Master of Science in Biology

BIO 510 · Research Design in Biology · 3 credits · Fall

Students frame testable hypotheses, choose controls and sample sizes, and critique published designs in cell, organismal, and field biology. Each student drafts a design outline for a thesis project.

BIO 520 · Biostatistics · 4 credits · Fall

Covers linear models, mixed-effects models, and nonparametric tests using R on biological data sets. The weekly computer lab applies each method to data from faculty research groups.

BIO 530 · Cell and Molecular Biology · 4 credits · Fall

Examines gene regulation, signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and the cell cycle through primary literature. The weekly lab teaches cell culture, microscopy, and quantitative PCR.

BIO 535 · Advanced Physiology · 4 credits · Spring

Studies how cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and endocrine systems maintain homeostasis across vertebrate species. The weekly lab measures physiological responses to temperature, oxygen, and exercise.

BIO 540 · Ecology and Evolution · 4 credits · Fall

Covers population genetics, natural selection, community ecology, and phylogenetic methods. The weekly lab includes field sampling along the Merrow River and analysis of the resulting data.

BIO 550 · Graduate Seminar in Biology · 3 credits · Spring

Students present their thesis proposals, respond to peer and faculty review, and discuss current papers from visiting speakers. Each student files a written proposal with the major professor by the end of term.

BIO 555 · Scientific Writing for Biologists · 2 credits · Spring

Students draft and revise a research paper, a grant summary, and a conference abstract with detailed feedback on structure and evidence. Peer review workshops meet weekly.

BIO 560 · Molecular Genetics and Genomics · 3 credits · Fall

Surveys genome structure, sequencing technologies, gene editing, and the genetics of complex traits. Lectures draw on recent papers in model and non-model organisms.

BIO 565 · Bioinformatics and Computational Biology · 3 credits · Fall

Teaches sequence alignment, RNA-seq analysis, and phylogenetic inference with command-line and R tools. In the weekly lab, students analyze a public data set from start to finish.

BIO 570 · Conservation Biology · 3 credits · Fall

Covers extinction risk, habitat fragmentation, population viability analysis, and protected-area design. Case studies come from freshwater and forest systems in the region.

BIO 575 · Microbial Ecology · 3 credits · Fall, Spring

Students read and discuss papers on soil, aquatic, and host-associated microbial communities and the methods used to study them. Each student leads two discussions.

BIO 599 · Master's Thesis Research · 3 credits · Fall, Spring, Summer

Independent thesis research under the direction of the major professor and Supervisory Committee. Students register for 3 credits per term, 6 credits in all.