Biology, M.S.

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