The program leading to a Master of Science provides advanced training to students seeking employment in biological disciplines. The Master of Science in biology also prepares students for entrance into Ph.D. programs.
The Master of Science program consists of two tracks, the cellular/molecular biology track for those students interested in cellular and molecular levels of biological organization and the ecology, evolution and behavior track for students interested in whole organisms or higher levels of biological organization. The graduate program affords students the uncommon opportunity to interact closely with biology faculty during their master's preparation.
Requirements for the degree
The candidate for the cellular/molecular biology track must complete 36 credits (16 of which must be in courses numbered 500 and above), including at least 4 credits in each of 4 areas (developmental biology-morphology, biochemistry-biophysics, cell physiology and genetics). At least 8 credits must be a combination of credits received in graduate laboratory courses and credits received in graduate research (BIO 690).
The candidate for the ecology, evolution and behavior track must complete 36 credits: 8 credits of graduate research (BIO 690), 4 3-credit topics courses (BIO 581, 582, 583, 584) or their equivalents as approved by the student's thesis committee, 4 credits of a 500-level biology course (not BIO 581-584) or its equivalent as determined by the student's thesis committee, and 12 credits of biology courses and cognates. Students, with the advice and consent of their committee, may select cognate courses in statistics, computer science, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, education and environmental science.
During the first semester, the candidate must choose a thesis adviser with whom he or she will plan and conduct the thesis research. The adviser and candidate then will select a thesis committee. A thesis proposal and a thesis are required for both tracks. The thesis proposal must be approved by the thesis committee and the department graduate committee before the end of the student's second semester. When completed, the thesis must be approved by both committees before it can be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Study for approval. All theses/dissertations must conform to university standards (see "master's theses and doctoral dissertation" section in the Policies and Procedures section of the Oakland University Graduate Catalog). Students of both tracks must attend departmental seminars each semester. All M.S. students are required to enroll in BIO 691 and present a departmental seminar on their thesis work prior to graduation.
