The cell, developmental and microbiology program employs molecular and cellular approaches to study biological function. The cell group examines intracellular and intercellular mechanisms in a wide variety of cells. The developmental group studies the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of multicellular complexity over time. The microbiology group addresses questions concerning the role of microorganisms in environmental processes and in disease and immune responses.
Biological Sciences Master's Degree
Biological Sciences M.S.
The Biological Sciences M.S. program strives to be both flexible and supportive, stressing individualized training and a diverse research environment. We provide our students with a rich intellectual environment, as well as the necessary technical resources to succeed.
Choose an Area of Concentration
Our faculty expertise spans a broad range of biological disciplines across multiple hierarchical levels including molecular biology, microbiology, animal physiology, comparative anatomy, ecology, and evolution.
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Ecology and Evolutionary Biology聽
The ecology and evolutionary biology program integrates research in functional and evolutionary morphology, biomechanics, animal behavior, phylogenetics, population genetics, conservation biology, population ecology, and community ecology to understand the causes and consequences of biological diversity. Faculty use lab and field based research on model organisms and natural populations to study ecological and evolutionary patterns, processes, and mechanisms.
M.S. Guidelines for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration Professional Expectations
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Physiology and Neuroscienc
The physiology and neuroscience program includes research in metabolic and comparative physiology, the physiology of thermo-tolerance, environmental toxicology, computational biology, developmental neurobiology, trophic interactions in the development of sensory systems, control of movement, auditory neurobiology, neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal transport, heavy metals and neurodegeneration, neuroendocrine control of development, cellular basis of neuronal communication, and neural and neuroendocrine control of the autonomic nervous system.
Ph.D. and M.S. Guidelines for Integrative Physiology & Neuroscience Graduate Concentration
Biological Sciences M.S. Courses & Degree Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. The student, advisor, and thesis advisory committee will determine the student's program of study. Master鈥檚 students may be required to complete breadth courses depending on their particular educational program.
Other Requirements
Presentation Training: Each Educational Program must identify a class or journal club at which students make formal presentations at least once each year.
One semester of supervised teaching is required before the M.S. is granted.
In this program, the student carries out original research and writes a thesis. Admission to M.S. candidacy must be achieved within three semesters and includes passing a research proposal defense. The presentation of the public thesis seminar and passing the thesis oral exam are required in addition to the completion of the written thesis to receive the M.S. degree.
Culminating Experience
The presentation of a public thesis seminar based on the original research project and passing the final thesis oral exam given by the thesis advisory committee based on the completed written thesis.
Choosing a Faculty Advisor
Familiarize yourself with the graduate programs, including concentrations, and decide which specific program of study interests you. You will be required to name three potential advisers on your application.
Guide to Choosing a Graduate Advisor
Research Opportunities
Internal and external funding sources are available to help provide resources for research and conference presentations.
Related Programs
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Biological Sciences Ph.D.The Biological Sciences Department at 91原创 offers a graduate program that includes faculty from both Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences (91原创 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine).
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Molecular and Cellular Biology Ph.D.Students in the graduate program in Molecular & Cellular Biology explore interdisciplinary approaches to solving key problems in molecular and cellular biology.
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Conservation Biology CertificateThe Conservation Biology Certificate provides graduate students in the natural sciences exposure to the social, economic and political approaches for conserving biological diversity.