit. Depending on the project, students may carry out laboratory or computational experiments, analyze primary data, and present their findings through a research report or poster.

• Research facilities: Students can participate in research on the River Campus as well as at the University of Rochester Medical Center, giving them opportunities to experience research that connects fundamental biology with medical and biomedical science.

• iGEM project experience: BIOL 228A&B: iGEM I&II International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition Course Series gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively on an international synthetic biology competition and apply their biological knowledge to a team-based project.

• Research mentoring: Students can explore faculty research areas and connect with professors about undergraduate research opportunities. The Biology Department provides resources to help students identify potential research mentors and find projects that match their interests.

• Summer research opportunities: Students can continue developing their research skills during the summer through departmental fellowships, including the de Kiewiet Fellowship, Recny Fellowship, and Speakman Fellowship.

• Undergraduate employment: Biology students can explore undergraduate job opportunities through JobLink, while teaching assistant positions can provide additional experience supporting courses and working with other students.

• Student research community: The Society of Undergraduate Biology Students provides opportunities for networking, study groups, faculty interaction, and research shadowing, helping students become more familiar with the University's research community.

• Research outcomes: Undergraduate research can provide students with experience that extends beyond the classroom, and University of Rochester biology materials note that student research contributions can sometimes lead to participation in published scientific work.

Facilities and research resources: Biology teaching and research laboratories, River Campus research facilities, University of Rochester Medical Center research facilities, computational biology resources, genomics laboratories, biochemistry laboratories, microbiology laboratories, and facilities supporting independent undergraduate research.

The BA in Biology at the University of Rochester gives graduates a flexible foundation for careers in biological research, healthcare, biotechnology, and other life-science fields. It is also a strong starting point for students who want to continue into medical, health-profession, or graduate programs, especially those who build research experience alongside their studies.

Typical career paths include biological research technician, laboratory technician, biotechnology professional, and biomedical research assistant. Students can strengthen their career preparation through research, employment opportunities, career guidance, and professional development:

• Career and employment support: The University of Rochester's Greene Center for Career Education and Connections helps students prepare for employment through career advising, résumé development, interview preparation, networking, and access to job and internship opportunities. Biology students can also use JobLink to explore undergraduate employment opportunities.

• Research experience: Students can complete independent research for academic credit and work with faculty on projects in biological science laboratories on the River Campus or at the University of Rochester Medical Center. These experiences can involve laboratory experiments, computational work, biological data analysis, and preparation of research reports or posters.

• Undergraduate employment: The Biology Department provides opportunities for students to work in laboratory and teaching roles. These positions allow students to develop practical skills and gain experience working in a professional academic environment while completing their degree.

• Career-focused skills: Students can develop skills in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, computational biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and experimental research. Opportunities such as the SPARC pathway also help students develop professional, technical, and communication skills that can be useful after graduation.

• Research fellowships: Students can apply for summer research opportunities such as the de Kiewiet Fellowship, Recny Fellowship, and Speakman Fellowship. Selected students may also have the opportunity to participate in the Beckman Scholars Program, which provides an extended mentored research experience and financial research support.

• Connections with medical research: Biology students can benefit from the University's connection with the University of Rochester Medical Center, where research opportunities span areas such as biochemistry and biophysics, biomedical genetics, microbiology and immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology, and cancer research.

• Graduation outcomes: University of Rochester Biology graduates go on to work across scientific and medical fields, as well as areas such as law, business, and technology. The program's broad curriculum allows students to shape their academic experience around their intended career or further-study pathway.

• Employment and salary information: The official University of Rochester sources do not publish a specific employment rate or average salary for graduates of the BA in Biology. Therefore, a program-specific salary or employment figure should not be assumed from broader biology or life-science statistics.

• Industry and professional exposure: Through research opportunities, alumni connections, career events, and the University's broader professional network, students can gain exposure to different career possibilities in the life sciences. The connection between the Biology Department and the University of Rochester Medical Center is particularly valuable for students interested in biomedical and health-related careers.

• Long-term value: The BA in Biology is designed to provide a broad and adaptable foundation rather than preparing students for only one profession. This flexibility allows graduates to move toward research, healthcare, medicine, biotechnology, graduate education, or other life-science careers as their interests develop.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA in Biology, students can continue their education through advanced study in biology and related disciplines. The University of Rochester offers MS and PhD programs in Biology, giving students opportunities to develop deeper subject knowledge and pursue advanced research.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for students planning to enter medical and other health-profession programs. Students can use the flexibility of the biology curriculum to complete relevant prerequisite subjects, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and, where required, biochemistry and microbiology.