Master of Science in Biological Sciences - Thesis Option

The program biology is for students who have passion for understanding how cells and living organisms function, and enjoy scientific experimentation and field or laboratory studies, then students should consider majoring in biology. Biology is the study of living organisms (bacteria, algae, protozoans, fungi, plants, and animals). It is a large discipline that encompasses molecules and cells, organs and organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems. The graduate program in biological sciences affords students an opportunity to pursue advanced training in many of the major disciplines of the biological sciences. Students specialize in one or more areas of the biological sciences including anatomy/morphology, behavior, ecology, genetics, horticulture, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, morphology, pathology, physiology, systematics, and tissue culture. In addition to well-equipped laboratory facilities, computer facilities, a scanning electron microscope facility, bio-technology center, G.I.S. laboratory, extensive herbarium collections, and a multi-room greenhouse for teaching and research, a number of outdoor facilities, including state parks, nature preserves, local streams, rivers, reservoirs, and watersheds are available for field studies. The thesis track is the ?standard? degree and is designed for students seeking to gain expertise in scientific research. It allows students to design, implement, and analyze an original research project, in cooperation with their graduate research committee. Students write and publish a thesis, and are encouraged to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.