Department of Biology
Location: 101 Hayes Building, Phone: (409) 880-8262
Interim Chair: Paul F. Nicoletto
Degree Advisors:
B.S. Biology: Paul F. Nicoletto, Professor of Biology, Hayes 101A, pfnicoletto@my.lamar.edu, (409) 880-8256
B.S. Environmental Science: Richard C. Harrel, Professor of Biology, Hayes 205-10, (409) 880-8255
M.S. Biology: Matthew P. Hoch, Associate Professor of Biology, Hayes 205-12, Matt.Hoch@lamar.edu, (409) 880-8264
Biology Mission Statement:
The Biology Department has three missions. First, the overall mission is to produce graduates with a broad-based knowledge of biology and the capacity of applying their education and critically evaluating emerging scientific knowledge. Second, the department is committed to providing research opportunities for faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students. Research and peer-reviewed publication enhance the recognition and prestige of the university and develop contacts and collaborations between Lamar University faculty and colleagues elsewhere, which ultimately benefits our graduates. Third, the Biology Department provides courses that fulfill the laboratory science requirements for many degree plans and for the core curriculum.
The Biology Program is committed to the laboratory approach to science. Students completing the biology core will have been exposed to all major areas of biology and are allowed the freedom to concentrate on an area of special interest within the major. Sufficient hours of free electives allow a Biology Major to obtain secondary teaching certification simultaneously. Faculty offices are located in the Hayes Biology Building and in the Science Auditorium. The Dujay Bird Sanctuary in the Big Thicket, the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies at Pleasure Island near Port Arthur, and more remote field sites in the Western Texas desert and Neotropical rainforest and coral reefs of Central America provide an opportunity for field-based study.
Areas of faculty expertise and research interests include Animal Behavior, Invertebrate Physiology, Cytogenetics, Biotechnology, Medical Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Limnology, Botany, Tropical Biology, Phylogenetics, Invertebrate Zoology, Parasitology, Ichthyology, Herpetology, Ornithology, and Mammalogy.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Biology -120 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Biology -141 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry -148 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science -120 hrs
Life Science (Grade 8-12) Teacher Certification -143 hrs (116 hrs B.S. Biology plus 27 hrs Pedagogy courses)
Pre-Professional Programs: Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physician's Assistant, Pre-Medical Technology
Minor in Biology
Graduate
Master of Science in Biology - Thesis option (32 hrs) and Non-thesis option (38 hrs)
Bachelor of Science - Biology
The Major in Biology supports the departmental mission in that students are exposed to current scientific concepts and principles. Moreover, students spend a significant amount of their educational time in the laboratory or field. By the actual performance of methods and techniques, they can engage in internal research projects or be competitive for external summer research internships. After graduation, they can effectively compete for jobs or move into graduate or professional schools.
As the study of life, Biology requires a thorough understanding of the underlying chemical and physical principles governing all life processes. Lamar students attracted to this field are well equipped to enter the professions of medicine, dentistry or one of the other career paths listed below in this section. Students are equally prepared for environmentally or biotechnology related careers in various governmental agencies, private companies, or academia. A career file is maintained in Room 101 of the Hayes Biology Building to acquaint students with far-ranging career possibilities. Students interested in further education leading to an advanced degree in Biology are also well prepared. Those interested in teaching in secondary education (grades 8 – 12) should consult the section below on B.S. Biology with teaching certificate.
The degree of bachelor of Science in Biology will be awarded upon the completion of the following requirements:
- General Requirements: See the University Core Curriculum.
- Biology Courses: Biology Core courses: BIOL 1406, 1407, 2420, 3450, 3470, one invertebrate biology course (BIOL 3460 or 4410), one vertebrate biology course (BIOL 3428, 4408, 4409, 4431, 4440, or 4445), one molecular-cellular biology course: (BIOL 4404 or BIOL 4470), and the capstone course BIOL 4344, which requires students to pass the ETS Major Field Exam in Biology. Biology Electives: any additional 15-16 semester hours of BIOL at the 3000-4000 level.
- Supporting Sciences: General Chemistry - eight semester hours (CHEM 1411 and 1412); Organic Chemistry - eight semester hours CHEM 3411 and 3412); General Physics -eight semester hours (PHYS 1401 and 1402); Statistics - four semester hours (PSYC 2471, fulfills 4 credits of Mathematical Science core)
- Free Electives: Sufficient advanced (3000-4000 level) elective credits to complete a total of 120 semester hours; typically 4 credits.
Recommended Minimum Program of Study – B. S. Biology: The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the B. S. Biology degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Additional requirements may be required for specialized areas, i.e. certain minor requirements, preparation for graduate school, certifications, or licensees. Advanced courses (3000-4000 level) should only be taken after 60 credits of study toward the degree; although exceptions can be made when academically in the best interest of the student. Please see a Program Advisor or the Department Chair for advising details.
Biology Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credits | Credits | |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301, Composition I | 3 | ENGL 1302, Composition II | 3 |
| BIOL 1406, Gen. Biology | 4 | BIOL 1407, Gen. Biology II | 4 |
| HIST 1301, U.S. History I | 3 | HIST 1302, U.S. History II | 3 |
| MATH 2312, Pre-Calculus | 3 | Social Science | 3 |
| PEGA | 1 | PHIL 1370, Philosophy of Knowledge | 3 |
| Total | 14 | 16 | |
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 23__, Literature | 3 | COMM 1315, Public Speaking | 3 |
| CHEM 1411, Gen. Chemistry | 4 | or Foreign Language | |
| PHYS 1401, College Physics | 4 | CHEM 1412, Gen. Chemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL 2420, Microbiology | 4 | PHYS 1402, College Physics II | 4 |
| or PSYC 2471, Statistics | BIOL 2420, Microbiology | 4 | |
| or PSYC 2471, Statistics | |||
| Total | 15 | 15 | |
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| CHEM 3411, Organic Chem. I | 4 | CHEM 3412, Organic Chem. II | 4 |
| BIOL 3470, Genetics or BIOL 3450, General Botany | 4 | BIOL 3470, Genetics or BIOL 3450, General Botany | 4 |
| Vertebrate Course or Invertebrate Course | 4 | Vertebrate Course or Invertebrate Course | 4 |
| Fine Arts | 3 | BIOL 4404, Molecular Biology* or Biology Elective* | 4 |
| Total | 15 | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| BIOL 4344, Dev. Biol. Thought or Biology Elective* | 3/4 | BIOL 4344, Dev. Biol. Thought or Biology Elective | 3/4 |
| Biology Elective | 4 | Advanced Elective | 4 |
| BIOL 4470, Cell Biology or Biology Elective | 4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| POLS, American Govt. I | 3 | POLS, American GOVT. II | 3 |
| Total | 14/15 | 14/15 |
*One 4000-level Biology course designated "Scientific Report Writing Intensive"; includes: Experimental Design, Environmental Microbiology, Ecology, Advanced Physiology, Animal Behavior, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology.
120 Minimum Degree Minimum Total Hours (51 Upper Level)
Certification to teach Biology can be obtained along with a B.S. in Biology. Consult with the Biology Department Chair for specific information. A list of Biology courses for certification is available in the departmental office.
Biology Bachelor of Science - Concentration in Medical Technology
The medical technologist performs the laboratory tests required by physicians in order to properly diagnose and treat patients. Most technologists find employment in hospitals, clinics or blood banks. Medical product manufacturers and medical technical sales account for an increasing percent of career opportunities for medical technologist. A long-term shortage of clinical laboratory scientists has placed a premium on certified medical technologists nationwide, and employment opportunities in the field are expected to remain very good in the future.
Students completing the pre-medical technology emphasis will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology that emphasizes the coursework needed to compete for acceptance into hospital programs in the clinical laboratory sciences. Most hospital programs last for one or occasionally two years. During this time, students receive laboratory training in practical aspects of the clinical laboratory sciences. In addition, a certification exam must be passed to be employed as a clinical laboratory scientist in most states.
Below is a suggested program of study (120 hours) for the Pre-Medical Technology emphasis. In general, this program will well-prepare students for entry into hospital programs. However, students should consult the specific program directors for entry requirements. A list of hospital programs for the state of Texas is provided below. Students interested in these programs should contact Dr. Randall Terry for detailed advising (Hayes 205-8, rgterry@my.lamar.edu, (409) 880-7975).
| First Year (31 Credits) | Credits | Credits | |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301, Composition I | 3 | ENGL 1302, Composition II | 3 |
| BIOL 1406, General Biology I | 4 | BIOL 1407, General Biology II | 4 |
| CHEM 1411, General Chemsitry I | 4 | CHEM 1407, General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH 2312, Pre-Calculus | 3 | Social Science | 3 |
| PHIL 1370, Philosophy of Knowledge | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Second Year (34 Credits) | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 23__, Literature | 3 | PSYC 2471, Statistics | 4 |
| CHEM 3411, Organic Chemistry | 4 | CHEM 3412, Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| BIOL 2420, Microbiology | 4 | Communications Core | 3 |
| PEGA | 1 | Fine Art | 3 |
| 12 | 14 | ||
| Summer I | Summer II | ||
| PHYS 1401, College Physics | 4 | PHYS 1402, College Physics | 4 |
| Third Year (30 Credits) | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| POLS 2301, American Government | 3 | POLS 2302, American Government | 3 |
| BIOL 3440, Advanced Physiology | 4 | BIOL 4410, Parasitology | 4 |
| BIOL 4405, Immunology | 4 | BIOL 4404, Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 3470, Genetics | 4 | BIOL 3450, General Botany | 4 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year (25 Credits) | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| HIST 1301, U.S. History | 3 | HIST 1302, U.S. History | 3 |
| Vertebrate Course | 4 | BIOL 4344, Dev. Biol. Thought | 3 |
| BIOL 4470, Cell Biology | 4 | BIOL elective | 4 |
| PEGA | 1 | Free Elective, 3000-4000 Level | 3 |
| 12 | 13 |
Directors of Hospital Training Programs in Clinical Laboratory Science in Southeast Texas
| Program | Director | Address | Contact |
| Methodist Hospital |
Tatia Feltman, M.Ed.,MT(ASCP)SM |
See Contact | tfeltman@tmhs.org; (713) 790-2599 |
| University of Texas Medical Branch | Vicki Freeman, Ph.D. | 301 University Boulevard Galveston, TX 77555-1028 | vfreeman@utmb.edu; (409) 772-3055 |
| M.D. Anderson Cancer Center | Brandy Greenhill, DrPH, M.S., MLS(ASCP) | 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 002 Houston, TX 77030 | bgreenhill@mdanderson.org; (713) 563-3091 |
Bachelor of Science – Environmental Science
The Major in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program concerned with protecting, monitoring, managing, and improving the environment. The degree program combines study in biology, chemistry, geology, engineering and political science in preparing the student for a career with regulatory agencies, industry, consulting firms, or academia. This degree program combines fundamental training in the basic sciences with broad training across several of the traditional disciplines to prepare students for employment or graduate study. An internship is required to integrate academic preparation with actual work experience. Students interested in these programs should contact Dr. Richard C. Harrel, (409) 880-8255, Hayes 205-10.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science will be awarded upon completion of the following requirements:
- General Requirements: See University Core Curriculum
- Biology: BIOL 1406, 1407, 2420, 4430, 4435, 4460
- Chemistry: CHEM 1411, 1412, 3401, 3411, 4481
- Science and Mathematics: PHYS 1401, 1402; COSC 1371; PSYC 2471; MATH 2376; GEOL 1403, 3390, 4370; CVEN 3310; 3 hours approved electives
- BULW 3330
- Participate in internship BIOL 4300-01
Recommended Program of Study – B. S. Environmental Science: The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the B. S. Environmental Science degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Additional course work may be required for specialized areas, i.e. certain minor requirements, preparation for graduate school, certifications, or licensees. Advanced courses (3000-4000 level) should only be taken after 60 credits of study toward the degree; although exceptions can be made when in the best interest of the student. Please see Dr. Harrel, the Program Advisor, for advising details.
|
First Year |
Credits | Credits | |
|
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
||
|
BIOL 1406, Gen. Biology I |
4 |
BIOL 1407, Gen. Biology II |
4 |
|
CHEM 1411, Gen. Chemistry I |
4 |
CHEM 1412, Gen. Chem. II |
4 |
|
ENGL 1301, Composition I |
3 |
ENGL 1302, Composition II |
3 |
|
PHIL 1370, Philosophy of Knowledge |
3 |
COMM 1315, Public Speaking |
3 |
|
14 |
14 |
||
|
Second Year |
|||
|
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
||
|
HIST 1301, U.S. History I |
3 |
HIST 1302, U.S. History II |
3 |
|
ENGL 23_ _, Literature |
3 |
COSC 1371, Microcomputers |
3 |
|
BIOL 2420, Microbiology |
4 |
GEOL 1403, Physical Geology |
4 |
|
MATH 2376, Calculus |
3 |
PSYC 2471, Stat. Methods |
3 |
|
PEGA, Physical Activity |
1 |
FINE ARTS |
3 |
|
14 |
16 |
||
|
Third Year |
|||
|
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
||
|
POLS 2301, American Govt. I |
3 |
POLS 2302, American Govt. II |
3 |
|
CHEM 3401, Quant. Analysis |
4 |
CHEM 3411, Organic Chem. I |
4 |
|
GEOL 4370, Meteorology |
3 |
BIOL 4435, Toxicology* |
4 |
|
BULW 3330, Environ. Law |
3 |
GEOL 3390, Environmental Geol. |
3 |
|
SOCIAL SCIENCE |
3 |
||
|
13 |
14 |
||
|
Fourth Year |
|||
|
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
||
|
APPROVED ELECTIVE* |
3 |
APPROVED ELECTIVE* |
3 |
|
PHYS 1401, College Physics I |
4 |
PHYS 1402, College Physics II |
4 |
|
BIOL 4460, Ecology |
4 |
BIOL 4430, Limnology |
4 |
|
ENGL 3310, Technical Report Writing |
3 |
CHEM 4481, Environ. Analysis |
4 |
|
CVEN 3310, Water Chem. for Environ Eng. |
3 |
||
|
17 |
15 |
||
|
*3000-4000-level course approved by Environmental Science advisor; recommended are Principles of GIS or Hydrogeology (GEOL 4301) or Conservation Biology (BIOL 4302). 120 Degree Minimum Total Hours |
|||
Dual Majors with Biology:
Biology Majors wanting a second Bachelor of Science degree in either Psychology or Chemistry may follow the recommended curriculum for the minimum credit hours provided below. Coursework during summer is required for dual majors. Both Bachelor of Science degrees must be awarded simultaneously.
Bachelor of Science-Biology and Bachelor of Science-Psychology
| First Year | Credits |
| BIOL 1406 & BIOL 1407, General Biology I & II | 8 |
| CHEM 1411 & CHEM 1412, General Chemistry I & II | 8 |
| MATH 2412, Pre-calculus | 3 |
| PSYC 2301, General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 2471, Introduction to Statistical Methods Statistics | 4 |
| PHIL 1370, Philosophy of Knowledge | 3 |
| Total | 35 |
| Summer I & II | |
| HIST 1301 & HIST 1302, History I & II | 6 |
| Year 2 | |
| BIOL 2420, Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 3460, Invertebrate Zoology or BIOL 4410, Parasitology | 4 |
| CHEM 3411 & CHEM 3412, Organic Chemistry I & II | 8 |
| MATH 2413, Calculus Analytical Geometry | 4 |
| ENGL 23__, English Literature | 3 |
| PSYC 3420, Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC ELECTIVE | 3 |
| COSC 1371, Microcomputers | 3 |
| Total | 33 |
| Summer I & II | |
| PHYS 2425 & PHYS 2426, University Physics I & II | 8 |
| Year 3 | |
| BIOL 3450, General Botany | 4 |
| BIOL Elective Writing Intensive | 4 |
| BIOL Vertebrate Course | 4 |
| BIOL 4404, Molecular Biology or BIOL 4470, Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 3470, Genetics | 4 |
| PSYC Elective | 3 |
| PSYC Elective | 3 |
| PSYC 4430, Experimental Psychology | 3 |
| COMM 3310/3340, Communications Elective | 3 |
| Total | 32 |
| Summer I & II | |
| POLS 2301 & POLS 2302, Political Science I & II | 6 |
| Fourth Year | |
| BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL 4344, Development of Biological Thought | 3 |
| BIOL Elective | 3 |
| PSYC Elective | 3 |
| PSYC Elective | 3 |
| PSYC Elective | 3 |
| FA Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| SS Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total | 31 |
| Total Degree Credits | 154 |
|
Notes: Biology Electives approved to the "Scientific Research Report Writing Intensive" include: Experimental Design, Environmental Microbiology, Advanced Physiology, Animal Behavior, Ecology. Advanced Psychology electives: Choose any three from either Group I (PSYC 3320, 3340, 3360, 4320) or Group II (PSYC 3330, 4310, 4360, 4380). |
|
Bachelor of Science–Biology and Bachelor of Science–Chemistry
| First Year | Credits |
| BIOL 1406 & BIOL 1407, General Biology I & II | 8 |
| CHEM 1411& CHEM 1412, General Chemistry I & II | 8 |
| ENGL 1301 & ENGL 1302, English Composition I & II | 6 |
| MATH 2413 & MATH 2414, Calculus I & II | 8 |
| POLS 2301 & POLS 2302, Political Science I & II | 6 |
| Total | 36 |
| Second Year | |
| BIOL 2420, Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL Elective Writing Intensive | 4 |
| BIOL 3460, Invertebrate Zoology or BIOL 4410, Parasitology | 4 |
| CHEM 3411 & CHEM 3412, Organic Chemistry I & II | 8 |
| CHEM 3401, Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| ENGL 23__, English Literature | 3 |
| FA Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| PHIL 1370, Philosophy of Knowledge | 3 |
| SS Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total | 36 |
| Summer I & Summer II | |
| PHYS 2425 & PHYS 2426, University Physics I & II | 8 |
| Third Year | |
| BIOL 3470, Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 3450, General Botany | 4 |
| BIOL 4404, Molecular Biology or BIOL 4470, Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL Vertebrate course | 4 |
| CHEM 4311 & CHEM 4312, Physical Chemistry I & II | 6 |
| CHEM 4131 & CHEM 4132, Physical Chem. Laboratory I & II | 2 |
| PHYS 3350, Modern Physics | 3 |
| COMM 3310/3340, Communications Elective | 3 |
| PEGA, Physical Activity | 1 |
| Total | 31 |
| Summer I & II | |
| HIST 1301 & HIST 1302, History I & II | 6 |
| Fourth Year | |
| BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL 4344, Development of Biological Thought | 3 |
| CHEM 3331, Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 4461, Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 4411, Biochemistry or CHEM 3415, General Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 4271, Introduction to Research | 2 |
| PSYC 2471, Statistics | 4 |
| Total | 29 |
| Total Degree Credits | 146 |
|
Notes: Examples of biology electives approved to be the "Scientific Research Report Writing Intensive" include: Experimental Design, Environmental Microbiology, Advanced Physiology, Animal Behavior, Ecology. |
|
Biology Minor
Students must take courses to total 18 hours with at least three classes at the 3000-4000 level. All students must successfully complete both BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 before enrolling in advanced courses. Some advanced courses have additional prerequisite courses. To qualify for the minor, a grade of no less than “C” must be obtained in each course applied to the minor.Pre-Professional Programs:
A Bachelor of Science in Biology is an excellent way to prepare for medically oriented professional schools. Freshman and transfer students declaring themselves as Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, or Pre-Pharmacy status should consult the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog for information on the Pre-Professional Program. Students in the pre-professional program will receive initial advising through the Pre-Professional Office. In their sophomore year those pursuing a B.S. Biology degree will be assigned to a Biology Faculty member on the Pre-Professional Committee. Students are encouraged to contact the Pre-professional Advisor, Ms. Natasha Hargraves (Parker 106, natasha.hargraves@lamar.edu, (409) 880-7972) for information and assistance.
Graduate Program
The Department of Biology offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science in Biology degree with either a thesis or non-thesis option. It is designed to enhance the professional competence of graduates in biology or closely related disciplines who are interested in pursuing academic careers, employment in private industry or governmental agencies in biologically oriented fields, entrance to professional schools, or who are presently engaged in or planning to enter secondary school teaching. Students interested in these programs should contact Dr. Matthew P. Hoch for detailed advising (Hayes 205-12, Matt.Hoch@lamar.edu, (409) 880-8264).
Applicants must:
- Have a B.S. or B.A. degree in biology from an accredited institution or complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in the biological sciences including eight hours of general biology (BIOL 1406 & 1407 or the equivalent) and a course in genetics. Excluded from the 24 hours is Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 2401 & 2402).
- Completed a minimum of one semester of Organic Chemistry and one semester of statistics.
- Remove any deficiencies as provided in the section on admission.
- Meet the admission standards of the College of Graduate Studies.
- The minimum verbal GRE score for non-thesis is 146 and the minimum quantitative score 145. The minimum verbal GRE score thesis is 148 and the minimum quantitative score 147.
- The minimum GPA for non-thesis 2.8 and for thesis is 3.0 on a 4 point scale.
- All students with degrees from a country other than the U.S.A. must have their transcripts evaluated, at their own expense by a company approved by the Biology Department or University (https://www.lamar.edu/_files/documents/admissions/foreign-transcript-evaluation-2012.pdf).
- All students entering the graduate program in biology must have a member of the Biology Graduate Faculty willing to serve as supervisor of the student's graduate studies. Applicants should explore the interests and research background of members of the Biology faculty, including directly contacting faculty with common interests. Applicants should include with their application materials a letter of intent addressed to the biology faculty that explains the following: a) their career goal(s) giving reasons for pursuing an M.S. degree in Biology; b) their areas of interest in biology; and c) preferences to be supervised by specific faculty members. The latter is especially important if pursuing the thesis option.
Degree Requirements
The candidate for the M.S. in Biology must meet all the College of Graduate Studies general requirements as listed in this catalog. For their professional development, students must enroll in BIOL 5110 Graduate Seminar. They must take the course two times; any subsequent enrollments will not count toward the degree.
Thesis option
This option is strongly recommended for those who plan to continue graduate work beyond the master’s level or to be employed in a research position by private industry or governmental agency. Students are expected to:
- Take Graduate Seminar (BIOL 5110) at least two times. Any subsequent enrollments will not count toward the degree.
- Choose a supervising professor as an advisor with expertise in the discipline in which the student intends to work. With the help of the supervising professor choose at least two other graduate faculty to serve on a graduate committee. These faulty should be chosen on the basis of their professional expertise in biology and the specific contributions that can be made to the student's intended research project.
- Determine the student’s program of study with the aid of the supervising professor and graduate committee. Student must complete a minimum of 32 hours of graduate credit. All course work will be in Biology. Exceptions must be approved by the major advisor and Department Chair. A maximum of six hours of Thesis (BIOL 5390-5391) can be used toward the degree
- Submit the G2 form to the biology department by the end of the first year of graduate work.
- Perform a comprehensive literature review on the thesis topic and submit a written proposal for the thesis to the graduate committee.
- Perform an oral presentation of the proposal and answer questions by the graduate faculty of the Biology Department. In addition, pass an oral examination before the student's graduate committee on the experimental design of the proposed thesis
- File for candidacy after 18 hours and before beginning the final 9 hours by submitting the G3 form to the Graduate College.
- Perform the proposed research.
- Be registered for thesis (5391) at the time of graduation.
- Present and defend the graduate thesis before the graduate faculty.
- Follow the guidelines prepared by the Graduate College on the format of the written thesis and the time line for submitting the thesis.
Non-Thesis option
This option is intended for those not seeking a higher degree in Biology. Students are expected to:
- Take Graduate Seminar (BIOL 5110) at least two times. Any subsequent enrollments will not count toward the degree.
- Choose a major advisor and graduate committee of at least two other graduate faculty during the first year of the program. The student must take at least one class from each of the committee members.
- Determine a program of study with the aid of the advisor and graduate committee. Student must complete a minimum of 38 hours of graduate credit. All course work will be in biology. Exceptions must be approved by the major advisor and Department Chair.
- Submit the G2 form to the Biology Department.
- File for candidacy after 18 hours and before beginning the final 9 hours by submitting the G3 form.
- Pass an exit exam covering the course work taken during the program. The Biology non-thesis comprehensive examination will be made by the three members of the student's graduate committee and may encompass any and all topics in biology. A minimum score of 70% must be obtained on each of the three subsections of the final exam. The comprehensive examination will be essay, closed book, and on the premises. Students will not be given any prior knowledge of the specific questions. Two questions will be submitted by each of the three committee members. One hour will be given for each question. Three questions will be given before 12:00 and three after 1:00 on the day of the comprehensive examination.
- The exit exam may be repeated once if failure occurs. Students will only retake the sections of the exam on which that they did not obtained a 70%. Different questions will be asked in those same sections for the second exam. Failure to pass all sections of the comprehensive examination in two attempts will result in a student's being permanently suspended from the degree program.
- The Biology non-thesis written comprehensive examination will be administered in accordance with the following schedule.
Fall Term: Beginning the last Thursday in October and ending on the first Thursday of November, exclusive of the weekend.
Spring Term: Beginning the last Thursday in March and ending on the first Thursday of April, exclusive of the weekend.
Summer: The Monday prior to the last Monday of the first summer term, exclusive of the weekend.
