Undergraduate Overview
Where curiosity meets discovery
Biological sciences at the University at Buffalo is about understanding life and using that knowledge to make a difference. From your first classes to advanced projects, you will explore how living things work, change and interact while building skills that open doors to health careers, research, education and science-driven fields.
The Department of Biological Sciences is a center for life sciences learning at the University at Buffalo. Here, students don’t just learn biology. They practice it, test ideas and grow into confident scientists with guidance along the way. What sets the program apart:
- Learning that balances core knowledge with hands-on experience
- A broad view of biology that reflects how the field works in the real world
- Opportunities to explore different interests before choosing a direction
- Clear advising and structured support that help students stay on track
- Preparation for graduate study, professional programs and science-based careers
UB offers flexible undergraduate pathways so you can shape your biological sciences degree around your goals and interests.
- BA in Biological Sciences: A flexible option for students with wide-ranging interests. Well suited for double majors, minors, study abroad or combining biology with fields like education, communication or policy.
- BS in Biological Sciences: A more science-intensive option for students who want deeper study. Students can follow a broad-based plan or focus on areas such as cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, neurobiology or health-focused pathways.
- BS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology – Biological Sciences concentration: An interdisciplinary program combining biological sciences with applied mathematics and computer science. Students learn to use computational tools to study genes and proteins, preparing for graduate study or careers in a fast-growing field.
- BA/MS in Biological Sciences: An accelerated option that allows motivated students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years instead of six.
- BA in Biological Sciences and EdM in Biology Adolescence Education: A pathway for students preparing to teach biology at the secondary level.
- BS in Biological Sciences and PharmD: A seven-year combined program preparing students for careers as pharmacists. Students apply to the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences after their second year at UB.
- Biological Sciences minor: Ideal for students who want a strong biology foundation alongside another major.
Students build a strong foundation in biology while developing skills that carry across careers and graduate study. You will learn to:
- Understand how genes, cells and organisms function
- Explain how living systems change and adapt over time
- Design experiments and interpret data
- Think critically and solve complex problems
- Communicate scientific ideas clearly
Learning builds gradually, with concepts and skills becoming more advanced as you move through the program.
Learning by doing
Hands-on learning is central to biological sciences at UB. Students gain experience through:
- Lab-based courses with real experiments
- Experiential lab projects that connect theory to practice
- Faculty-guided research opportunities at different stages
Students are supported as they explore these experiences, whether they are stepping into a lab for the first time or taking on more independent work later in the program.
Studying biology at UB means being challenged in a supportive environment. Students learn alongside peers with different interests and goals, supported by advisors, instructors and peer-led programs that help them navigate coursework, plan ahead and build confidence. Support is built into the experience through:
- Academic advising that helps students plan and adjust their path
- Peer-assisted learning and study groups that reinforce key concepts
- Undergraduate research advocates who help students explore research opportunities
- Career and experiential learning tools that connect coursework to future goals
These resources are designed to help students move forward steadily and make informed choices as their interests take shape.
Students learn from faculty whose expertise spans the life sciences. Professors bring their research into the classroom and take an active role in mentoring undergraduate students. Faculty research areas include:
- Cell and molecular biology
- Ecology and evolutionary biology
- Neurobiology
- Microbiology and immunology
- Genetics and genomics
- Computational and data-driven biology
Many faculty members have received teaching and mentoring awards, reflecting a strong focus on student learning both in class and in the lab.
Whether your goal is a health profession, graduate study, teaching or a science-based career, biological sciences at UB gives you the flexibility, preparation and support to move forward with confidence.
