Get Involved Outside Of The Classroom

1. Real-World Experience: Internships (BIO 488)

If you are looking for professional, career-focused experience, BIO 488 is your pathway. This is perfect for students interested in clinical shadowing (physicians, PAs, vets), healthcare administration, or environmental advocacy. While it doesn't count toward your Biology major electives, it fulfills the EXP+ SBC requirement and provides the networking needed for graduate school applications.

2. Hands-On Discovery: Undergraduate Research

Stony Brook is a Tier-1 research institution, meaning you can work alongside world-class faculty in actual labs.

• Credit: You can enroll in BIO 486, 487, or 489 to earn upper-division credits.

   

• Major Benefit: Completing two semesters of research (minimum 4 credits) can replace one upper-division Biology lab requirement.

   

• Getting Started: Visit the URECA (Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities) office or check the "Pathways to Research" guide on the Biology department website.

3. Community & Leadership: Biology Student Clubs

Joining a club is the easiest way to meet peers with similar goals. Whether you are pre-med, pre-vet, or just love ecology, there is a community for you:

• Pre-Professional: Mentors in Medicine, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Pre-Veterinary Society, and the Pre-Dental Society.

• Specialized Science: Synthetic Biology Society (iGEM), Neuroscience Axis, and the Scientific Journal Club.

• Environmental: EcoEvo Society, Marine Science Club, and the Greenhouse & Gardening Guild.

• Find Them: All active clubs are listed on SB Engaged, where you can see their meeting times and upcoming events.