How is the Biology dept/major?

<p>Pitt has a very good medical school and there are a lot of research grants awarded to the faculty in the medical school. How about the faculty in biology Dept? Is there a lot of research opportunities? Is there any joint-faculty or cooperation between the medical school and the biology dept?</p>

<p>The biology department here is amazing in its research capacity for students and depth of work. I am a molec bio major, but I instead am doing a research with a neuroscience professor. But I know people in bio research, and it is very substantive. </p>

<p>There are some amazing faculty here, and plenty from big name schools- Yale, MIT etc. However, know that many people find the system frustrating, as it can get really hard- especially bio lab. But if you know you can muscle it Pitt is an top choice- I think.</p>

<p>Again, if you do not find anything of interest in the Bio department, you can always research with the neuro department. And they are connected, although indirectly, with the grad school. My prof does teach a med school course, but other than the indirect, you usually don’t find medical school-undergrad department collaboration. You have to seek those professors out.</p>

<p>What about the Neuroscience Department? D is planning to major in Neuroscience and apply to med school. I understand it is a very popular major.</p>

<p>Yes it is a very popular major, especially amongst premeds. The program is very highly rated. It is easily better than many top schools you would think otherwise. The major is not hard to complete in the number of courses, just that you need to get the hang of hardcore science fast. Another good thing is that all premed requirements are built into the major.</p>

<p>There are many research opportunities here in neuro. The CNUP (Center for Nuero at UPitt) Summer Fellowship for example is a highly competitive but rewarding experience. Not to mention how many prestigious schools are represented by the faculty- just contact them and you’re sure to find something. Pitt’s sciences are very respected in general.</p>