School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Biological Sciences Building, Room 013
5007 Rockhill Road
(816) 235-2580
http://sbc.umkc.edu/
Mailing Address
University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
Undergraduate Programs Office:
Biology
Phone: (816) 235-2580
Chemistry
Phone: (816) 235-2273
Fax: (816)-235-6911
Dean
Theodore White
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Anthony Persechini, Department Chair
Department of Genetics, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology
Leonard Dobens, Department Chair
Department of Chemistry
Kathleen Kilway, Department Chair
History
The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences was established in 2019. In the fall of 2019 the School of Biological Sciences (established in 1985 as an eminence program by the curators of the University of Missouri) merged with the Department of Chemistry (formerly in the College of Arts and Sciences) to form the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences. The combined research facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories offer outstanding research and academic programs in modern biological and chemical sciences.
Organizational Structure
Division of Biological Sciences
Research by faculty, as well as graduate and undergraduate students, is focused on cellular and molecular aspects of modern biology, with emphasis in molecular genetics, cell biology and structural biology. Advances in these areas will provide fundamental knowledge for biotechnology, molecular medicine, environmental remediation and computational biology. Students are encouraged to gain hands-on research experience, involving them in the process of creating knowledge and equipping them to shape the future. The Division of Biological Sciences is organized in two departments, the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the Department of Genetics, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology.
Department of Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry faculty carry out research in the traditional disciplines of chemistry such as inorganic, organic, analytical and physical chemistry and are actively involved in research and continually building strengths in interdisciplinary scientific areas, including medicinal and bioorganic chemistry, polymer science, material science and engineering, chemical physics, biomaterials and nanoscience. Graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in cutting-edge research opportunities with expert faculty, exposing them to theory, experiment/observation and simulation; and numerous connections to career opportunities within Kansas City, the country and abroad.
Career Readiness
Students come to SBC to complete a degree but leave prepared with the skills, experiences, and knowledge to successfully move into the workplace or graduate and professional programs. Career seminars assist students to learn about and explore a wide variety of career options, build professional networks, gain knowledge through shadowing and informational interviews, and prepare themselves as competitive applicants. In addition, undergraduate students participating in employment, internships, shadowing and service opportunities can earn credit toward their degree through our Experience Based Education course.
Organizations and Activities
Students who are actively engaged with their education significantly increase their likelihood to graduate. The School offers students a variety of undergraduate and graduate student organizations that meet for scientific discussions, community service, and social events. A full list of student organizations may be found in Roo Groups on the UMKC website. Some student organizations helpful to students in biology, chemistry, or pre-health professional fields include:
Alpha Phi Omega (Service)
SBC Student Government Association
Biological Students Society
Pre-Dental Society
Pre-Dental Hygiene Society
Pre-Medical Society
Pre-Optometry Society
Pre-Physician Assistant Society
Lavoisier Society (Graduate)
Graduate Chemistry Society
Seminar Program
The School offers a biological and chemical sciences seminar program throughout the year with weekly advanced research seminars featuring presentations by national recognized visiting scientists and campus faculty. All students and faculty are welcome to attend.
SBC Boot Camp
A one-week program designed to help incoming students have a smooth transition to the expectations of college prior to the start of the fall semester. The program is open to UMKC students enrolled in BIOLOGY 108 General Biology I, BIOLOGY 109 General Biology II, or CHEM 211 General Chemistry I in the fall semester.
SBC Living Learning Community
A collaborative program with Residential Life. Students in the residence halls interact with faculty, advisors and alumni through special programs and events. The community fosters students with like-minded interests and majors to form study group and support networks.