BS in Biological Sciences: Microbiology (BMB) Track

The BS in Biological Sciences: Microbiology (BMB) Track gives students plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience alongside their classroom learning. Students work with microorganisms through dedicated microbiology laboratory courses, explore topics such as microbial genetics and pathogenesis, and can take part in research with University of Rochester faculty on the River Campus or at the University of Rochester Medical Center. These experiences help students build laboratory, research, data analysis, teamwork, and scientific communication skills that can be useful for both employment and further study.

Students can put their knowledge into practice through a range of laboratory courses, research opportunities, and collaborative projects:

• MBI 221W: Microbiology Lab: This laboratory course accompanies MBI 220: Introduction to Microbiology, giving students direct practical experience with microbiological concepts and laboratory techniques.

• Independent research: Students can earn academic credit while working on research projects with University of Rochester faculty on the River Campus or at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Depending on the project, students may conduct laboratory or computational experiments, collect and analyze primary data, and present their work through a final report or poster.

• Microbiology research topics: Advanced coursework allows students to explore areas such as emerging pathogens, microbial pathogenesis, microbial physiology and genetics, virology, and immunology through courses including MBI 404, MBI 414, MBI 421, MBI 456, and MBI 473.

• iGEM collaborative project: Through BIOL 228A&B: iGEM I & II, students can work as part of a student-led team to design and develop an engineered biological system using DNA technologies. This experience combines scientific research with teamwork, project planning, problem-solving, and scientific communication.

• Applied genomics: BIOL 257L: Applied Genomics can be used as a diversification option, allowing students to complement their microbiology studies with practical exposure to genomic approaches.

• Computational biology: Students can also explore BIOL 253L: Computational Biology, adding computational methods and biological data analysis to their microbiology background.

• Biochemical and molecular techniques: BCH 308: Biochemical and Molecular Biology Techniques provides an additional opportunity to develop practical skills related to molecular and biochemical laboratory research.

• Research mentorship: Students interested in research can connect with faculty members whose work matches their interests and explore undergraduate research opportunities. The Biology Department also directs students toward the Office of Undergraduate Research for research funding and undergraduate research conferences.

• Summer research fellowships: Biology students can apply for opportunities such as the de Kiewiet Fellowship, Recny Fellowship, and Speakman Fellowship, which support undergraduate research experiences during the summer.

• SPARC professional and research skills: The Supporting Professional and Research Competencies (SPARC) pathway uses a series of one-credit courses to help students strengthen their professional, technical, and communication skills while developing their research experience.

• Honors in Research: Students with strong research experience can pursue Honors in Research, which includes completing and defending a senior thesis during their final year.

• Biology teaching laboratories: Students use the University's formal biology teaching laboratories for practical coursework, supporting the hands-on components of their microbiology and biological sciences studies.

The BS in Biological Sciences: Microbiology (BMB) Track prepares students for careers in microbiology, infectious diseases, biotechnology, laboratory research, and other life-science fields. Students develop a strong understanding of microorganisms, genetics, biochemistry, virology, immunology, and laboratory research, which can support roles such as microbiology research technician, laboratory research assistant, microbiology laboratory technician, and biotechnology research associate. The degree also gives students a solid foundation for those planning to continue into graduate, medical, or other professional programs.

Students can strengthen their career preparation through Rochester's career services, research opportunities, and scientific community:

• Career and employment support: The Greene Center for Career Education and Connections provides students with career guidance, résumé support, and employment preparation. Biology students can also use JobLink to explore undergraduate employment opportunities within the Biology Department.

• Independent research experience: Students can earn academic credit while working with University of Rochester faculty on research projects at the River Campus or University of Rochester Medical Center. Depending on the project, students may conduct laboratory or computational experiments, collect and analyze data, and prepare a final report or poster.

• Professional skill development: The SPARC pathway uses a series of one-credit courses to help students strengthen their professional, technical, and communication skills. These skills can be particularly useful for students preparing to work in research laboratories or continue into advanced study.

• Employment outcomes: 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, with graduates working in areas such as healthcare, research, technology, and higher education. These figures apply to the School of Arts & Sciences overall and are not specific to the BMB Track.

• Research and biomedical environment: Students benefit from Rochester's connection between the Biology Department and the University of Rochester Medical Center. Research areas at the Medical Center include microbiology and immunology, biomedical genetics, biochemistry and biophysics, neuroscience, and pharmacology and physiology, providing a strong environment for students interested in biomedical and infectious-disease research.

• Summer research opportunities: Students can apply for Biology Department opportunities such as the de Kiewiet Fellowship, Recny Fellowship, and Speakman Fellowship, which provide opportunities to gain additional research experience during the summer.

• Collaborative research experience: Through the iGEM BIO 228A&B course series, students can work as part of a student-managed multidisciplinary team on the design and development of an engineered biological system using DNA technologies. This experience helps students develop teamwork, research, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.

• Research recognition at graduation: Students with strong research experience can pursue Honors in Research, which involves completing and defending a senior thesis during their final year. This can be a valuable way to demonstrate substantial research experience when applying for jobs or advanced academic programs.

• Long-term professional value: The BMB Track is an academic biological sciences degree rather than a professional qualification connected to a specific licensed occupation. Its combination of microbiology, microbial genetics, pathogenesis, virology, immunology, biochemistry, and laboratory experience provides a strong foundation for long-term development in microbiology, biotechnology, infectious diseases, biomedical research, and related fields.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BMB Track, students can continue their education through advanced programs in biology and related biomedical fields. The University of Rochester offers MS and PhD programs in Biology, providing opportunities to build on undergraduate knowledge and research experience through advanced coursework and independent research.

Students can also pursue medical, health-profession, biotechnology, microbiology, infectious-disease, biomedical research, and other graduate programs, depending on their career goals. The BMB curriculum combines microbiology with chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, laboratory work, and research, giving students a flexible foundation for their next academic or professional step.