This program, interdisciplinary in approach, is appropriate for students interested in scientific careers in the expanding biotechnology industry. Students create a curriculum from courses in various departments to suit their interest and focus. With a core curriculum of basic science and math courses and required program courses, students choose technical electives from such fields as anthropology, biology, chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemical pharmacology, legal studies, medical technology, computer science, and management, according to their career goals. An internship possibility exists for selected students at various times throughout the program.

Acceptance Criteria

Completion of all prerequisite science and math courses (some exceptions allowed).
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite science and math courses.
Submission of a departmental application and current copy of UB DARS report to the department.

Acceptance Information

Application deadline for fall admission is February 1. These deadlines may be extended based on space availability. Applications are available at the department office, 26 Cary Hall, South Campus, or online at www.smbs.buffalo.edu/cls. Students are advised that program admission is available only in the fall semester. The program admits 25-30 full-time students each year; part-time study is also available.

Colleges that have transfer agreements with the Program in Biotechnology include Genesee Community College, Erie Community College, Niagara County Community College, and the Biotechnology A.A.S. degree program at Monroe Community College. Students can obtain required prerequisite courses at most two- and four-year institutions.

Degree Requirements

Please see Degrees and Policies.

The typical size of lecture classes for required program courses is 50-60 students, with a smaller number in each associated laboratory section. Internships usually have an instructor/student ratio of 1/1.

Teaching assistants (TAs) in required program courses assist professors in laboratory teaching and preparation. Some may present several lectures in their specialty. All teaching assistants are required to have weekly office hours for student assistance.

Suggested introductory courses:

• MT 201 Medical Terminology
• BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
• BIO 201 Cell Biology
• CHE 101 - CHE 102 General Chemistry I - II

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

Faculty research interests include measurement of oxidative stress, methods evaluation protocols, environmental pollutants and disease outcomes in humans, carbohydrate immunology, cellular and molecular biology of erythropoiesis, and organ and tissue donation. The faculty excels at teaching and has received several student, university, and state-wide teaching awards. The undergraduate advisor schedules individual advising meetings on the South Campus by appointment only.

Notable Program Features

Internships
A technical elective chosen during the program may be MT 496, Internship in Biotechnology. This variable, 1-12 credit course may be taken more than once. Student selection for the internship is based on prerequisite science and math, program course, and technical elective minimum GPAs of 2.8 and an interview with the prospective internship site. Internships are not a guaranteed part of the program.

Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience

Opportunities to work with faculty on research projects are available to students in the department through MT 499 Independent Study.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

Traditionally, the Wyeth Lederle Vaccines Award has been presented to a graduating senior for outstanding academic achievement.

Every fall semester the department hosts an introductory pizza party for all faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. An awards banquet is held in the spring semester to recognize graduating seniors.

See the UB Student Association.