Biology M.S.

Goal 1: Students will develop proficiency in subject content, train in cutting-edge technologies, and appropriate professional skills that will aid in their overall development as a scientist.

Outcome 1.1: Students will be informed about prospective careers for life scientists in government, industry, and academia as well as learn about the professional and ethical expectations for scientists.

Outcome 1.2: Students will be familiar with the appropriate set of research, laboratory and/or field skills used by specialists in their subfields of choice.

Goal 2: Students will develop skills in experimental design and the presentation of scientific information.

Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to design an experiment, operate basic laboratory equipment, reduce and present data that includes the interpretation of statistical tests.

Outcome 2.2: Students will be able to develop cogent written and oral presentations of scientific content.

Outcome 2.3: Students will be able to locate, read, interpret, evaluate, and discuss primary literature in biology.

Degree Requirements

The M.S. degree requires completion of 30 credits of graduate level courses. 

Thesis Requirements

The M.S. degree requires completion of a research project in the biological sciences under the supervision of a research mentor. The findings are published in thesis form. A Thesis Committee will be formed to follow the progress of the candidate, evaluate the final thesis, and administer a final oral examination (thesis defense) based on the thesis research. The thesis must be acceptable in both scholarship and literary quality. To be recommended for the Master of Science degree in Biology, the candidate must receive approval of the majority of the committee members.

Concentrations

Students in the M.S. Biology program may elect to declare one of the following concentrations: (1) Cell and Molecular Biology, and (2) Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. The concentration is optional. Students are not guaranteed a particular sequence of courses to ensure the completion of a  concentration. The concentration must be declared by the end of the Add-Drop period in the last semester of enrollment.

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

For the concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology, students must complete two of the following elective courses:

*Students can take BIO 602/602L or BIO 861, but not both.

Concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

For the concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, students must complete two of the following elective courses: