This page contains answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) by BIO undergraduate students.
Who is my advisor and how do I locate them?
Locate your advisor here.
How do I schedule an advising appointment?
You can schedule an advising appointment through Navigate, here.
How do I apply to the major/switch my major to Biological Sciences?
Please fill out the application to the major here.
How can I change my UB seminar course.
Please see your advisor here for help with this or contact UB Curriculum.
I don’t know what courses to take as my pathways. Can someone help?
Yes, please contact your advisor here.
Can I change my BIO major from BA to BS and vice versa?
Yes, you may; however, it is strongly recommended that you meet with your advisor first to discuss the potential ramifications.
Can I switch my BIO major to a minor?
Yes, you may; however, it is strongly recommended that you meet with your advisor first.
Can I switch my BIO minor to a major?
This request would require a new application to the major (here) to be reviewed and accepted.
How do I apply for the pre-dental (BIO BS/DDS) program?
This program is no longer offered.
Can you force register me into another department’s course?
No…you will need to request assistance from the department offering the course
You accept MIC 401 (or any other approved cognate elective) as an elective – why can I not register for it?
The BIO department can only assist with registration into a BIO-coded course only. Registration into other courses (accepted by the major) will need to come from those departments
How many credits of BIO 495, 498, or 499 can I apply to the major?
You may apply a maximum of three (3) credits of these tutorial options if registered
How many credits can I register for each semester?
Students are allowed to register up to 19 credits (full-time student) during Fall and Spring semesters
I need help with my schedule…can someone help me?
If you are having issues with your schedule, you should immediately schedule an advising appointment with your assigned BIO advisor
Can I retake a course?
Yes, but the process depends on whether or not the course is a controlled enrollment course. If it is not, students can register themselves to retake a course one time. Any enrollments beyond that will require a petition and departmental approval (see FAQ Petitions below). If the course is a controlled enrollment course, you must wait until the first day of classes to register
I want to do research. How do I register?
Students cannot register themselves in a BIO 498 research course. You need to work with the faculty member that has agreed to have you work in their lab in order to be force registered.
Can I count my research (in another department) as BIO credit?
This will require the submission of a BIO Research Petition Request. You will need to follow the instructions that are provided on submitting that petition request (see Petitions below).
Which petition do I need to submit?
All petitions can be found on the Bio Undergraduate Programs Forms page, here.
What is the turnaround time for a petition?
That will vary depending on the type of petition submitted; typically, the turnaround time on most petition decisions is within 3-5 business days
I’m transferring from another school – what should I do or who can I talk to?
You should schedule an appointment with a College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) advisor at 716-645-6883 or cas-advisor@buffalo.edu.
I just transferred and my courses are showing up as BIO 999TR so I’m not getting BIO major credit for these courses. What do I do?
How do I apply for graduation?
The Apply for Graduation option should be available in your drop-down box on the student hUB. If it is not appearing, you will need to reach out for assistance at the UB Registrar’s Office
Does my concentration show on the diploma?
No, the concentrations do not appear on the diploma; however, it does appear on your official transcript
Can I still take a class after I graduate?
Once you apply for graduation and your degree is conferred, any classes taken after conferral will not apply to your undergraduate degree.
I’ve graduated, but I need to retake a class for a better grade.
Once you apply for graduation and your degree is conferred, any classes taken after conferral will not apply to your undergraduate degree