Graduate

M.S. in Biology - Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

THESIS MS- Biology Program Catalog Requirements 

• Minimum of 30 credits required (approved by MBS)
• Core Requirements - 6 credit hours
  • BSC 6393 Advances in Life Sciences Credit Hours: 1 (Taken 3 times)
  • BSC 6930 Lectures in Contemporary Biology Credit Hours: 1 (Taken 3 times)
• Concentration (required) - 15 credit hours minimum
  • PCB 6920 Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology during Fall Semester of first year  Credit Hours: 1
  • BSC 6956 Scientific Grant Writing during Spring Semester of first year* Credit Hours: 3
  • Other concentration course requirements- 11 credits
    • Please contact Graduate Program Specialist for List of Approved Classes: 11 credit hours.
• Thesis (Research and Defense) - 9 credit hours minimum
  • BSC 6971 Thesis: Master's Credit Hours: (8 credit hours minimum)
  • BSC 6935 Graduate Seminar in Biology Credit Hours: 1
  • Submission and Approval of Thesis Proposal
  • Successful Completion of an Oral Qualifying Examination
  • Presentation Requirement (1 presentation at national/regional professional meetings)
  • Submission of acceptable thesis

*For Fall admissions.  Students admitted in Spring will take this course in the Spring of their 2nd year.   

M.S.-Bio Thesis Program

Projected tracking example through program in 2.5 years* 

*Based on successful completion of oral qualifying exam in the time specified, good academic standing and continuation of research during summer sessions 

• Semester 1 (fall)
  • BSC 6910 Directed Research or Laboratory Rotations if required
  • PCB 6920 Advances in Cellular & Molecular Biology
  • Concentration structured course (3 of 11 credits)
  • BSC 6930 Lectures in Contemporary Biology (1 of 3)
  • BSC 6393 Advances in Life Sciences (1 of 3)
  • Submit Annual Progress Report by December 15th 
  • Establish MS Laboratory and Major Advisor 

• Semester 2 (spring)
  • BSC 6910 Directed Research
  • BSC 6956 Scientific Grant Writing
  • Concentration structured course (6 of 11 credits)
  • BSC 6930 Lectures in Contemporary Biology (2 of 3)
  • BSC 6393 Advances in Life Sciences  (2 of 3)
  • Form thesis committee (file paperwork) 

• Summer 1
  • BSC 6910 Directed Research
  • Work on thesis proposal

• Semester 3 (fall)
  • BSC 6910 Directed Research
  • BSC 6930 Lectures in Contemporary Biology (3 of 3)
  • Concentration structured course (9 of 11 credits)
  • Concentration structured course (12 of 11 credits)
  • BSC 6393 Advances in Life Sciences (3 of 3)
  • Submit Thesis Proposal to Thesis Committee 
  • Complete Oral Qualifier by November 15^th
  • Submit Annual Progress Report by December 15th  

• Semester 4 (spring)
  • BSC/MCB 6971 Thesis: Masters (9 credits)

• Summer 2     
  • BSC/MCB 6971 Thesis: Masters (6 credits)

• Semester 5 (fall)       
  • BSC/MCB 6971 Thesis: Masters (8 credits)
  • BSC6935 Thesis Seminar (1 credit)
  • Defend thesis and graduate
  • National meeting presentation