Master of Science in Biology

Most upper division Biology courses can be taken as graduate-level courses through additional work for each course. Please see "Undergraduate Courses in Biology" for more information on them.

The Biology Graduate Program Goals

At the completion of the Master of Science degree in the Department of Biology, a graduate will have acquired:

• A broad background in general areas of biology, as well as a more specific understanding of selected topics to their research interests.
• The skills to conduct original scientific research.

Biology Graduate Student Learning Goals/Outcomes

Graduate students will gain specific skills and knowledge in the following areas:

Learning Outcome 1

Demonstrate knowledge in areas of biology relevant to selected

research interests.

Assessment

Students complete written examinations, research projects, and lab practica.

Learning Outcome 2

Identify research questions on a contemporary issue in biology, critically analyze the relevant literature, and prepare a comprehensive written review.

Assessment

Preparation of a thesis research proposal, and approval of the proposal by the Thesis Committee.

Learning Outcome 3

Develop specific hypotheses pertaining to a research problem.

Assessment

Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis.

Learning Outcome 4

Develop and conduct experiments to test hypotheses.

Assessment

Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis.

Learning Outcome 5

Statistically analyze and interpret research data.

Assessment

Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis.

Learning Outcome 6

Discuss, both orally and in writing, the relevance of their research data to the original hypotheses and to the general field of interest.

Assessment

Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis.

Most upper division Biology Courses can be taken as graduate-level courses through additional work for each course. Please see "Undergraduate Courses in Biology".