NOTE: This document was generated from the 1995-1997
UIUC Programs of Study.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but be advised
that requirements may have changed since this book was published.
Errors may have also been introduced in the conversion to a WWW
document. Thus for items of importance, it might be wise to seek
confirmation from either the paper version or a live human being.
(Including Biology; Cell and Structural Biology; Ecology, Ethology, and
Evolution; Entomology; Microbiology; Neuroscience; Physiology and Biophysics;
Plant Biology)
Interim Director of the School: Donald R. Ort
Director of Biology Programs: Edward Brown
Correspondence and Information: Biology Programs, University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign, 393
Morrill Hall
, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL
61801; (217) 333-8208; FAX: (217) 244-1224
Described in detail on the following pages are study programs leading to
graduate degrees in cell and structural biology; ecology, ethology, and
evolution; entomology; microbiology; neuroscience; physiology and biophysics;
and plant biology. Biology programs, including the M.S. in biology, the M.S. in
the teaching of biological sciences and general sciences, and the Ph.D. in
biology, specializing in physiological and molecular plant biology, are
administered within the school and are described below.
To be considered for any program, an applicant must have an overall grade-point
average of 4.0 (A = 5.0), must include a brief statement of educational
objectives with the formal application, and must submit three letters of
recommendation. GRE scores are mandatory for consideration for the Ph.D., but
are not required for M.S. degrees.
This program is intended for students who wish to increase their knowledge of
biology and become involved with graduate-level research in biology without the
long-term commitment of a Ph.D. program. The work plan is personally designed
by each student in consultation with an appropriate adviser. Breadth of
training is encouraged. (For those wishing to concentrate their efforts, M.S.
programs are available in most of the departments in the School of Life
Sciences.) The degree requires 8 units of course work, of which 3 units must be
in 400-level courses. Active status in the program is maintained through
registration in two 300- or 400-level biology courses per semester and a
grade-point average of at least 4.0 (A = 5.0). A research report is required of
all candidates for the degree. Before the degree will be granted, the student
must also complete or show college credit for the following: one year of
physics with laboratory, a course in organic chemistry with laboratory, and a
semester of calculus.
This program is designed for graduates in a biological discipline who intend to
enter the teaching profession and for individuals already teaching biology or
general science in junior high school, high school, or community college. The
degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 8 units of course credit and
proof of state teacher certification. Contact the certification officer of the
Council on Teacher Education (110 Education Building, 333-7195) for information
pertaining to pursuing certification while enrolled in the graduate program.
Course work consists of 4 units in biological sciences, 2 units in education
(see Education) and 2 elective units. Electives are usually taken in biological
sciences, education, or both.
The School of Life Sciences offers a degree leading to a Ph.D. in biology,
specializing in physiological and molecular plant biology. This is an
interdisciplinary program staffed by plant biologists from seven departments in
the College of Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
agronomy, biochemistry, forestry, horticulture, physiology and biophysics,
plant biology, and plant pathology. Thesis research can be conducted in any of
a broad range of areas, which are organized into three alternative tracks of
study: (1) organismal and community plant physiology, (2) plant biochemistry
and biophysics, and (3) plant development and molecular biology.
Support for graduate training is available in the form of teaching or research
assistantships, traineeships, and University fellowships. Prospective students
may obtain application forms and relevant information for departmental study
programs from the executive officer of the appropriate department or, for
biology programs, from the School of Life Sciences.
Head of the Department: A.F. Horwitz
Correspondence and Information: Department of Cell and Structural
Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 506 Morrill Hall, 505
South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 244-8116
Professors: T. G. Ebrey, V. Gelfand, M. U. Gillette, W. T. Greenough, A.
F. Horwitz, B. Katzenellenbogen, S. J. Kaufman, B. Kemper,
A. H. Wang
Associate Professors: J. A. Cameron, C. Doe, S. Lazarowitz, J. E.
Mittenthal, J. A. Weyhenmeyer
Assistant Professors: A. Belmont, R. Blackman, A. Chiba, M. E. A.
Churchill, D. F. Clayton, A. M. Craig, J. J. Henry, D. H. Rivier
The Department of Cell and Structural Biology administers a graduate degree
program as an option in biology. Departmental faculty are concerned with the
structural and functional relationships of cells and organisms, with research
emphases upon animal cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, structural
biology, and developmental biology.
Applications are evaluated on an individual basis. The formal entrance
requirement is a minimum grade-point average of 4.0 (A = 5.0). International
students, whose native language is not English, are required to have a minimum
TOEFL score of 590. Important factors in the evaluation of applications are
general academic performance, background in the biological and chemical
sciences and mathematics, Graduate Record Examination scores, and letters of
recommendation from college professors. Although applications from qualified
students are considered throughout the year, the deadline for submission of
applications for fall semester is February 15.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY: CELL AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY AREA OF
SPECIALIZATION
The program leads to the doctor of philosophy degree. In order to complete
successfully the graduate program in cell and structural biology, the student
must fulfill requirements in the following categories: course work, a
qualifying examination, a preliminary examination, defense of the thesis,
teaching, and departmental seminars. A brochure providing additional
information about the program is available upon request.
SPECIALIZATION IN GENETICS
The Department of Cell and Structural Biology offers an area of specialization
in genetics. The program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency
in several areas of genetics, including molecular genetics, developmental
genetics, and evolutionary and population genetics. Students electing this area
should have completed course work in calculus, computer sciences, basic
genetics, and biochemistry. The program of study for each student in the
specialization is decided individually. Interested students should direct
inquiries and applications to the department.
Financial aid is available to a limited number of qualified applicants in the
form of (1) University fellowships and tuition and fee waivers, awarded on a
competitive basis; (2) teaching assistantships awarded by the department; and
(3) research assistantships allotted by individual faculty members with
research funds available for this purpose. Exceptional students will qualify
for support from the Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program. Financial
packages can be assembled from two or more of the above sources for qualified
candidates.
ECOLOGY, ETHOLOGY, AND EVOLUTION
Head of the Department: L.L. Getz
Correspondence and Information: Department of Ecology, Ethology, and
Evolution, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 515 Morrill Hall, 505
South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-7801
Professors: C. K. Augspurger, G. O. Batzli, M. R. Berenbaum, R. W.
Burkhardt, T. H. Frazzetta, L. L. Getz, A. W. Ghent, E. E. Herricks, J. Hirsch,
L. M. Page, D. P. Philipp, S. L. Portnoy, G. S. Whitt, C. R. Woese.
Associate Professors: S. H. Berlocher, E. H. Brown, Jr., E. H. DeLucia,
R. A. Herendeen, G. H. Kieffer, R. P. Larkin, K. N. Paige, S. K. Robinson, D.
C. Sweeney, T. Uzzell
Assistant Professors: J. D. Brawn, J. K. Conner, E. J. Heske, S. L.
Kohler, D. W. Pfennig, D. A. Soluk, D. H. Wahl
The Department of Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution administers graduate degree
programs as options in biology. Areas of training include physiological,
population, community, and evolutionary ecology; ethology, physiological
mechanisms of behavior, and behavior genetics; evolutionary biology, population
genetics, karyotypic and molecular analysis, functional anatomy, and
systematics; quantitative analysis of genetic and ecological systems; and
resource management.
Acceptance for graduate study in ecology, ethology, and evolution is based on
the applicant's research potential and academic achievement. An undergraduate
degree in the life sciences is the usual preparation, but students majoring in
mathematics, computer science, or the physical and social sciences are also
considered. Courses required for admission are inorganic and organic chemistry,
biochemistry, a year of physics, and mathematics through calculus. Students
lacking one or more of these courses may be admitted with the provision that
such deficiencies be completed in addition to the normal graduate course load.
A grade-point average of at least 4.0 (A = 5.0) for the last 60 hours of
undergraduate work and for any graduate study is mandatory, and good scores on
the Graduate Record Examination are necessary. Considerable emphasis is placed
on a student's interest and ability in research as demonstrated by previous
work and letters of recommendation.
With approval of the M.S. biology committee, students in ecology, ethology, and
evolution may pursue an M.S. degree in biology under the supervision of a
departmental adviser (see master of science in biology).
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY: ECOLOGY, ETHOLOGY, AND EVOLUTION AREA OF
SPECIALIZATION
Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must demonstrate excellence by examination and,
in consultation with an adviser and doctoral committee, plan and carry out
original thesis research with distinction. A preliminary examination evaluating
the ability of students to integrate subject matter related to their field is
given during the third year. Courses in both statistics and computer science
are required, and proficiency in one or more foreign languages may be required,
depending on the field of research. Additional requirements may be prescribed
by the adviser and doctoral committee. A final examination, in which the
student defends the thesis, and a presentation of the thesis at a departmental
seminar complete the program.
SPECIALIZATION IN GENETICS
The Department of Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution offers an area of
specialization in genetics. The program is flexible and provides the student
with proficiency in several areas of genetics, including molecular genetics,
developmental genetics, and evolutionary and population genetics. Students
electing this area should have completed course work in calculus, computer
sciences, basic genetics, and biochemistry. The program of study for each
student in the specialization is decided individually. Interested students
should direct inquiries and applications to the department.
Head of the Department: May R. Berenbaum
Correspondence and Information: Admissions Committee, Department of
Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 320 Morrill Hall, 505
South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-2910
Professors: M. R. Berenbaum, G. P. Waldbauer
Associate Professors: S. H. Berlocher, F. Delcomyn, E. G. MacLeod, H. M.
Robertson, G . E. Robinson
Assistant Professor: S. E. Fahrbach
Emeritus Professors: S. Friedman, R. L. Metcalf, J. G. Sternburg
Departmental Affiliates: E. J. Armbrust, C. E. Eastman, A. W. Ghent, M.
E. Gray, M. E. Irwin, M. R. Jeffords, W. E. LaBerge, E. Levine, J. V. Maddox,
J. Nardi, R. J. Novak, D. Onstad, W. G. Ruesink, D. Seigler, K. L. Steffey, D.
J. Voegtlin, C. R. Vossbrinck, D. W. Webb, R. A. Weinzierl, R. Wiedenmann, A.
Zangerl
The Department of Entomology offers graduate work leading to the master of
science and doctor of philosophy degrees. The program is designed to accomodate
incoming students with a wide range of entomological expertise. The goal of the
program is to provide students with a strong background in basic biology as it
relates to insects and to equip them with the specialized intellectual and
technical skills to pursue a career in research, teaching, and service in
entomology and related biological disciplines.
Major areas of specialization within the department include systematics,
evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, phytochemical ecology, population
biology, toxicology, neurophysiology and neurobiology, neuroanatomy,
developmental biology, behavior, sociobiology, paleoentomology, sensory and
nutritional physiology, endocrinology, and integrated pest management.
Graduate College admission requirements apply. Previous training in entomology
is unnecessary. It is recommended that students who intend to study for
advanced degrees in entomology gain a thorough grounding in the physical and
biological sciences, mathematics, and the liberal arts.
A candidate for the M.S. degree is expected to become knowledgeable in
entomology through courses and fieldwork and to complete a research thesis in
an area of interest chosen in consultation with an adviser. The grade-point
average required for degree certification is 4.0 (A = 5.0).
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree should be conversant with entomological
aspects of integrated pest management ecology, genetics, systematics, and
physiology. The candidate must demonstrate professional competence in a
specialized area by presenting an acceptable thesis based on original research
designed in consultation with a faculty adviser and approved by a graduate
faculty thesis committee. Proficiency in statistics and reading a foreign
language of importance to the area of research are also required. The
grade-point average necessary for degree certification is 4.0.
SPECIALIZATION IN GENETICS
The Department of Entomology offers an area of specialization in genetics. The
program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency in several areas
of genetics, including molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and
evolutionary and population genetics. Students electing this area should have
completed course work in calculus, computer sciences, basic genetics, and
biochemistry. The program of study for each student in the specialization is
decided individually. Interested students should direct inquiries and
applications to the department.
Graduate student awards are available, including teaching and research
assistantships. In addition, various types of fellowships, traineeships, and
tuition and service fee waivers are offered by the Graduate College and the
School of Life Sciences. A single application to the department is sufficient
for consideration for all awards currently available.
Head of the Department: Charles G. Miller
Correspondence and Information: Department of Microbiology, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 131
Burrill Hall
, 407 South Goodwin Avenue,
Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-1737
Professors: A. R. Crofts, J. E. Cronan, S. K. Farrand, J. F. Gardner, J.
Konisky, C. G. Miller, M. J. Plewa, A. A. Salyers, E. W. Voss, C. R. Woese, R.
S. Wolfe
Associate Professors: S. G. Lazarowitz, S. R. Maloy, G. J. Olsen, E. R.
Vimr
Assistant Professors: D. W. Celander, J. A. Imlay, D. N. Nunn, D. H.
Rivier, J. M. Slauch
The Department of Microbiology offers graduate work leading to the master of
science and doctor of philosophy degrees. For both degrees, the program
provides a strong basic background in microbiology, microbial physiology,
biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics, and molecular biology. Students
completing the program are qualified for positions in academic, industrial, or
government laboratories and particularly for further specialization in a chosen
subarea of microbiology and related disciplines.
Major areas of research interest are gene expression and regulation in
prokaryotes and eukaryotes; viral function and development including virus
host-cell interactions; membrane biogenesis, including protein insertion; fatty
acid and phospholipid synthesis; bacterial pathogenesis and bacteria-host
interactions; immunoglobulin chemistry, structure, and expression; anaerobic
microbiology; the biochemistry and physiology of methane formation; structure
and function of catalytic and regulatory RNAs; mechanisms of oxygen toxicity;
mechanisms of photosynthetic energy conversion; prokaryote phylogeny and
evolution; and Archae.
Students electing microbiology as a major for an advanced degree should have
had a total of at least 15 credit hours of physical or biological sciences,
including general biology or microbiology, chemistry through organic chemistry
and biochemistry, and mathematics through calculus.
Study programs are flexible and are dependent upon the experience, interests,
and goals of each student. Experience in teaching is considered to be a vital
part of the graduate program and is required as part of the academic work of
all Ph.D. degree candidates.
SPECIALIZATION IN GENETICS
The Department of Microbiology offers an area of specialization in genetics.
The program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency in several
areas of genetics, including molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and
evolutionary and population genetics. Students electing this area should have
completed course work in calculus, computer sciences, basic genetics, and
biochemistry. The program of study for each student in the specialization is
decided individually. Interested students should direct inquiries and
applications to the department.
Program Chair: Lloyd Barr
Correspondence and Information: Neuroscience Program, School of Life
Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 393 Morrill Hall, 505
South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-8208
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: L. Barr, P. M. Best, M. G. H. Coles, E. Donchin, T. G.
Ebrey, A. S. Feng, M. Gabriel, M. U. Gillette, R. Gillette, M. Glaser, W. T.
Greenough, J. E. Heath, A. F. Horwitz, G. L. Jackson, E. G. Jakobsson, J. M.
Juraska, K. W. Kelley, P. C. Lauterbur, R. L. Magin, J. G. Malpeli, G. A.
Miller, G. W. Ordal, A. J. Parker, V. D. Ramirez, E. J. Roy, K. J. Schulten, T.
G. Waldrop
Associate Professors: M. T. Banich, M. J. Dawson, F. Delcomyn, C. Q.
Doe, J. Gergen, M. A. Holzwarth, G. A. Iwamoto, E. Meisami, J. E. Mittenthal,
G. E. Robinson, B. R. Schatz, J. A. Weyhenmeyer, B. C. Wheeler, H. E. Whiteley,
J. F. Zachary
Assistant Professors: K. A. Akins, T. J. Anastasio, D. F. Clayton, N. J.
Cohen, S. E. Fahrbach, W. Heller, T. L. Karr, M. E. Nelson, S. L. Schantz, J.
V. Sweedler, R. Wickesberg
Professors Emeritus: J. Hirsch, C. L. Prosser
The neuroscience program is an interdisciplinary, and highly individualized
Ph.D. program. Students have varied backgrounds but typically have
undergraduate degrees in psychology, biology, electrical engineering, or
computer science. The neuroscience program guides students to become
productive, scholarly neuroscientists with the objective of preparing for
research and teaching positions at major universities and research
institutions. Joint M.D./Ph.D. and D.V.M./Ph.D. programs are available.The
following areas of concentration exemplify the breadth of the program:
cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology,
neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, developmental neuroscience, molecular
neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and biomedical neuroscience.
DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAM
Because of the breadth of the fields in this program, the course work is
tailored to the student's fields of interest as declared by a major and at
least two minor areas of concentration from among those listed above. A faculty
committee of representatives from the major and minor areas will then meet
regularly with the student to plan course work and research experience. The
goal of this plan is to allow maximal flexibility while providing students with
close guidance. Courses and laboratory research experience are supplemented by
weekly seminars in neurobiology.
ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID
Applications are considered individually by the admissions committee. Graduate
Record Examination scores are required. Admission and financial aid are
considered together. The neurosicence program generally supports all students
in good standing with a stipend and tuition and fee waivers throughout their
tenure in the program. Support may come in the form of fellowships,
traineeships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships according to
the student's qualifications.
Head of the Department: A.S. Feng
Correspondence and Information: Department of Physiology and Biophysics,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 524 Burrill Hall, 407 South Goodwin
Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-1735
Professors: J. M. Bahr, L. Barr, P. M. Best, D. E. Buetow, A. L.
DeVries, H. S. Ducoff, F. Dunn, T. G. Ebrey, A. S. Feng, M. U. Gillette, R.
Gillette, W. T. Greenough, J. E. Heath, S. I. Helman, G. L. Jackson, E.
Jakobsson, B. S. Katzenellenbogen, B. W. Kemper, P. C. Lauterbur, C. L.
Prosser, V. D. Ramirez, E. J. Roy, O. D. Sherwood, I. A. Siegel, W. W. Sleator,
T. G. Waldrop, C. A. Wraight
Associate Professors: M. J. Dawson, F. Delcomyn, M. Holzwarth, G. A.
Iwamoto, E. Meisami
Assistant Professors: T. J. Anastasio, A. M. Nardulli, M. E. Nelson, S.
Subramaniam, R. W. Tsika
Physiology
The physiology graduate program is designed to provide individualized training
in preparation for research and teaching careers in molecular, cellular,
integrative (systems), and comparative physiology. The objective of the
training is to produce scientists who are technically competent and broadly
educated in physiology. The program offers a master of science degree in
physiology, a Ph.D. degree in physiology, and also a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree in
conjunction with the College of Medicine.
ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID
Applicants for graduate study in physiology are screened by an admissions
committee. Students should have a strong undergraduate training in science. The
Graduate College admission requirements apply. To be admitted, students should
have a grade-point average between an A and a B and letters of recommendation
that indicate ability to perform graduate work. Applicants are required to
submit scores of the Graduate Record Examination or similar examinations.
Fellowships and teaching or research assistantships are available for qualified
students.
A master's degree requires 8 or more units of graduate work drawn from the
offerings of this and other departments. Each student must submit a report and
pass an oral examination on it. The examination is conducted by a faculty
qualifying committee.
The doctoral program uses a flexible approach to curriculum requirements.
Students are required to take three core courses and two laboratory rotations
(five week each), a course in biophysical measurement, and 1/2 unit
of a graduate laboratory course which provide a solid background in molecular,
cellular, comparative, and integrative physiology. Additional courses in
chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, and mathematics are
chosen by the students in consultation with a faculty advisory committee.
Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as they identify an area of
research interest. Research in most areas of physiology can be carried out in
the department. The department has a particularly strong focus in biophysics,
cellular and molecular physiology, comparative physiology, computational
biology, neurophysiology, and reproductive physiology. Courses and lab research
are supplemented by a weekly seminar series. Toward the end of the second year,
students must submit a report describing their initial research and pass an
oral qualifying examination in order to continue in the Ph.D. program. After
the student has completed 16 units of graduate course work and formulated a
definite research problem, he or she takes a preliminary examination in which
the student presents the thesis topic and preliminary research to a faculty
committee. Finally, a thesis, which is based on original work in one area of
physiology and which demonstrates a thorough knowledge of underlying theories
and experimental approaches, must be defended at the final examination. Most
students complete their Ph.D. training in four to five years.
SPECIALIZATION IN GENETICS
The Department of Physiology and Biophysics offers an area of specialization in
genetics. The program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency in
several areas of genetics, including molecular genetics, developmental
genetics, and evolutionary and population genetics. Students electing this area
should have completed course work in calculus, computer sciences, basic
genetics, and biochemistry. The program of study for each student in the
specialization is decided individually. Interested students should direct
inquiries and applications to the department.
Biophysics
Program Director: Colin A. Wraight
Correspondence and Information: Biophysics Office, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 388 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Avenue,
Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-1630
Professors: L. Barr, P. M. Best, A. R. Crofts, P. G. Debrunner, H. S.
Ducoff, F. Dunn, T. G. Ebrey, A. S. Feng, R. B. Gennis, R. Gillette, Govindjee,
E. Gratton, S. I. Helman, E. Jakobsson, D. A. Lauffenburger, P. C. Lauterbur,
R. Magin, C. L. Prosser, K. Schulten, W. W. Sleator, S. Sligar, T. G. Waldrop,
A. H-J. Wang, G. Weber, J. Whitmarsh, P. G. Wolynes, C. A. Wraight
Associate Professors: M. J. Dawson, W. W. Mantulin, J. Wand
Assistant Professors: T. J. Anastasio, A. Belmont, M. E. A. Churchill,
M. E. Nelson, G. U. Nienhaus, S. Subramaniam
ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID
The objective of the program in biophysics is to give students sufficient
training in physics, chemistry, and biology to enable them to apply the
conceptual, instrumental, and mathematical approaches of the physical sciences
to the solution of biological problems. The curriculum is broadly based and
provides an adaptable approach for students entering with previous training in
the physical sciences or for students with a background in biology and some
experience in the physical sciences. Admission requirements are usually one
year of college biology, one year of college physics, chemistry through organic
chemistry, and mathematics through calculus, but deficiencies can be corrected
while in training. Applicants must have an admission grade-point average of at
least 4.0 (A = 5.0). Fellowships, traineeships, and teaching or research
assistantships are available for qualified students. Usually, students are
expected to obtain at least one semester of teaching experience during their
graduate careers.
The program has a flexible approach toward curriculum requirements, but an
acceptable course program usually includes the following: (1) physical
sciences: mathematics through differential equations, physics and physical
chemistry, including thermodynamics and elementary quantum mechanics; and
biochemistry. (2) biophysics: satisfactory completion of 11/2 units
of 400-level biophysics courses (excluding individual topic courses, seminars,
and research); 6 individual faculty tutorials; and at least one laboratory
rotation. Other subjects may be taken with the approval of faculty. (3)
Independent research, to commence as soon as practicable after admission. The
Ph.D. degree is a research degree, and the program is designed with a major
emphasis on individual research.
A qualifying examination, which is offered each semester, must be passed
before the end of the fourth semester. After formulating a definite research
problem, the student takes the preliminary examination in which the topic is
presented to a faculty committee. The committee will also question the
candidate on the general research area. Finally, a thesis, which is based on
original work and which demonstrates a thorough knowledge of theory and
techniques in one of the areas of biophysics, must be defended at the final
examination.
Head of the Department: Carol A. Shearer
Correspondence and Information: Associate Head, Department of Plant
Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 265 Morrill Hall, 505
South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217)
333-3260; FAX: (217)
244-7246
Professors: C. K. Augspurger, M. R. Berenbaum, D. E. Buetow, R. E.
Crang, Govindjee, L. I. Nevling, W. L. Ogren, D. R. Ort, T. L. Phillips, K. R.
Robertson, D. S. Seigler, C. A. Shearer, C. J. Whitmarsh, C. A. Wraight
Associate Professors: D. R. Bush, J. M. Cheeseman, E. H. DeLucia, T. W.
Jacobs, S. G. Lazarowitz, M. L. Sargent, M. A. Schuler, R. E. Zielinski
Assistant Professors: J. K. Conner, S. R. Downie
Emeritus Professors: L. R. Hoffman, A. G. Jones
The Department of Plant Biology offers graduate work leading to the master of
science and doctor of philosophy degrees. It also participates in an
interdepartmental study program leading to a doctoral degree in physiological
and molecular plant biology.
Areas of specialization available within the department include anatomy,
bioenergetics, biophysics, bryology, circadian rhythms, development, ecology,
genetics/molecular biology, mycology, paleobotany, paleoecology,
photosynthesis, phycology, physiology, phytochemistry, population biology,
systematics, and ultrastructure. Graduate students are expected to acquire
reasonable breadth in their botanical backgrounds as well as depth in their
areas of specialization. A knowledge of the principles of ecology,
genetics/molecular biology, morphology, physiology, and systematics is strongly
recommended.
A brochure providing additional information about the department, its
facilities, and the research interests of its faculty is available from the
associate head upon request.
All applicants for admission are considered on an individual basis. While
departmental requirements do not specify particular courses as prerequisites
for admission, applicants should have had some undergraduate training in botany
or biology and related sciences. Graduate Record Examination scores are
required. Graduate College admission requirements also apply.
Candidates for the M.S. degree are expected to complete at least 8 units of
course work and research agreed upon with a faculty adviser. A thesis may be
required at the option of the candidate's adviser. The master's degree program
is normally completed within two years.
Candidates for the Ph.D. are expected to complete 8 additional units of
graduate work and research under the supervision of a faculty adviser. A formal
evaluation of the student's academic progress is made at the end of his or her
second year of study. Departmental approval must be obtained at this juncture
in order to continue in a graduate degree program.
A preliminary examination is taken during the second year (if the student
entered with an M.S. degree), or the third year (if the student entered with a
B.S. degree). This consists of an oral examination of general knowledge in
three of the five areas of specialization in plant biology (defined by the
department as ecology; genetics or molecular biology; physiology or
biochemistry; anatomy or development; and systematics or evolution), which are
chosen by the student, and defense of a written proposal on the thesis research
topic prepared by the student.
The final phase of the program consists of preparing a thesis, which is based
on original research work and which demonstrates a thorough knowledge of theory
and techniques in one area of plant biology.
OUTSTANDING FACILITIES
Outstanding teaching and research laboratories encompass both molecular and
organismal plant biology and are complemented by growth-chamber facilities,
environmentally controlled greenhouses, an excellent herbarium, a
paleobotanical center for collections, and a diversity of field sites.
Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships are available
for qualified students. A student who is awarded a fellowship may apply to have
the stipend augmented with a part-time teaching or research assistantship.
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