Biology - MS

Since scientific problems encountered today are multifaceted and require multidisciplinary approaches, students are expected to acquire a broad background in the physical and life sciences. M.S. students must have competency in five of the following areas—ecology, physiology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Students are also expected to satisfactorily complete a course or sequence in biometry and any advanced courses designated by their graduate study committees consistent with the chosen area of specialization.

The Biology Department offers two options:

• Plan I requires the completion, in good academic standing, of at least 24 semester hours of appropriate graduate work and 6 semester hours of thesis research, with the presentation of an acceptable thesis embodying the results of original research work.
• Plan II requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of appropriate course work. The Plan II Master’s degree may not require research and does not require a formal thesis; however, students are often expected to gain insight into the techniques of problem posing and problem solving and to use these insights to prepare a written report.

Graduate students pursuing an M.S. in biology may specialize in research activities at all levels of biological organization, with emphases on ecophysiology, cellular and molecular biology, endocrinology, and ecology of aquatic organisms, or on models related to human disease.