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Bachelor of Science

Biology

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Scientific Training for Tomorrow’s Physicians and Scientists

Develop a deeper understanding of the living world with the BS in Biological Sciences program at the University at Albany. You will gain the scientific background needed to succeed in a wide variety of careers including the medical, dental, veterinary, optometry and podiatry fields.

The course sequence in biology, chemistry, physics and math provides you with a broad foundation to build upon specialized areas of knowledge. From studying plants, animals and microscopic creatures you will branch out into biology courses tailored to your interests and career goals such as genetics, neurobiology and immunology.

You will be prepared to continue your education leading to an MS and PhD for an in-depth education in biological sciences or enter a professional school in the medical field.

Program of Study

programofstudy

Required Biology Courses (21 credits)

  • General Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
  • General Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology
  • Introduction to Biological Investigations I and II
  • Introductory Genetics
  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Principles of Ecology and Evolution
  • Biological Chemistry I


Required Chemistry Courses (16 credits)

  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or Honors Advanced General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or Honors Advanced General Chemistry II
  • General Chemistry Laboratory I and II
  • Organic Chemistry I and II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II


Required Math Courses (7-8 credits)

  • Elementary Statistics and Algebra and Calculus II OR
  • Elementary Statistics and Calculus I OR
  • Algebra and Calculus II and Calculus II OR
  • Calculus I and Calculus II

Required Physics Courses (8 credits)

  • General Physics I or Physics I: Mechanics or Physics I: Advanced Mechanics
  • General Physics Lab I or Physics Lab I
  • General Physics II or Physics II: Electromagnetism or Physics II: Advanced Electromagnetism
  • General Physics Lab II or Physics Lab II


Biology Major Electives (15 credits)

  • Three courses which are partially or exclusively laboratory courses
  • 6 credits at the 300 level or above and 3 credits at the 400 level or above
  • Supervised Research for Juniors and Supervised Research for Seniors may contribute a total of 4 credits towards the major


Optional Honors Track (6 credits)

  • Supervised Research for Juniors or Supervised Research for Seniors

Choose one of the following 500-level courses in place of a 400-level course:

  • Cell Biology I or II
  • Biochemistry and Biomolecular Structure
  • Advance Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Virology
  • Principles of Bioinformatics
  • Molecular Neurobiology
  • Cellular Aspects of Neurophysiology
  • Introduction to the Biomanufacturing of Pharmaceuticals


"What I've enjoyed most is the amount of opportunities I've had to apply my knowledge outside of the classroom setting."

- Emily Suarez, '24

UAlbany Majors: BS Biology

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options


You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. Choose to combine your Biology undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

combined

MS in Biology
Whether you want to specialize in areas like neural development and molecular virology, or cellular mutation and gene flow, gain the knowledge and experience necessary to pursue your career in fields like health care, conservation, law and research.
 

MS in Information Science 
This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.
 

MS in Secondary Education
This New York State-approved teacher preparation program provides you with initial certification to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12 in New York State public schools.

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Student researcher in Melinda Larsen Lab
Career Outcomes

Employers value biology majors for their ability to think critically in demanding situations as well as for their background in utilizing precise technical skills.  The lab experiences gained throughout the biology program is an invaluable asset for positions like:

  • Physician
  • Physician's Assistant
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacist
  • Veterinarian
  • Research Scientist
careers

"The BS in Biology is the gold standard for those students interested in pursuing a technical degree and want to advance to graduate work or schooling for medicine, dental, podiatry, optometry or veterinary sciences"

- Dr. Christine Gervasi, Instructor, Biological Sciences and Member, Pre-health Committee

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Science
  • Demonstrate an understanding of life-sustaining chemical pathways and genetic information flow, exchange, and storage
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the process of evolution as it influences the development of individuals, populations, and species.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of structure and function at the level of the gene, genome, cell, tissue, organ, organ system and whole organism level
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the origins and diversity of life (only program requiring 330). 
  • Apply biological knowledge to societal issues.
  • Employ the scientific method through the design and implementation of experiments and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
  • Demonstrate scientific literacy in oral and written communication.
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What Makes The University at Albany Great

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Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

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Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

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Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.