Master of Science in Biology

Master of Science in Biology

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OBJECTIVES

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences offers a Master of Science Degree in Biology. Courses for the Master of Science Degree are taught by faculty from the College and Applied Sciences, the Marine Laboratory and the Water and Environmental Research Institute. The program is designed to serve those students who are pursuing a research-oriented career at the master’s level, those using the master’s degree as a stepping stone to a doctorate, a career in natural resource management or environmental consulting, and biology teachers who have fulfilled requirements for teacher’s certification but seek a broader knowledge of biology. In addition to obtaining the Master of Science in Biology, candidates have the opportunity to study in one of the most interesting regions in the Western Pacific. The Graduate Program in Biology has many facets comparable to mainland programs and provides outstanding opportunities in tropical marine science (see the section on the Marine Laboratory in this Bulletin).

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following:

Demonstrate ability to analyze data and design experiments using standard statistical procedures.
Demonstrate ability to write technical scientific reports and articles.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic organismal and ecological principles.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic cellular and molecular-level principles.
Demonstrate knowledge of the latest advances in a variety of fields in biology.
Demonstrate ability to conceive, conduct and report original research.
Demonstrate the ability to disseminate scientific concepts and research findings in a variety formats (e.g., written and oral).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Biology Graduate Program applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a completed application by July 1 for the Fanuchånan/Fall semester and by December 1 for the Fañomnåkan/Spring semester. Reviews and decisions for applications received after this deadline, are at the program's discretion and not guaranteed.

Completed all the pre-requisites for the program:
- One term (semester or quarter) of Calculus,
- Two terms of Physics or Geology,
- Four terms of Chemistry and
- Four terms of Biology, of which at least two are upper division.
Students may take these pre-requisites while at UOG; however, courses taken to make up any deficiencies shall not be applied to the total credits required for a graduate degree.
Submit three letters of reference from academics or professionals who are familiar with the student’s qualifications. Letters should be submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions office.
Complete and submit a Program Entry Form (steps on how to do this are given on the Program website) which is then signed by the Graduate Biology Program Chair.

Interested students may contact Héloïse Louise Rouzé, Graduate Biology Chair for Admissions, for more information.

Students enrolled in the Graduate Biology Program are required to complete all coursework and the degree requirements within seven years of admission to the Graduate School. Students requiring leave of absence must write to the Program Chair and provide evidence (e.g. medical certificate) to support their claim. If approved, the time in absence does not count towards the seven-year rule (a definition of this rule is in the General Admission Requirements section).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (30 credit hours)

The degree program requires a total of 30 hours of graduate credit, at least 18 of which must be at the 500 or 600 level including six hours of Thesis Research (BI-695). A maximum of six credit hours may be accepted in related graduate-level courses. A thesis committee is establish by completing and submitting a Permission for Thesis/Special Project Form which is then signed by the Graduate Biology Program Chair and Dean. The thesis committee is composed of a minimum of three (3) members; at least two (2) Biology Program Graduate Faculty members and one (1) outside member. The outside member is compulsory and can either be from the UOG Faculty (Graduate or otherwise), or from off-campus. If the latter, then these individuals may serve as committee members after submitting a CV documenting their qualifications for approval by the Biology Program Chair. The advisor or Committee Chair must be a listed Biology Program Graduate Faculty member.

Graduate students must maintain a B average (3.0) and make no more than one grade of C (2.0) or lower to be admitted to the degree program. Once admitted, students must meet the same criteria in order to continue in the Program. A student whose cumulative grade-point average (GPA) Fs below 3.0 has one semester of probation to raise the average back to at least 3.0 before being dismissed from the program. Cumulative GPA is calculated each semester by the Office of Admissions & Records.

Required Courses (14 Credit Hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
BI507	ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS + An advanced course in applied statistical methods as used in the biological and environmental sciences stressing the design and analysis of experimental and observational studies. Lectures will be 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MA385 or equivalent.	4 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS
BI503	BIOLOGICAL LITERATURE AND SCIENTIFIC WRITING + Survey of biological literature as an assist in thesis and manuscript preparation in the areas of writing, proofreading, literature citation, figure and table preparation. Two hours of lecture weekly.	2 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS
BI691	SEMINAR	1 credit hour	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS
BI695	THESIS	1 - 6 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

*Must take at least 2 credits of BI-691 Seminar to complete the 14 credit requirement

Elective Courses (16 credit hours)

Complete at least 16 credit hours

PROGRAM CHAIR

Combosch David

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Master of Science in Biology