BIOLOGY

Graduate Degree Programs

Biology programs, including the Master of Science in Biology, the Master of Science in the Teaching of Biological Sciences and General Science, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Biology with specializations in (1) Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and (2) Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology, are described below.

Admission

To be considered for any program, an applicant must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0), must include a brief statement of educational objectives with the formal application, and must submit three letters of recommendation. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are mandatory for consideration for the Ph.D., but are not required for M.S. degrees.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.

Master of Science in Biology

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 Integrative Biology and the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.) The degree program requires 32 graduate hours of coursework, of which 12 graduate hours must be in 500-level courses. Active status in the program is maintained through registration in two 400- or 500-level biology courses per semester and a grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). 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.

Master of Science in the Teaching of Biological Sciences and General Science

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 eight units of course credit and proof of state teacher certification. Contact the certification officer of the Council on Teacher Education (130 Education Building, 217-333-7195) for information about pursuing certification while enrolled in the graduate program. Coursework consists of 16 graduate hours in biological sciences, 8 graduate hours in education and 8 elective graduate hours. Electives are usually taken in biological sciences, education, or both.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

The School of Integrative Biology is the administrative home of two interdepartmental graduate programs leading to a Ph.D. in Biology: (1) Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and (2) Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology. These specializations are staffed by biologists from a number of departments in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology prepares individuals for research and teaching careers and produces scientists who are both technically competent and broadly educated in these disciplines. The program provides maximum flexibility in course selection while providing close guidance.

The program in Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to graduate education that prepares students for successful research and teaching careers. Thesis research in Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology 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.

Financial Aid

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 Integrative Biology.