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
Doctor of Philosophy
Biological Sciences Doctoral Degree
The Doctor of Philosophy in biological sciences includes faculty from both the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Faculty and graduate students conduct research on a wide array of biological topics spanning from molecules to ecosystems, and from basic to applied research
Faculty and students develop collaborative networks both within and outside the department as they conduct their research. Within 91原创, the interdisciplinary molecular and cellular biology graduate program, the interdisciplinary neuroscience program, The Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI), and the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies (OCEES) bring together researchers with common research interests from across diverse departments.
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.
Master's Degree Guidelines for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration Professional Expectations
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Physiology and Neuroscience
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. Degree Guidelines for Integrative Physiology & Neuroscience Graduate Concentration
Courses & Degree Requirements
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
Supervised Teaching
Two semesters of supervised teaching are required.
More about Graduate Research and Teaching Appointments
Qualifying Exam
Doctoral students may be required to complete breadth courses depending on their particular educational program. Admission to Ph.D. candidacy must be achieved within six semesters and includes successfully passing a qualifying exam and a research proposal defense.
Research Opportunities
Internal and external funding sources are available to help provide resources for research and conference presentations.
Biological Sciences Graduate Student Research
Dissertation
The presentation of a public dissertation seminar and passing the final dissertation oral exam are required in addition to the completion of the written dissertation to receive the Ph.D. degree.
Related Programs
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Biological SciencesMaster of ScienceThe biological sciences graduate program strives to be both flexible and supportive, stressing individualized training and a diverse research environment.
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Molecular and Cellular BiologyDoctor of PhilosophyStudents in the molecular & cellular biology graduate program explore interdisciplinary approaches to solving key problems in molecular and cellular biology.
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Conservation BiologyCertificateThe Conservation Biology Certificate provides graduate students in the natural sciences exposure to the social, economic and political approaches for conserving biological diversity.