The Department of Biology's graduate programs in integrated biology (iBio) emphasize original research and developing the skills essential for publishing and communicating research findings to the scientific community. Research programs in the department cover many areas of the biological sciences: cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, and neurobiology. Graduate study in the department provides students with a broad understanding of these basic areas.
Newly admitted graduate students choose a faculty research advisor and together they discuss the student's educational background to formulate a first-semester study plan before registration. The programs allow each student to tailor coursework to their own research interests. Students may be advised to take specific coursework in order to enhance their background in certain areas.
During the first year, students whose preparation in chemistry, genetics, mathematics, or physics is insufficient may need to remedy deficiencies by taking appropriate coursework.
Entering students typically will have taken the following courses: organic chemistry, biochemistry, calculus or physics, and 20 s.h. of coursework in biology including a fundamental genetics course.
Students with bachelor's degrees outside the biological sciences may request modification of certain area requirements. The Graduate Affairs Committee decides whether portions of the requirements may be waived.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- master the skill of reading, understanding, and summarizing primary literature across a variety of biology subdisciplines, demonstrating effective scholarly communication in the process;
- explain in writing the experimental rationale, articulate the central hypothesis, and outline the major investigative steps that will be undertaken in a student's primary area of research;
- orally communicate established scientific concepts as well as ongoing research hypotheses, experimental design, and results to a wide array of audiences using established scientific communication norms;
- master in-depth pedagogical concepts through advanced lecture courses and engage in a vertically integrated critical analysis of a single topic over many levels of basic biology;
- learn and implement field-specific experimental processes, techniques, and data analyses in a responsible manner consistent with current bioethical protocols; and
- establish networking connections within the scientific profession, from peers to established, independent researchers.
The Master of Science program in integrated biology requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit with thesis or 34 s.h. of graduate credit without thesis. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00. Entering students are typically admitted only to the thesis program; however, students who decide not to continue their studies may opt for the nonthesis program.
Students must enroll in at least two advanced lecture courses (or courses approved by the Graduate Affairs Committee). In the first year, students enroll in BIOL:5512 Readings in Genetics in the fall semester and BIOL:6298 Concepts, Models, and Systems in Biology (COSMOS) Seminar in the fall and spring semesters. In subsequent years, students continue to enroll in BIOL:6298 for 1 or 2 s.h.
At the end of the first year, students may take an optional qualifying exam that consists of essay questions based on major themes in biology. Students must perform satisfactorily on this exam in order to continue to the PhD program. In the second year, students take one seminar course (2 s.h.) with significant writing and oral presentation components, as well as BIOL:6188 Seminar: Writing in Natural Sciences in the fall and spring semesters.
Thesis students may count a maximum of 9 s.h. of research credit toward the 30 s.h. required for the master's degree with thesis. The remaining coursework is tailored to a student's background and career goals and is selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee. The thesis is based on original research. After the thesis is accepted by the student's supervisor and advisory committee, the student must pass an oral examination based on the thesis research and on related subjects. Nonthesis students must write a library research report for a maximum of 4 s.h. of credit. They may apply up to 8 s.h. of research credit toward the 34 s.h. required for the master's degree without thesis.
Visit the iBio Graduate Program website for more detailed information about the Master of Science program.
Individuals who wish to pursue graduate study in integrated biology may apply to the Master of Science with thesis program. The MS without thesis is an exit program and does not admit entering graduate students.
Application materials for the graduate program must be uploaded to the university's Office of Admissions website. These are reviewed by the Department of Biology Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Committee. For detailed instructions, visit Graduate Admissions Process on the integrated biology graduate program website.
Applicants must hold a valid BA or BS from an accredited institution. They must supply official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution they have attended. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is not required for admission, but if students wish to have their results considered they must include their verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores.
Successful applicants for graduate admission typically have a grade-point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). The admissions committee also considers letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and other appropriate criteria, especially prior research experience.
Although most applicants will have completed undergraduate programs in biology, the department also considers applicants with backgrounds in related sciences, provided they have taken the required coursework.
Students applying for admission to the MS with thesis program should have a bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences. Students with bachelor's degrees in other areas may need to register as nondegree students and complete the equivalent of the department's bachelor's degree program prior to consideration for admission. Nondegree students must complete chemistry, physics, and calculus requirements in addition to the biology courses listed in the undergraduate program. Nondegree students should consult the department's graduate program administrator before applying for admission.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during the spring semester; visit the iBio Graduate Program website for updated deadline information.
Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Students generally are supported by available research or teaching assistantships. Offers of admission include information about offers of financial support.
The graduate program in integrated biology prepares students for careers in academic research, science education, industry, government, and a variety of other careers in which their scientific expertise can be used.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Integrated Biology, MS
Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
| Academic Career |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| a, b, c |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| First Year |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| d |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| Fall |
|---|
| BIOL:5512 |
Readings in Genetics |
2 |
| BIOL:6199 |
Research: Biology b |
3 |
| BIOL:6298 |
Concepts, Models, and Systems in Biology (COSMOS) Seminar |
1 |
| BIOL:7270 |
Principles of Scholarly Integrity |
1 |
| e |
3 - 4 |
| | Hours | 10-11 |
| Spring |
|---|
| BIOL:6199 |
Research: Biology b |
2 |
| BIOL:6298 |
Concepts, Models, and Systems in Biology (COSMOS) Seminar |
2 |
| e |
3 - 4 |
| e |
3 |
| | Hours | 10-11 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| BIOL:6199 |
Research: Biology b |
1 |
| BIOL:6298 |
Concepts, Models, and Systems in Biology (COSMOS) Seminar |
1 |
| e |
3 |
| | Hours | 5 |
| Spring |
|---|
| BIOL:6188 |
Seminar: Writing in Natural Sciences |
2 |
| BIOL:6199 |
Research: Biology b |
1 |
| BIOL:6298 |
Concepts, Models, and Systems in Biology (COSMOS) Seminar |
2 |
| f |
|
| | Hours | 5 |
| | Total Hours | 30-32 |
