UB Programs At-A-Glance

Biochemistry

Department of Biochemistry
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
140 Farber Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3000

Phone: 716.829.2727
Fax: 716.829.2725
Web: www.smbs.buffalo.edu/bch

Kenneth Blumenthal
Chair

Gail R. Willsky
Director of Undergraduate Education
gwillsky@buffalo.edu

About the Program

Biochemistry addresses the chemical principles that underlie biological processes. The course of study in biochemistry emphasizes macromolecular structure and function, control of gene expression, and metabolic regulation as they relate to basic and biomedical science. The strength of the program lies in the extensive research experience in the laboratories of the faculty.

About Our Degrees

The curricular goals of the department are to teach research based analytical and problem solving skills. This prepares graduates for graduate and professional biological science programs as well as direct employment in many areas.

Acceptance Criteria

Applications accepted after three semesters.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses.

Advising Note: Minimum GPAs of 2.0 in biochemistry courses, and 3.0 in prerequisite courses, are needed to graduate.

Acceptance Information

The department encourages students to apply by April 1st of their sophomore year. Students should contact the departmental office to obtain an application, which must be completed and returned with a DARS report. The application is also available on our website.

Number of applicants/year: 25
Number of accepted majors/year: 10 - 15
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 26

Suggested Introductory Courses


Degree Requirements

See the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Courses

The Biochemistry department offers didactic and seminar-based courses along with in-depth lab experience. In addition to a course in basic biochemistry, the department offers two undergraduate courses designed to familiarize students with cutting-edge biochemical research. These courses are offered in the second semester of the junior year and the first semester of the senior year, and because of their limited enrollment offer extensive opportunities for students to interact one-on-one with faculty. In addition, our undergraduate majors have the opportunity to carry out individual research projects in faculty labs.

The average class size for prerequisite courses in science and chemistry is approximately 200. Courses for students in their junior and senior year are no larger than twenty. T.A.’s are not used for our upper level-courses.

Although not required for majors, BIO 205 is a good course for those students who are interested in exploring biochemistry.

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

The research interests of biochemistry faculty encompass many of the most active areas of modern biomedical research. These include analysis of the relationship between macromolecule structure and function, the molecular pathology of inherited human disease, regulation of gene expression, and molecular determinants of development and differentiation. Faculty employ a wide variety of cutting-edge research tools in these projects, including the use of transgenic animals, gene arrays, analysis of molecular structure, and high throughput proteomics studies.

Biochemistry faculty have been recognized for their excellence in teaching by their receipt of teaching awards. In addition, the research achievements of our faculty have been recognized by receipt of the Stockton Kimball Prize, and by their being named as UB and SUNY Distinguished Research Professors. In addition, many of our faculty serve regularly on national grant review panels, or on the editorial boards of major journals.

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Notable Program Features
The core of the biochemistry program provides a link between didactic courses and learning from the literature and research presentations in the BCH 401, BCH 403, BCH 404, BCH 405, BCH 407 series. State of the art facilities within the Biochemistry Department include a MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer, 2D –Differential In-Gel Electrophoresis equipment, and a BIAcor Instrument. Students also have access to core facilities located throughout the University and RPCI to support their research.

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience

The Biochemistry Major requires students to complete 8 credit hours of research in an active laboratory. This provides an opportunity for students to work on an independent project as part of a research team with faculty, graduate students, technical staff and postdoctoral fellows. As part of this research experience the student is required to present a poster describing their research, usually done at the annual Biochemistry Research Day.

Independent study opportunities are available with permission of an instructor.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

Honors Program
Students who complete an acceptable report describing their research and who have a minimum GPA of 3.25 overall are eligible for departmental honors.

Awards

    John F. Moran Memorial Award, presented to the graduating senior with the highest grade in BCH 403.
    Deborah, Christopher, and Adam White Memorial Award, presented to the outstanding senior with the highest overall GPA and acceptance into medical school.
    Outstanding Senior Award, presented to the student who has maintained a high level of academic performance throughout their undergraduate career.

Extracurricular Activities

Majors frequently belong to the Pre-Professional Health Student Club and the Undergraduate Biology Association.

Students are encouraged to attend our weekly seminar series and are required to participate in the annual departmental Research Day which showcases current research activity in the department.

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Minors that Complement Biochemistry

Career Information and Further Study

Students with good laboratory and analytical ability and interest in the chemical basis of life will excel in biochemistry.

80% of our students go on to professional schools in dentistry and medicine or graduate school.

Alumni in Biochemistry have been employed in the following fields:

  • Agronomy
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Consumer protection
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental science
  • Food and drug analysis and technology
  • Genetics
  • Health related professions
  • Nutrition
  • Patent law
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Sales

Links to Further Information About This Program






Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:04 EST