Biology, M.S.

The program course outline and graduation requirements for this catalog year are listed below.  The department website provides an overview of the program, admission requirements, faculty biographies, learning outcomes, and careers: https://www.southernct.edu/academics/biology/programs.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS - 30 CREDITS

Required Courses (2 credits) 
To be completed during first year of study
BIO 550 – Research Methods in Biology
BIO 560 – Scientific Communication: General Topics Seminar

Elective Courses (21 credits) 
Graduate level biology courses (excluding BIO 550, 560, 561, 590, 591)

Choose One of the Following Tracks (7 credits):

Master Thesis Track
Thesis completion requires satisfactory oral presentation and defense of the thesis to the department (presentation is typically delivered at the departmental research symposium).
BIO 590 – Thesis Research 
BIO 591 – Biology Thesis Writing and Scientific Communication 

Special Project Track  
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.
BIO 561 – Scientific Communication: Special Topics Seminar
BIO 600 – Special Project Independent Study and Research 
3 additional credits from graduate level biology courses (excluding BIO 550, 560, 561, 590, 591)

Comprehensive Exam Track
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. 
BIO 561 – Scientific Communication: Special Topics Seminar
6 additional credits from graduate level biology courses (excluding BIO 550, 560, 561, 590, 591)