2009-10 Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog

Master of Science in Biology

Department of Biology
College of Arts & Sciences

Steven W. Seagle, Chair and Professor
SeagleSW@appstate.edu

Susan L. Edwards, Assistant Chair and Asistant Professor
EdwardsSL@appstate.edu

Gary L. Walker, Program Director and Professor
WalkerGL@appstate.edu

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http://www.biology.appstate.edu/

The Department of Biology offers the Master of Science in Biology (207*/26.0101) with concentrations in

  • Cell and Molecular Biology (207B/26.0101)
  • General Biology (207C/26.0101)

The graduate program is designed to prepare men and women for competitive careers in the field of biology, including environmental jobs and teaching and research positions, while also preparing students for further graduate and professional work at doctoral levels. Our program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the broad fields in biology while allowing specialization in an area of their choice. In recent years, the Graduate Program in Biology has been twice named the Outstanding Graduate Program at Appalachian, and a number of graduate students have been awarded grants or scholarships for their proposed and ongoing research.

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY (Major Code: 207*/26.0101)

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the graduate school*; official GRE general exam scores; statement of interest and intent; commitment from a Biology faculty member to chair the applicant’s thesis committee**.

* Required letters of recommendations should be written by persons familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
**Applicants are encouraged to contact the program director as early as possible regarding thesis research interests.

Minimum Criteria for Unconditional Admission: (GRE V % x 4) + (GRE Q % x 4) + (Analytical writing x 50) + (GPA x 300) = 1300, with a minimum GRE analytical writing score of 4.

Location: On Campus

Course Requirements for the Master of Science in Biology

Required Courses
  • BIO 5000: Bibliography and Research (4)
  • BIO 5999: Thesis (4-8)

8 to 12

Concentration (CHOOSE ONE)

Cell and Molecular Biology (207B):

  • BIO 6615: Current Topics in Molecular Biology (4-12)
  • One of the following courses:
    • BIO 5650: Bioinformatics (3)
    • BIO 5777: Biostatistics (3)
  • 3-15 s.h. of graduate elective courses 

OR
General Biology (207C):

  • BIO 5777: Biostatistics (3)
  • 15-19 s.h. of graduate elective courses

18 to 22

Total Semester Hours Required for the Master of Science in Biology

30

Other Requirements for the MS in Biology:

  • Thesis: Required
  • Proficiency: None required
  • Comprehensive: A written comprehensive examination and an oral defense of the thesis.
  • Product of Learning: None required

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