Biology

Graduate Curriculum

The Biology graduate program generates a close-knit academic community of productive students dedicated to performing high quality, publishable research. We produce graduates with both specialized training in their chosen sub-disciplines as well as communication and teaching skills to effectively function within a broad-based scientific community.

Most students completing their Master's degree pursue either a Ph.D. or M.D. degree; however, our program also provides the training required to enter technical positions in industry and government.

The program is organized to provide concentrators with a sound introduction to the principles of biology and to develop an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of living things. The Department attempts to provide concentrators both breadth and depth of training as well as a variety of approaches to the study of life, while allowing maximum flexibility in the development of programs consistent with the interests and needs of individual students. The Concentration requirements have been designed with these objectives in mind.

The major emphasis of our program is the completion of a substantial research thesis. All students are also required to take our core course, which introduces students to the faculty and their research, and teaches important critical analysis, hypothesis generation, biostatistical, ethical, and grant writing skills.

For additional information regarding requirements, consult the Department of Biology Graduate Handbook (available upon request). Email for more information.

Graduate Student Achievements
Since 1999, Biology graduate students have published over 50 papers in international peer-reviewed journals and presented their research at over 70 professional conferences. Recent examples of published journal articles can be found here.

Graduate students in our program also have tremendous success in attaining external grants to fund their research. Since, 1999, our graduate students have been awarded over 50 external grants, including Sigma Xi, Lerner Grey, Gordon Research Conference, American Ornithology Union, American Society of Oceanographers and NSF awards.

Our graduate students often work closely with and mentor undergraduates. This not only benefits the undergraduate program greatly, but also offers our graduate students numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities.