Biological Sciences - 2022-23 Graduate Catalog

Chair: Juan Bouzat
Graduate Coordinator: Ray Larsen
Address: 217 Life Sciences Building
Phone: 419-372-2332
Program Web Page: https://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/biological-sciences/graduate-programs.html

Degrees Offered
Ph.D., MS, Certificate

Program Offered
The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate training for professional careers in both applied and fundamental areas of biology. Programs are available leading to the following degrees:

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics, Proteomics/Genomics

Within these degrees, major areas of concentration include molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, ecology and conservation biology, genetics, physiology, neuroscience and behavior, aquatic ecology, and plant science. Interdisciplinary research programs in the fields of chemistry, geology, and psychology are also available.

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the M.S. degree, all students in the Biological Sciences program are expected to be able to: 

• Demonstrate a command of fundamental principles of biology
• Evaluate and critique biology-oriented science, social and ethical issues
• Effectively relate scientific concepts in both oral and written formats

Upon completion of the M.S. and Ph.D. degree, research (Plan I) students in the Biological Sciences program are expected to be able to: 

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the research literature in their area of expertise
• Integrate research methodologies and experimental strategies to develop a Master's Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation 
• Doctoral students will also develop a manuscript suitable for peer-reviewed publication in a professional journal

Prerequisites to Graduate Work
Prerequisites for the M.S. program include completion of a baccalaureate degree, normally in one of the biological sciences.

Requirements for the Ph.D. program include an MS in biological sciences or a related field from an accredited university with evidence of laboratory-based research experience.  

Admission Procedure
Applicants seeking admission to the graduate programs in biological sciences should follow the instructions outlined in the Graduate Admission webpage.

Applicants to the M.S. and Ph.D. programs should indicate their intended area of specialization and identify potential advisors to facilitate the application process.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science
Students may pursue the M.S. degree under one of two plans.

Plan I: Plan I is a thesis option recommended for students who intend to continue on to a Ph.D. program as well as students who want to pursue careers involving biological research. Students must complete at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit, including one hour of BIOL 7810, and three to six hours of BIOL 6990. The remainder of the student's course of study is designed, with the advice of the student's committee, to meet the student's particular needs and interests.
Candidates must complete an original research program and a thesis. Research is carried out with the help and supervision of a graduate faculty adviser designated by the student. The final oral examination covers both the contents of the thesis and general biological knowledge.

Plan II: Plan II is a non-thesis plan designed to meet the needs of students whose career goals do not require a research-oriented course of study. Candidates are required to complete 34 semester hours of graduate credit including one hour of BIOL 6020. The rest of the program is designed, with the advice of the student's committee, to meet the student's needs and interests.
In lieu of a thesis, students must complete both a paper based on either original research or a literature search and a comprehensive written examination. The final oral examination covers the student's written work as well as general biological knowledge.

Doctor of Philosophy
Students must complete at least 60 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master's degree. These hours must include at least 16 hours of BIOL 7990, Dissertation Research (no more than 30 are applicable to the degree), and at least one hour of 7810. The rest of the student's course of study is designed, with the advice of the student's doctoral committee, to meet the student's needs and interests.

Students must complete a preliminary written and oral examination covering general biological knowledge, usually by the end of the second year of study. Students then prepare a dissertation proposal, based on an independent research project that is acceptable to their doctoral committee. Students successfully completing these steps are considered to be candidates for the Ph.D. degree.
The candidate’s research project is to be described and evaluated in the dissertation. The final oral examination consists of a defense of the dissertation and may cover related fields of study. Doctoral students are expected to submit a manuscript for publication before they graduate.

Graduate Courses
Please access graduate courses online at http://www.bgsu.edu/registration-records/courses-and-classes/class-course-information.html. Graduate courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences use the prefix: BIOL.