Biology Courses
You will have the opportunity to study a wide-range of biology topics in order to fulfill the credits required to complete either the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree. Throughout your studies, you will partake in courses in three categories: general core, concentration core, and electives. In your first year, you will gain exposure to a variety of fields through coursework and lab rotations within the general core requirements. This experience works to form the foundation of your studies and will help you determine which concentration best suits your interests: Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, or Ecology and Evolution. As you pursue your studies in your selected concentration, you will also be able to take electives to round out your experience.
Your Path to Successful Program Completion
All graduate-level Biology students must pass an oral comprehensive examination covering current theory, application and research in areas appropriate to their training and interests. In addition, students must complete the minimum credit hours required for each degree program, as follows:
Master of Science in Biology Program Requirements
Students in the Biology (MS) degree program will be required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, comprised of 24 credits of coursework and six credits of master’s-level research. Students must submit and defend a research thesis with both a written thesis and oral defense, both of which demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
Master of Arts in Biology Program Requirements
Students choosing the non-thesis option (MA) must either complete 33 credits of coursework in Biology or cognate courses aimed at further acquisition and refinement of program student learning objectives, or 30 credits of course work—and with the approval of the graduate Chair of Biology— three credits of intern experience in a professional setting aimed at student acquisition of career skills targeted by the program. Upon completion of the internship, the student must also submit a recommendation letter from their internship mentor and an internship report, describing the work done in their internship and the professional advancement outcomes achieved. Furthermore, the student should present her/his work in a seminar at UB.
Program Core Requirements
These courses are specific to the graduate-level Biology degree program.
BIO 445 | Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology |
BIO 470 | Research Rotation |
BIO 490 | Departmental Seminar |
BIO 498 | Internship (M.A. Students) |
BIO 499 | Master’s Research (M.S. Students) |
MATH 423B | Biostatistical Analysis |
Molecular Biology Core Courses
BIO 403 | Tissue Culture |
BIO 407 | Microbial/Molecular Genetics |
BIO 421 | Advanced Cell Biology |
BIO 479 | Bioinformatics |
BIO 443 | Advanced Molecular Biology |
BIO 481 | Advanced Virology |
Biomedical Science Core Courses
BIO 418 | Environmental Health |
BIO 441 | Immunology |
BIO 446 | Environmental Toxicology |
BIO 415 | Animal Nutrition |
Ecology and Evolution Core Courses
BIO 402 | Evolution |
BIO 423 | Advanced Ecology |
BIO 424 | Physiological Ecology |
BIO 479 | Bioinformatics |
Elective Courses
BIO 401 | Histology |
BIO 441 | Immunology |
BIO 444 | General Toxicology |
BIO 480 | Special Topics |
BIO 404 | Tissue Culture |
BIO 415 | Animal Nutrition |
BIO 500 | Maintaining Matriculation |
View all courses offered and read full course descriptions in our online course catalog system.
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