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Biological Sciences Graduate Degree Programs

Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and of the Department of Biological Sciences. See the College of Graduate Studies section for the general requirements applicable to each degree.

Master of Science. Major in biology. The M.S. program emphasizes research including, but not limited to the departmental and multidisciplinary area described above. In addition to the requirements listed above, admission is based upon the compatibility of the student's research interests with the areas of concentration offered by the department and the availability of a faculty member to be the student's mentor.

Seamless Bachelor of Science/Master of Science. MMBB Program. Thesis and non-thesis options are offered. The seamless B.S./M.S. degree program in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry enables qualified students to pursue the M.S. degree before completion of a B.S. degree in either microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology/biotechnology. The classical B.S. degree from MMBB is typically completed by the fourth year of undergraduate training and will continue to be the route selected by most students. However, students accepted into the seamless program may work toward completion of both the B.S. and M.S. requirements during their fourth and fifth years or additional years if necessary. Successful students will receive both degrees upon completion of their studies. Provided that adequate academic and research progress is achieved, some students could complete the requirements for both the B.S. and M.S. in five years. Requirements for completion of the B.S. and M.S. degrees through the seamless program, and qualifications of graduates, are expected to be identical to those earning the degrees through the conventional path in which the two degrees are earned sequentially. Students interested in this program should discuss their options with their academic advisors. Identification of a graduate advisor plus formal application and acceptance to the MMBB graduate program and the College of Graduate Studies must be completed before the beginning of the fourth year. Once accepted, students must work toward completing the requirements for both degrees under the supervision of their graduate advisors and graduate committees in accordance with departmental and university guidelines. In regard to official standing within the university, students in the seamless program are classified as graduate students during their fourth and fifth years.

Master of Science. Program in MMBB. Thesis and non-thesis options are offered. The M.S. degree may be earned in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. An incoming student arranges a formal graduate program of at least 30 semester hours in consultation with his or her major professor and graduate committee. Students must take MMBB 589 during the fall and spring of the first year and take MMBB 511 for 1 credit every year. The student is also expected to include MMBB 501 (seminar) each semester. One semester of teaching is required and is obtained through participation in the department's teaching programs. Students are required to pass the core courses MMBB 541, MMBB 542, and either MMBB 585 or MMBB 587. The final exam for MMBB 589 serves as the qualifying exam and is given in May of the first year. A master's candidate prepares a written thesis documenting completion of a laboratory research program. The thesis must be approved by the student's major professor and supervisory committee and be defended during an oral examination. Publication of data from the thesis in the peer-reviewed literature is expected.

Doctor of Philosophy. Major in biology. The Ph.D. program emphasizes research including, but not limited to the departmental and multidisciplinary area described above. In addition to the requirements listed above, admission is based upon the compatibility of the student's research interests with the areas of concentration offered by the department, and the availability of a faculty member to be the student's mentor.

Doctor of Philosophy. Major in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. The Ph.D. degree may be earned in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. A doctoral student develops a graduate program of at least 78 semester hours in consultation with his or her major professor and graduate committee. Students must take MMBB 589 during the fall and spring of the first year. The final exam for MMBB 589 serves as the qualifying exam and is given in May of the first year. Defense of a formal research proposal is required during the second year as part of the preliminary exam. The student is also expected to take MMBB 511 every year and enroll in 501 (seminar) each semester, with active participation in the form of one or more seminar presentations during the course of his or her graduate career. Students are required to pass the core courses MMBB 541, MMBB 542, and either MMBB 585 or MMBB 587. Two semesters of participation in the department's teaching programs are required. A preliminary examination is required in year two prior to admission to final candidacy for the degree. All candidates prepare a formal dissertation reflecting original thought and independent laboratory investigation and defend it during an oral presentation as a final step toward their degree. Publication of data from the dissertation in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature is expected.