Biology, M.S.

The department has facilities and faculty expertise that allow master’s students to complete their programs in almost any area of biology. Laboratories on the main campus are equipped for biotechnology, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, mammalogy, genetic analysis (including DNA sequencing), and computer modeling. Specialized facilities at the marine lab include a wet lab for rearing marine invertebrates, algae, and fish for research, and a fleet of small vessels for field studies.

Program Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, zoology, or a related subject area approved by the Department of Biological Sciences.
Undergraduate GPA at least 2.50 overall or 3.00 for the last 60 semester units of credit.

Requirements for the Degree (30 units)

For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below, please see “Master’s Degree Requirements ”

Core Courses

BIOL 683 - Introduction to Graduate Studies Units: 1
BIOL 684 - Introduction to Graduate Research Units: 1
BIOL 685 - Seminar in Biology Units: 1

Approved Elective Courses

Complete upper division or graduate units in biological sciences or supporting courses approved by the graduate committee to bring total to 30 units.

A minimum of 18 units must be at the graduate level.
BIOL 597 - Methods in Laboratory Instruction , can be used to fulfill 2 of the 30 units required for the degree, but cannot be used to fulfill any of the 18 graduate-level units.

Culminating Experience

While in residence, students must enroll in a minimum of 2 units of BIOL 690 and/or BIOL 699 per semester. *Combined total of not less than 4 nor more than 8 units of BIOL 690 and/or BIOL 699 (with a maximum of 6 units in BIOL 690 ) and a thesis or project approved by the graduate committee. An oral public presentation of the thesis or project work and a defense of the thesis or project before the graduate committee are required.

BIOL 690 - Thesis Units: 1-4
or
BIOL 699 - Independent Study Units: 1-4

Biology, M.S. Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will:

apply a rich body of relevant biological sciences knowledge and information to solve complex scientific problems and challenges
present a proposal for biological research or project of their own design
conduct a unique and independent biological investigation or an independent project according to the rigors and conventions of the field
communicate the results of their scientific investigation or project in an oral format according to conventions of the discipline
communicate the results of their scientific investigation or project in writing according to the conventions of the discipline