Biological Sciences — Molecular Genetics

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

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

The biology department together with departments of biochemistry, microbiology & immunology, and neuroscience produce the framework of the UPBM.

The program provides academic year opportunities to do independent research for credit as well as DeKiewiet Summer Fellowships, which support summer research by outstanding University of Rochester undergraduate students.

Approximately four hundred plus sophomores, juniors, and seniors belong to UPBM majors and one hundred biological science independent research are registered each semester.

Introductory Courses: 3 Courses, 12 Credits

• Select one of the following:
  • BIO 110: Principles of Biology I
  • BIO 112: Perspectives in Biology I (pre-requires AP BIO exam score of 4 or 5)

• Select one of the following:
  • BIO 111: Principles of Biology II
  • BIO 113: Perspectives in Biology I (pre-requires AP BIO exam score of 4 or 5)
  • BIO 115:  Introduction to Organismal Evolutionary Biology

• BIO 198: Principles of Genetics

Laboratory Experience: 2-3 Courses, 5-9 Credits

• Select one half lab from UPBM Laboratories List - Note: BIO 111P/117P and BIO 198P are highly recommended.
• Select one of the following:
  • BIO 268: Lab in Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology (usually taken junior year)
  • ### 395 Independent Research Bio Sci Courses two four-credit courses (8 credits total) approved by major advisor.

Advanced Courses: 5 Courses, 20 Credits

• Select one of the following:
  • BIO 250: Introduction to Biochemistry
  • BIO 252: Principles of Biochemistry (Formerly BIO 250H)
• BIO 202: Molecular Biology
• BIO 243: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
• Two Advanced Electives - Select from the following:
  • BIO 205: Evolution
  • BIO 206: Eukaryotic Genomes
  • BIO 210: Cell Biology
  • BIO 222: Biology of Aging
  • BIO 226: Developmental Biology
  • BIO 257:  Applied Genomics - New
  • IND 410: Molecular Biology and Genetics

Diversification Elective: 1 Course, 4 Credits

• Select one from the BMG Diversification Electives list must be approved by the track coordinator. The diversification elective should be outside of the BMG major.

Ancillary Requirements: 9 Courses, 36 Credits with Indicated Labs

• General Chemistry I - Select one:
  • CHM 131: Chemical Concepts I (lab included)
  • AP credit for CHM 131

• General Chemistry - Select one:
  • CHM 132: Chemical Concepts II (lab included)
  • AP credit for CHM 132

• Organic Chemistry I - Select one:
  • CHM 203/207: Organic Chemistry I with lab
  • CHM 171/173: Freshman Organic Chemistry I with lab - Note: Satisfactory completion of CHM 171/173 & 172/210 freshman organic chemistry series with labs in conjunction with AP credit for CHM 131 fulfills the chemistry requirements.
  • AP credit for CHM 203/207

• Organic Chemistry II - Select one:
  • CHM 204/208: Organic Chemistry II with lab
  • CHM 172/210: Freshman Organic Chemistry with lab - Note: Satisfactory completion of CHM 171/173 & 172/210 freshman organic chemistry series with labs in conjunction with AP credit for CHM 131 fulfills the chemistry requirements.
  • AP credit for CHM 204/208

• Physics I - Select one:
  • PHY 113: General Physics I (lab included)
  • PHY 121: Mechanics (lab included)
  • PHY 141: Mechanics (Honors) (lab included)
  • AP credit for PHY 113

• Physics II - Select one:
  • PHY 114: General Physics II (lab included)
  • PHY 122: Electricity and Magnetism (lab included)
  • PHY 142: Electricity & Magnetism (Honors) (lab included)
  • AP credit for PHY 114

• Calculus I - Select one:
  • MTH 141: Calculus I
  • MTH 161: Calculus IA
  • MTH 171Q: Honors Calculus I
  • AP credit for MTH 161

• Calculus II - Select one:
  • MTH 142: Calculus II
  • MTH 162: Calculus IIA
  • MTH 172Q: Honors Calculus II
  • AP credit for MTH 162

• Ancillary Elective - Select one:
  • Math: MTH 163, 164,165, 235 or other upper-level math with advisor approval (MTH 143 not acceptable)
  • Statistics: STT AP, 201, 212, 214 (cross-listed BIO/STT 214), or other upper-level statistics course with advisor approval (STT 211 not acceptable)
  • Computer Programming: BIO 208, CSC 109, 161, 170, 171, ECE 114 or other computer programming course with advisor approval (CSC 108 and 110 not acceptable)

Requirements

You must submit the following materials. You will either submit through MyROC or your respective application portal (or mail when applicable). Rochester accepts the Common Application (CA), the Universal College Application (UCA), and the Coalition Application (CoA). The materials listed under Official Documents must be submitted to us directly by your school, testing site, or family member, depending on the document.

MyROC

• Part I Application
• International Financial Support Form (IFSF)
• Interview sign-up (highly recommended)
• Links to electronic media (music, websites, photos, videos, etc.) (optional)
• Writing sample (optional)

Official Documents

• High school transcript
• Financial documentation
• Official test scores
• Teacher recommendation
• School report
• Mid-year report
• College transcript
• English language exam results
• Family/Community Recommendation Form (optional)

Application Portal

• Application (CA, UCA, or CoA)
• Application fee
• Freshman Supplement (UCA)
• Writing Supplement (CA)
• Early Decision Agreement (optional)
• Professional Degree Programs essay (optional)
• Arts Supplement (UCA) (optional)
• Athletic Supplement (UCA) (optional)

If your native language is not English and you completed your secondary or higher education in a non-native English speaking country, you must take a test of English language proficiency. In some instances, admission to the University will be contingent upon participation in the University’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program.

• IELTS 7.0
• TOEFL (paper-based) 600
• TOEFL (internet-based) 100 
• PTE Academic 66

Scholarships

Need-based financial aid

If you are unable to meet the full cost of attendance for Rochester without need-based aid or sponsorship from the University, you must submit the CSS PROFILE. The CSS PROFILE is used to determine your potential eligibility for need-based University of Rochester grant funding and must be completed each year of attendance. Due to limited resources, only a small number of international applicants will qualify for need-based financial aid from the University. Applicants unable to secure the needed funding to cover the cost of attendance either through private funds or sponsorship cannot be admitted to the University.

Merit Scholarships

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are considered for merit scholarships. No additional documentation is required to compete for a merit scholarship. Since merit scholarships are awarded independent of a student’s need, you must still submit the appropriate documents with your application as described above to complete your application for admission.