Beyond the classroom

Students kayak across a calm lake with bright green paddles, passing a set of tall stone columns along the shoreline on a sunny day.

Photographer: Doug Levere

Learn biology by doing biology

Hands-on experience is at the core of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo. From your first labs to advanced research and internships, you will apply what you learn, work alongside faculty and build skills that prepare you for careers and graduate study.

How students gain experience

There is no single path in Biological Sciences. Students build experience in ways that match their interests, goals and timeline, often combining more than one option.

Undergraduate Research with Faculty

Work on real research questions across the life sciences. Students can join labs early, stay involved across semesters and gain experience that supports graduate study or research-focused careers.

Biological Sciences Internships

Apply what you learn in class to the real-world. Internships range from lab and fieldwork to health and community-based experiences. Students earn academic credit by enrolling in BIO 496.

Experiential Learning Fellowships

Receive paid support while completing an approved internship. These competitive fellowships help students focus on learning while gaining experience through BIO 496 during the  semester.

Project Portal

Find a research project

Work alongside faculty mentors on research and creative projects that help you apply classroom learning, explore new ideas and build valuable skills.

Through the Office for Undergraduate Research, you can discover opportunities across disciplines, connect with faculty mentors and earn a Digital Badge that showcases your experience and accomplishments.

Student organizations

Outside the classroom, students build community and leadership through student groups such as:

Screenshot of the "Life of a Biological Sciences Major, Beyond the Classroom | University at Buffalo" video from YouTube.

Take the next step

Experiential learning helps you discover what excites you and prepares you for what comes next. Whether you want to do research, explore careers or build professional skills, Biological Sciences at UB gives you the space and support to do it.

Current UB students

Already a student in the Department of Biological Sciences? Find petition forms, registration information, advising resources and other tools to help you stay on track.

Info for current undergraduate students

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