Overview

A wide view of a large University at Buffalo lecture hall shows a professor presenting at the front of the room beneath a large screen displaying a biology lecture slide about the cell nucleus. Students sit in tiered seating, many using laptops, with the UB logo visible on the walls.

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.

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Undergraduate Programs

Our graduates have an extraordinarily high placement rate into graduate and professional schools, and over 85% of our alumni are working or studying in a biological field within five years post-graduation.

  • BA in Biological Sciences
    11/3/25
    The Biological Sciences Bachelor of Arts Degree Program is highly flexible and recommended for students with broad academic interests who may wish to combine studies in biology with those in other disciplines. Ideal for students who are considering studying abroad, a double major and/or a minor in distinct disciplines.
  • BS in Biological Sciences
    11/3/25
    The Bachelor of Science degree program provides the opportunity for in-depth study within particular sub-disciplines of the biological sciences. Students may select a broad-based degree, or may choose a track that specializes in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, neurobiology, or pre-health studies.
  • BS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
    11/3/25
    The Bachelor of Science degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is a highly interdisciplinary program. Students integrate coursework in applied mathematics, computer science and the biological sciences, learning how to apply mathematics and computing to the study of genes and proteins. This training prepares students for graduate education in a bioinformatics-related field or for entry into the workforce of this emerging discipline.
  • BA/MS in Biological Sciences
    11/3/25
    The BA/MS in Biological Sciences is a combined degree program that provides an accelerated path to the Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Normally six years are needed to achieve both degrees (four years for the BA and two additional years for the MS). The combined program can be completed in five years. The BA degree is conferred after the fourth year, and the MS degree is conferred upon completion of the program.
  • BS/PharmD Combined Degree Program
    11/3/25
    The BS/PharmD Combined Degree Program combines three years of undergraduate study in biological sciences and four years of graduate work in pharmacy. A combined BS/PharmD degree is awarded after seven years. Application to the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is made following the second year at UB.  The Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (PharmD) is a professional degree that enables one to work as a pharmacist, interacting with patients and other health care practitioners about medications. 
  • Minor in Biological Sciences
    11/3/25
    To qualify for the Minor in Biological Sciences, students complete a short list of required and elective courses within the department. There is also a special Biotechnology Minor available for chemical engineering students.
  • BA in Biological Sciences / EdM in Biology Education
    12/22/25

Biological Sciences Degree Programs and Course Catalog

What could be more fascinating than studying living things, how they evolve, and how they interact with the world around them? Whether you’re interested in human health, the environment and sustainability, food security, or nearly any topic that affects life on this planet, you’ll find students and faculty at UB who are just as excited as you are. Our program is ideal for anyone who wants a major that covers a variety of disciplines to prepare for a career in life sciences.

Learn more about Biological Sciences Degree Programs.

UB Catalog links to program of study requirements:

Majors

Combined

Minor