Science, M.S.

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Objective

The Master of Science in Science degree in Biology is intended for students interested in pursuing advanced graduate work in Biology and related fields. The objective of this program is to produce well-grounded graduates in the advanced concepts and techniques in Biology. The program emphasizes a strong background in current areas of biology and biological research. It requires biology core and elective courses and a research thesis based on individual laboratory research. The research component will expand the competency of students in biology and advance their careers as scientists in the field. To this end, the course of study for students in this program is individually planned coupled with carefully directed laboratory or theoretical research programs.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are expected to also have a baccalaureate degree in Biology, or related discipline, from an accredited institution. GRE scores on the GRE General and Subject (Biology) tests are required for admission in good standing and are essential for Teaching Assistant (TA) or fellowship consideration. Evidence of research capability should be included. International students from countries whose primary language of instruction is not English must submit a TOEFL score of at least 550.

General Requirements

Candidates are required to complete a total of 33 credit hours as follows: 23 credit hours of courses, 8 credit hours of research and 2 credit hours of seminar. During the first year, students must select a Thesis Committee, which must consist of the student’s major professor plus at least three other faculty members in the field. All candidates must pass an approved written comprehensive examination and submit a written thesis proposal.

Program of Study

Requirements for Master of Science in Science (Biology)

BIOL 520 - Biomolecular Structure 3 Credits
BIOL 522 - Advances in Research Techniques 3 Credits
BIOL 523 - Seminar Topics in Modern Biology & Environmental Sciences 2 Credits
BIOL 525 - Cellular Biology 3 Credits
BIOL 526 - Molecular Biology 3 Credits
BIOL 788 - Supervised Research 4 Credits
BIOL 789 - Supervised Research 4 Credits
BIOL 797 - Thesis Guidance 2 Credits
BIOL 799 - Thesis Seminar 3 Credits

Other Suggested Courses in Biology include:

BIOL 521 - Bioecology 3 Credits
BIOL 524 - Advance Molecular Genetics 3 Credits
BIOL 527 - Microbiology of Emerging Pathogens 3 Credits
BIOL 528 - Immunobiology 3 Credits
BIOL 532 - Toxicology 3 credits.
BIOL 533 - Environmental Toxicology 3 credits.
BIOL 536 - Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience 3 Credits
BIOL 540 - Computational Biology/Bioinformatics 3 Credits
BIOL 601 - Molecular Biotechnology 4 Credits