Biological Sciences PhD

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.

Curriculum

Formal Courses (22 credits)

BIO 500LLB - Bioinformatics/Genome Analysis Credits: 4
BIO 501LEC - Adv Biological Chemistry Credits: 4
BIO 502LEC - Adv Cell & Dev Biology 1 Credits: 4
BIO 504LEC - Adv Molecular Genetics Credits: 4
BIO 506LEC - Signal Transduction Credits: 3
BIO 507LEC - Advanced Ecology Credits: 3
BIO 511LEC - Marine Ecology Credits: 3
BIO 517LEC - Neurobiology Credits: 3
BIO 517REC - Neurobiology Credits: 1
BIO 518LEC - Integrative Neuroscience Credits: 3
BIO 518REC - Integrative Neuroscience Credits: 1
BIO 522LEC - Prot-Nucleic Acid Interac Credits: 3
BIO 524LEC - Cancer Immunology Credits: 3
BIO 525LEC - Special Topics in Mod Bio Credits: 1 - 4
BIO 526LEC - Special Topics Credits: 4
BIO 533LEC - Human Genetic Diseases Credits: 3
BIO 536SEM - Genes and Cancer Credits: 1 - 3
BIO 549SEM - Comparative Genomics Credits: 3
BIO 550LEC - Human Evolutionary Genomics Credits: 3
BIO 553SEM - Evolution Colloquium Credits: 1 - 3
BIO 556LEC - Evolutionary Genetics Credits: 3
BIO 560LEC - Foundations of DevoEvo Credits: 3
BIO 573LLB - Mycology Credits: 4
BIO 608LEC - Topics in Macrmol Str. Credits: 1 - 3
BIO 611SEM - Scientific Writing Credits: 2
BIO 612LEC - Experimental Design Credits: 2

Electives, Research and Dissertation registration (50 credits)

BIO 599TUT - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1 - 4
BIO 600TUT - Problems in Biology Credits: 1 - 8
BIO 610SEM - Graduate Student Seminar Credits: 1
*4 credits required
BIO 614SEM - Departmental Seminar Credits: 1
*4 credits required
BIO 615SEM - Advanced Research Topics Credits: 1 - 6
BIO 680TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12
BIO 700TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Demonstrate mastery in their area of specialty in biological sciences in terms of coursework.

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

3) Students will be able to communicate scientific findings and information at a professional level.

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

5) Design a line of scientific investigation that will address a biological hypothesis.

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

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

SED Statement

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