Biological Sciences MS

We offer graduate training in a rigorous yet supportive environment. Research in the Department of Biological Sciences examines levels of biological complexity from molecules to populations, with three areas of focus in molecular biology of gene expression, signal transduction in sensory perception and development, and evolutionary genomics and population biology. The curriculum develops critical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills. Students receive personal attention from their advisors. Three distinct degree programs are designed to prepare students for their chosen career in research, biology education, biotech and pharmaceutical industries, or health areas.

Required Core (18 credits)

Choose 18 credits worth of BIO 500/600 level graduate courses. Select from LEC, LLR, LLB, REC, and SEM.
All TUT and BIO 598 , BIO 599 , BIO 600 , BIO 610 , BIO 615 are excluded.

Required Seminars (8 credits)

BIO 610SEM - Graduate Student Seminar Credits: 1
Taken for four semesters. 1 BIO 610 must have a B grade.
BIO 614SEM - Departmental Seminar Credits: 1
Taken for four semesters

Electives & Culmination Experience (6 credits)

Biology Electives

Complete enough elective credit to reach 32 minimum total credit hours.

All Graduate BIO LEC, LAB and SEM except TUT (excluding BIO 599 )

Culminating Experience: Project

Complete enough project credit to reach 32 minimum total credit hours.

BIO 600TUT - Problems in Biology Credits: 1 - 8
BIO 611SEM - Scientific Writing Credits: 2
BIO 615SEM - Advanced Research Topics Credits: 1 - 6
BIO 680TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 32

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Demonstrate competency in coursework related to their area of specialty in biological sciences.

2) Critically read and evaluate original research papers in biology.

3) Write manuscripts describing experimental results in the standard format for submission to scholarly journals.

4) Demonstrate mastery in their area of specialty in biological sciences.

5) Make oral presentations in acceptable formats describing information in the scientific literature and describing personal research results.

6) Apply appropriate statistical analyses to experimental design and experimental results.

7) Correctly use modern scientific instruments and describe the theoretical bases, applications, and limitations of the instruments.

8) Apply the scientific method to answer questions in biology through the design and conduct of hypothesis-driven experimental research projects.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).