菲爾萊狄金森大學

This curriculum is designed for students who plan to attend graduate school and for students who wish to prepare for admission to a school of medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, osteopathy, podiatry, veterinary medicine or chiropractic, as well as those not planning to take an advanced degree in biology. The pre-professional adviser helps students prepare for entrance into their desired professions.

Requirements for the Master of Science degree (total 32 credits)

Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 credits in the courses approved for a graduate major in biology. A minimum of 20 credits must be taken in biological sciences. A maximum of 6 credits may be transferred from another institution with the permission of the school director if these credits are not part of an existing master's degree. In addition, courses may be taken in other colleges and campuses of the University, with the director's permission.

Before a student may register beyond 9 credits, he or she is required to obtain a biology adviser. The adviser will help the student select courses most appropriate for the student's needs and interests. Ideally, the student will select a faculty member in the area of interest most closely paralleling his or her own. This faculty member also may serve as the student's mentor.

Students have the option of completing their degrees with or without a research option. Students electing to do the research and the thesis option must take the 4-credit sequence consisting of:

• BIOL7803 Research and Thesis I, 2 credits
• BIOL7804 Research and Thesis II, 2 credits

Learning outcomes for MS in Biology

• Ability to apply the scientific method
• Ability to research a biological topic using traditional and computer technology
• Ability to read and critically evaluate professional scientific literature
• Ability to write and communicate science that is of publishing quality
• Ability to utilize statistics in biology
• Possess quantitative observational and technical skills
• Possess major field knowledge
• Ability to successfully compete in biologically related fields for employment