Majors

The study of biology encompasses a wide range of specializations. Students at Rochester can either study biology broadly, or dive into one of our specialized tracks, concentrating their studies on the area that interests them the most.

An egg of fireflies on the underside of a leaf.

BA in Biology

From cells to ecosystems, cancer therapies to climate change, biology is the study of life and living things—all in an effort to understand our world.

See BA Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: General Track

Allow students to pursue a major with a research emphasis without having to specialize in one particular field of study. Students have more flexibility to customize their program to accommodate individual needs and interests while retaining the rigors of a bachelor of science degree.

See BS Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Track

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes relating to and occurring within living organisms. By combining resources and faculty from across the University, our biochemistry students access the best courses, seminars, and research opportunities available.

See Biochemistry Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology

In cell and developmental biology our students study the structure, function, and organization of the cell, as well as its development and evolution from single-celled organisms to complex life forms.

See Cell and Developmental Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: Computational Biology

Computational biology combines biology with computer science, math, and more to study biological systems. With the advent of big data, this field of biology is more exciting and relevant than ever.

See Computational Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Track

Biodiversity, population growth, the formation of new species—ecology and evolutionary biology explore these topics and more.

See Ecology and Evolutionary Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: Microbiology Track

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, viruses, microbial pathogens, and the host immune defenses that protect against these organisms.

See Microbiology Requirements
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BS in Biological Sciences: Molecular Genetics Track

Molecular genetics is one of the specialties within Rochester’s biological sciences degree offerings. Combining molecular biology and genetics, our students study the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

See Molecular Genetics Requirements
Neuroscience students working in a lab with a patient.

BS in Biological Sciences: Neuroscience Track

Our neuroscience students study the nervous system and have access to resources from across departments, including biology, and brain and cognitive sciences.

See Neuroscience Requirements