Biological Sciences - Degrees & Policies

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate: BA, BS, Minor
Combined: BA/MS, BS/DDS
Graduate: MA, MS, PhD

Advisement

The Departmental Undergraduate Advisor is available for consultative management of student program planning by appointment and on a drop-in basis.

Each accepted student is also assigned a faculty advisor within the department at the time of acceptance. The advisor should be consulted concerning program requirements and the selection of courses to meet those requirements.

Acceptance Information

Except for the BS degree program in bioinformatics and computational biology, the department accepts students as majors after they have successfully completed both of the following two groups of courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each group:
1) A two-semester course in general chemistry (CHE 101-CHE 102, or equivalent) plus a two-semester course in college calculus (MTH 121-MTH 122, MTH 141-MTH 142, or equivalent)
2) Two college-level biology courses (BIO 200 and BIO 201, or equivalent).

These criteria apply to all students, regardless of whether they started college at UB or transferred to UB from another institution. The application form, including a current Academic Advising Report (AAR), is to be submitted directly to the Department of Biological Sciences.

For the BA/MS combined degree program, undergraduate biology majors (BA or BS) apply at the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in both science and general education courses and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are needed. The combined degree is awarded at the completion of the fifth year of the program. Separate BA and MS degrees are not awarded.

Transfer Policy

Students transferring to UB from other institutions may use course credits achieved elsewhere to meet requirements for baccalaureate degrees offered by the department. Courses from other institutions that have been previously evaluated in comparison to UB courses are listed on UB's course articulation web site, TAURUS. To fulfill requirements with courses that were completed at other institutions but are not listed on the TAURUS web site, students must obtain approval through a petitioning process overseen by the department's director of undergraduate studies. Petition forms are available in the Department of Biological Sciences office, located in 109 Cooke Hall (North Campus). In addition to filling out a petition, the student will be asked to provide supporting documents for transfer courses, such as a catalog description and/or syllabus of the course(s) to be transferred to UB.

Transfer students are reminded that at least 16 credit hours of upper-division coursework must be completed within the department with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

SUNY Seamless Transfer Path

SUNY Seamless Transfer is a SUNY-wide program intended to make transferring to UB and other SUNY Schools simple and efficient for SUNY students. SUNY has defined courses that SUNY students can take before transferring which will apply to the major at UB and ensure timely graduation.

Information about the Transfer Path for this major can be found on the SUNY Website.

Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor or department to discuss how their coursework will apply to their degree.

Biological Sciences - B.S.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in BIO 200 and BIO 201, and minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in CHE 101, CHE 102, MTH 121 (or MTH 141) and MTH 122 (or MTH 142).

Advising Notes

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in biology courses and minimum GPA of 2.0 in required chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses for degree conferral.

Students may choose to concentrate their study in one of the following four programs: (1) cell and molecular biology, (2) ecology and evolutionary biology, (3) pre-health studies or (4) neurobiology. Details of these programs are available at http://www.biology.buffalo.edu.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I or MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH 142 College Calculus II

Required Courses

BIO 203 General Physiology
BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 319 Genetics
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I/Lab or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Four BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 213 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 332 Adv. Molecular Biology Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory, BIO 400 Bioinformatics, BIO 420 Cytogenetics, BIO 458 Molecular Ecology, 2 cr of BIO 497 Honors Research or BIO 498 Undergraduate Research
BIO electives or preapproved elective courses from other departments (see list at http://biology.buffalo.edu) to reach 44 credit hours minimum for the BS degree (at least 3 credit hours of BIO electives must be at the 400-level). No more than 3 credits of any combination of BIO 495, 497, 498, or 499 may count towards the BS degree.

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart

Credits Required for Major	82
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum	32
Additional Credits Required for Electives	6
Total Credits Required for Degree	120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Biological Sciences BS which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Biological Sciences - B.A.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in BIO 200 and BIO 201, and minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in CHE 101, CHE 102, MTH 121 (or MTH 141) and MTH 122 (or MTH 142).

Advising Note

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in biology courses and minimum GPA of 2.0 in required chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses for degree conferral.

Prerequisite Courses

Required Courses

BIO 203 General Physiology
BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 319 Genetics
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I/Lab or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Three BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 213 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 332 Adv. Molecular Biology Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory, BIO 400 Bioinformatics, BIO 420 Cytogenetics, BIO 458 Molecular Ecology, 2 cr of BIO 497 Honors Research or BIO 498 Undergraduate Research
BIO electives or preapproved elective courses from other departments (see list at http://www.biology.buffalo.edu) to reach 33 credit hours minimum for the BA degree. No more than 3 credits of any combination of BIO 495, 497, 498, or 499 may count towards the BS degree.

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart

Credits Required for Major	71
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum	32
Additional Credits Required for Electives	17
Total Credits Required for Degree	120

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:
-Students will develop a broad background in the biological sciences and achieve an understanding and appreciation of basic biological concepts and principles. They will become proficient in five broad areas of biology: evolutionary biology, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics.
A Demonstrate a broad background in the biological sciences,
B. Demonstrate knowledge content across the full range of biology.
C.Demonstrate knowledge of form, function, mechanism, organization, scale, hierarchy, diversity and evolution.
D.Understand and apply fundamental biological principles from the major areas of biology (ecology, genetics, evolution, cell and molecular biology, and organismal biology),
E.Describe basic biological concepts and principles.
F.Understand that biology has a chemical, physical, and mathematical basis.
G.Explain the importance of the scientific method to understanding natural phenomena.
H.Demonstrate understanding of hierarchical levels of organization.
I. Demonstrate an understanding of diversity.

-Students will acquire laboratory and field skills necessary to answer biological questions and an ability to understand and employ scientific methodologies. They will be able to understand how to obtain. critically evaluate, and communicate experimental results
A Acquire laboratory and field skills necessary to answer biological questions.
B.Develop a repertoire of basic laboratory skills necessary for active participation as a laboratory or field biologist
C.Understand and use scientific methodology.
D.Employ appropriate experimental design methods to solve problems in biology.
E.Demonstrate ability to design both laboratory and field experiments.
F.Promote familiarity with a range of methods and techniques relevant to the application of biological sciences.
G.Generate a strong appreciation for research and scientific methodology.
H.Perform ""Good Laboratory Practice.""
I.Inspect data and apply basic statistics to their analysis and communication.
J.Obtain, critically evaluate, and communicate biological information.

-Students will gain understanding of how to integrate knowledge across biological sub disciplines and to synthesize examples, facts, or hypotheses from more than one level of organization into a coherent whole. They will also obtain the ability to integrate the physical sciences (chemistry, physics, and mathematics) with biology.
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the levels of biological organization and the ability to integrate them: cellular/molecular, organismal, population, community, ecosystem.
B.Integrate knowledge across biological sub disciplines.
C.Understand links among classes and sub disciplines so that information can be used for deeper comprehension.
D.Demonstrate the ability to synthesize examples, facts, or hypotheses from more than one level of organization into a coherent whole.
E.Demonstrate the ability to integrate the physical sciences (chemistry, physics, and mathematics) with biology.
F.Acquire in-depth knowledge from the major areas of biology and be able to integrate principles across these areas.

-Students will develop effective quantitative reasoning skills and be able to operate as a scientist to formulate and test appropriate biological hypotheses. They will be engaged both independently and collaboratively in the scientific process and learn to critically evaluate the veracity and value of published information.

A.Develop enhanced critical thinking skills.
B.Determine the veracity and value of published information.
C.Develop skills necessary for continued intellectual growth.
D.Operate as a scientist in his/her ability to both formulate and test appropriate biological hypotheses.
E.Engage independently and collaboratively in the scientific process.
F.Evaluate data critically to develop a hypothesis and design experiments to address an interesting or novel problem.
G.Use knowledge foundations to illustrate concepts and compare examples.
H.Interpret observations through the creation, testing, analysis, and communication of parsimonious hypotheses.
I.Develop effective quantitative analysis skills

-Students will be able to retrieve information from multiple sources, to analyze this information and communicate it precisely in both written and oral forms.

A.Communicate the results of scientific investigations in forms, both oral and written, standard to the discipline.
B.Develop proposal writing skills to fund research or develop new programs.
C.Retrieve information from databases.

-Students will develop an interest in lifelong learning and be able to evaluate and advance knowledge in biology. Students will be exposed to current problems in biology, as well as develop an appreciation for the nature of living organisms, the mechanisms of life function, the different levels of biological organization and the interactions among organisms and their environments.

A.Develop a biological knowledge base common to contemporary biologists, encompassing sub-organismic, organismic and systems levels of biological organization.
B.Propose ways to advance knowledge in biology.
C.Understand and evaluate current biological problems and discoveries.

-Students will learn to appropriately place biological knowledge into an ethical context, appreciate the importance of ethical conduct in science and demonstrate knowledge of contemporary social and ethical issues related to biology and the professional responsibilities of a biologist.
A.Place biological knowledge into an ethical context.
B.Appreciate the importance of ethical conduct in science.
C.Foster ownership of ideas, research, concepts, knowledge and effort.
D.Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary social and ethical issues related to biology and the professional responsibilities of a biologist.
E.Discuss the nature of biology as a science and its historical, philosophical, and ethical impact on humanity and the environment.
F.Generate a strong appreciation for the nature of living organisms.

-Students will complete a more advanced level of study in areas of their choice to obtain a deeper coverage of at least one of the five broad areas.

A.Demonstrate knowledge of each of the sub-disciplines of biological organization at the intermediate level.
B.Understand the process of evolutionary change.
C.Understand cell structure, cell physiology and the molecular processes of cells.
D.Describe the developmental and physiological mechanisms that are fundamental to all living organisms.
E.Understand the principles of biochemistry.
F.Understand the principles of organismal genetics.
G.Demonstrate advanced knowledge in one of the ""5 pillars"" in our department (evolutionary biology, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, or genetics).

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Biological Sciences BA which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Biological Sciences - B.A./M.S.

Acceptance Criteria

INITIAL ACCEPTANCE TO BA PROGRAM
Minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in BIO 200 and BIO 201, and minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in CHE 101, CHE 102, MTH 121 (or 141) and MTH 122 (or 142).

SUBSEQUENT UPGRADED APPLICATION TO BA/MS PROGRAM
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in science courses, minimum GPA of 3.0 in general education courses, completion of CHE 201-202, BIO 203, and BIO 205, and three letters of recommendation.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH 142 College Calculus II

Required Courses

BIO 203 General Physiology
BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 319 Genetics
BIO 600 Problems in Biology
BIO 680 Graduate Research
BIO 610 Graduate Student Seminar
BIO 614 Departmental Seminar
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I (including PHY 151 lab) or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Three BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 213 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 332 Adv. Molecular Biology Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory, BIO 400 Bioinformatics, BIO 420 Cytogenetics, BIO 458 Molecular Ecology, 2 cr of BIO 497 Honors Research or BIO 498 Undergraduate Research
18 credit hours of graduate-level electives (should be selected in consultation with faculty advisor)

Combined Degree Credit Requirements Chart

Credits Required for Major (Undergraduate)	68
Credits Required for Major (Graduate)	32
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum	29
Additional Credits Required for Electives	7
Total Credits Required for Degree	135

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Biological Sciencs BA/MS which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in five years.

Biological Sciences - B.S./D.D.S.

Acceptance Criteria

INITIAL ACCEPTANCE TO BS/DDS PROGRAM
Applications for entry into the combined BS/DDS program are to be submitted to the Student Admissions Committee of the School of Dental Medicine. Visit http://www.sdm.buffalo.edu for details.

Advising Notes

Minimum GPA of 3.5 overall and 3.5 in required science courses (biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics) at the undergraduate level prior to entering dental curriculum.

Prerequisite Courses

Required Courses

BIO 203 General Physiology
BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 319 Genetics
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I (including PHY 151 lab) or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Three BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 213 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 332 Adv. Molecular Biology Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory, BIO 400 Bioinformatics, BIO 420 Cytogenetics, BIO 458 Molecular Ecology, 2 cr of BIO 497 Honors Research or BIO 498 Undergraduate Research

Combined Degree Credit Requirements Chart

Credits Required for Major (Undergraduate)	62
Credits Required for Major (Graduate)	DDS
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum	29
Additional Credits Required for Electives	3
Total Credits Required for Degree	94

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Biological Sciences BS/DDS which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in five years.

Biological Sciences - Minor

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

Minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in biology-related courses and minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in required chemistry courses is needed for a successful completion of the minor.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology

Required Courses

BIO 203 General Physiology
BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 101 General Chemistry I
CHE 102 General Chemistry II
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry I
BIO electives or preapproved elective courses from other departments (see list at http://www.biology.buffalo.edu) at the 300-400 level to reach 22 credit hours of biology-related prerequisite and required coursework (including BIO 200, BIO 201, BIO 203, BIO 205, and BIO 215).

Minor Credit Requirements Chart

Total Credits Required for Minor/Certificate

Minors and certificates must be completed in conjunction with a major and all university degree requirements must be met.

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

Biotechnology - Minor

For Students Majoring In Chemical Engineering

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in prerequisite courses.

Required Courses

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory
BIO 319 Genetics
BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, OR BIO 332 Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory

Pre-approved BIO electives (BIO 302 Molecular Biology, BIO 401 Advanced Biological Chemistry, or BIO 404 Advanced Molecular Genetics) to reach 22 credit hours of biology-related prerequisite and required coursework.

Minor Credit Requirement Chart

Total Credits Required for Minor/Certificate

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 201 Cell Biology

Advising Notes

Minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in biology-related courses and minimum combined GPA of 2.0 in required chemistry courses is needed for a successful completion of the minor.

Last updated: November 22 2021 21:01:55