Biology, M.S.
For further information: BiologyGrad@southernct.edu
Application Deadline
Application deadline for fall admission: May 1
Application deadline for spring admission: October 15
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOLOGY
The Master of Science degree in biology is primarily for students with a strong undergraduate preparation in biology who desire to prepare for advanced study, teach at the college level, and/or pursue a career in research. Our program offers comprehensive preparation in general biology with a curriculum balanced in three content areas (Ecology & Biodiversity, Cell Molecular Biology, and Human Biology).
A student desiring admission should1 have an undergraduate major in biology or a related science consisting of a minimum of 50 credits in science, of those a minimum of 30 credits in biology, 6 credits in chemistry, and one semester of college mathematics.
Documents to be submitted into the School of Graduate and Professional Studies:
- the graduate school application to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- all college transcripts to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references (at least one academic reference preferred)
- a 300-500 word statement explaining why the applicant is interested in obtaining a master 's degree in biology, and what type of career the applicant is seeking
Once admitted to the program, students will meet with the Graduate Coordinator to discuss exit options and program requirements in the catalog.
The following required courses must be completed during the first year of study; Research Methods in Biology (BIO 550; 1 credit), Scientific Communication: General Seminar (BIO 560; 1 credit), and Scientific Communication: Special Topics Seminar (BIO 561; 1 credit). Each student will also select the 'exit' option in consultation with the graduate coordinator.
In addition to the 3 required courses, each student will follow the requirements associated with their chosen exit option: thesis, comprehensive examination, or special project. Courses taken outside of the department will not count toward the MS-Biology degree unless explicitly approved by the graduate coordinator.
All coursework must earn a "B" or better average (GPA=3.0) and must come from Biology Coursework in the three concentrations of Ecology/Biodiversity, Cell Molecular Biology, and Human Biology.
**Students may use a total of 9 credits taken as a non-matriculated student toward the degree.
Program Sequence - 30 Credits Minimum
As sequencing changes, it is highly recommended that students meet with their program advisor to finalize a list of requirements for graduation.
Required Courses
BIO 550 – Research Methods in Biology– 1 credit
BIO 560 – General Topics Seminar– 1 credit
BIO 561 – Special Topics Seminar– 1 credit
Choose One of the Following Required Sequences:
Master Thesis Track
In addition to the three required courses, students will write a special project proposal
and register for BIO 590 Thesis Research – 6 credits taken over one or two semesters.
The 21 remaining credits will be taken from biology 500 level elective classes listed
below. Thesis completion requires satisfactory oral defense of the thesis to the
department (typically delivered at the departmental research symposium).
Special Project Track
In addition to the three required courses, students will write a special project proposal
and register for BIO 600 – Special Project Independent Study and Research – 3 credits.
The 24 remaining credits will be taken from biology 500 level elective classes listed
below. Special Project completion requires satisfactory presentation of a final product
(typically a poster to be presented at the departmental research symposium) as determined
by the department.
Comprehensive Exam Track
In addition to the three required courses, students will take 27 credits from the
biology graduate program that are scheduled. Students must pass a final written comprehensive
examination administered by the department. The comprehensive examination is given
once or twice a year depending on need.
Courses
BIO 501 - Conservation Ecology - 3 credits
BIO 502 - Population and Community Ecology - 3 credits BIO 504 - Evolution - 3 credits
BIO 512 - Marine Invertebrate Ecology - 3 credits
BIO 513 - Coastal Ecosystem Management - 3 credits
BIO 518 - Advanced Microbiology - 3 credits
BIO 519 - Emerging Infectious Diseases - 3 credits
BIO 525 - Ichthyology - 3 credits
BIO 526 - Herpetology - 3 credits
BIO 529 - Endocrinology - 3 credits
BIO 534 - Stream Ecology - 3 credits
BIO 536 - Marine Algae - 3 credits
BIO 537 - Plant Anatomy and Physiology - 3 credits
BIO 540 - Biogeography - 3 credits
BIO 541 - Tissue Culture Workshop - 3 credits
BIO 542 - Human Physiology - 3 credits
BIO 545 - Immunology - 3 credits
BIO 547 - Virology - 3 credits
BIO 551 - Molecular and Developmental Genetics - 3 credits BIO 552 - Human and Medical
Genetics - 3 credits
BIO 555 - Neurobiology - 3 credits
BIO 556 - Cancer Biology - 3 credits
BIO 582 - Biological Illustration - 3 credits