• Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality. 
  • Certain options within the program may be required at certain campuses or for certain program modalities.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality. 

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

Research Ethics
BIOL 7399Research Problem Solving, Ethics, and Communication Skills4
Colloquium
Complete the following (repeatable) course twice:2
BIOL 5100
Biology Colloquium

Concentration or Electives Option

A concentration is not required. Students may complete the electives option in lieu of a concentration.

Dissertation

BIOL 9990
Dissertation Term 1
BIOL 9991
Dissertation Term 2

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

30 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required

Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration

Required Coursework
BIOL 6300Biochemistry4
BIOL 6401Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Molecular Cell Biology4
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

Required Coursework
BIOL 6300Biochemistry4
BIOL 6405Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology4
Electives
In consultation with faculty advisor, complete 16 semester hours from the topic of molecular microbiology:16
BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984

Electives Option

Required Coursework
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:8
BIOL 6303
Neurobiology and Behavior
BIOL 6401
Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Molecular Cell Biology
BIOL 6405
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 

BIOL 9990
Dissertation Term 1
BIOL 9991
Dissertation Term 2

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

Variable total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required