The PhD program entails course work from a core biology curriculum along with advanced courses in the student’s area of research interest. This is complemented by intensive research and completion of a dissertation under faculty supervision. Faculty research includes biochemistry, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, regenerative biology, and the biology of reproduction. Two optional concentrations are available: cell and molecular biology and molecular microbiology.
Students who have completed required coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or better may be eligible to receive an MS Biology degree. In addition, students who do not qualify for the doctoral degree, but who have completed required coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or better, may be eligible to receive a terminal MS Biology degree. Note that no students will be admitted directly into the MS Biology to pursue a masterʼs degree.
Bachelor's Degree Entrance
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Milestones
Qualifying examination
Annual review
Dissertation committee
Dissertation proposal
Colloquia (minimum of three)
First-author publication
Dissertation defense
Core Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Research Ethics | ||
BIOL 7399 | Research Problem Solving, Ethics, and Communication Skills | 4 |
Colloquium | ||
Complete the following (repeatable) course twice: | 2 | |
Biology Colloquium |
Concentrations or Electives Option
Dissertation
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Dissertation Term 1 | ||
Dissertation Term 2 |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
30 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required
Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Coursework | ||
BIOL 6300 | Biochemistry | 4 |
BIOL 6401 | Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
Electives | ||
In consultation with faculty advisor, complete 16 semester hours from the topic of cell and molecular biology: | 16 | |
BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984 |
Molecular Microbiology Concentration
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Coursework | ||
BIOL 6300 | Biochemistry | 4 |
BIOL 6405 | Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
Electives | ||
In consultation with faculty advisor, complete 16 semester hours from the topic of molecular microbiology: | 16 | |
BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984 |
Electives Option
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Coursework | ||
Complete 8 semester hours from the following: | 8 | |
Neurobiology and Behavior | ||
Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Molecular Cell Biology | ||
Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
Electives | ||
Complete 16 semester hours from the following: | 16 | |
BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984 |
The biology PhD program seeks to provide a broad background knowledge base in conjunction with in-depth study of a specialized area of biology. The program emphasizes close interaction between graduate students and faculty members in developing the intellectual and experimental skills required for creative, independent research.
Students entering the PhD program with a related Master of Science degree typically have significantly reduced course loads. An individualized course of study is designed by the biology graduate curriculum committee in consultation with the student and the student’s advisor. The student can then focus on intensive research and completion of a dissertation under faculty supervision. Faculty research includes biochemistry, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, regenerative biology, and the biology of reproduction. Financial support (teaching assistantships or research assistantships) is normally provided for PhD students who are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree.
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Milestones
Qualifying examination
Annual review
Dissertation committee
Dissertation proposal
Colloquia (minimum of three)
First-author publication
Dissertation defense
Core Requirements
Approved Course Work
Consult your faculty advisor for acceptable courses.
Approved Electives
Consult your faculty advisor for acceptable electives.
Dissertation
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Dissertation Term 1 | ||
Dissertation Term 2 |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
Variable total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required