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University of Rochester

Department of Biology

Undergraduate Program

Overview

The Undergraduate Program in Biology and Medicine (UPBM) combines the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine and Dentistry to offer undergraduate students courses, lectures, laboratory work, specialty seminars, and research experiences.

UPBM was founded in the early 1980s and serves as a gateway for undergraduates studying biology to gain research opportunities at the Medical Center. Since then, the program has been accredited and is now one of the most popular undergraduate programs on campus.

The program provides opportunities to do independent research for credit during the academic year and de Kiewiet Summer Research Fellowships, which support summer research by outstanding University of Rochester undergraduate students.

Prospective Students

The undergraduate program allows students to specialize in various areas in the biological sciences and allows them to assist in faculty research projects and pursue their own independent research projects. To get an overview of the program, see our Curriculum Brochure or view a recording of an Information Session. 

Planning a visit to the Campus during a weekday or want to learn more about what it is like to major in one of the biological sciences at the UR?  

Feel free to submit a request to meet with one of our undergraduate peers, curriculum, or faculty advisors. Prospective students are matched according to interest and availability.  Meetings can be arranged in person or virtually through Zoom.  If coming to campus, don't hesitate to contact Carly Fee from the biology undergraduate office for health screen questions.  Please note that masks are required on campus during all visits.  To request a meeting, click here.

After you have established the date of the visit, you can also coordinate sitting in on a class.  Visit the Biology Department Class Offerings List to find a class that meets your needs. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate all dates due to time conflicts because of exams, class trips, and schedule changes.  Therefore, students will need to request permission online.  Click here to submit a request.

 

Process for Declaring Majors

Students intending to major in the biological sciences need to schedule a Zoom meeting with the Program Manager/Curriculum Advisor during the spring semester of their sophomore year to create a tentative schedule before meeting with the track advisor for final approval. Once the student has met with the major advisor, they will need to file a major declaration form with the College to complete the process.  Once the form is submitted, it usually takes the college ten business days to add the declaration to student records in Workday.  

Students declaring the following tracks can book a virtual meeting with Marianne Arcoraci online at https://upbm.simplybook.me/index/about.

Students declaring the following track will need to meet with Melinda Adelman.  Visit the BNS / BCS Website for instructions on setting up meetings.

Teaching Assistant (TA) Positions

Visit TA Website to apply for Fall 21 positions.  The application deadline is April 13th, 2021.  Spring 22 will be posted in October.  Visit the Bio TA

Related:  How do I get credit for teaching?

Undergraduate Jobs in the Biology Department

  • Job Openings - Students who are interested in working at the Biology Department may view and apply for job openings via JobLink located on the Student Employment Office website:  
  • Current Student Employees - Information regarding Reporting Hours, Weekly Hour Limitations,  Paycheck Distribution, Employment Verification, Trainings..., is available for download here

 

  

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