School of Biological Sciences

Master of Science (MS)

The School of Biological Sciences offers both thesis and non-thesis programs of study leading to the Master of Science in Biology.

Admission

Applicants to the Master of Science in Biology program must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences.

Program of Study

Thesis Plan

The program of study for the degree of Master of Science in Biology with the thesis plan consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit of which at least 15 hours must be earned in 500-level, or above, courses. Required courses include BISC 502: Research Methods in Bio Sciences , BISC 509: Biological Sciences Seminar , BISC 535: Current Topics in Bio Sciences , and 3 semester hours of statistics. A maximum of 6 semester hours of credit for BISC 530: Biol Sciences Special Problems combined with BISC 540 and BISC 541: Biological Sciences Internship can be applied toward the degree. Enrollment in 3 hours of graduate credit is required each quarter the student is using university resources (faculty time, laboratories, computing facilities, etc.) for thesis work. A maximum of 6 semester hours of BISC 551 is granted as partial fulfillment of the degree plan. Students will pursue original research in a specialized field of interest, supervised by a thesis advisor and approved by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. Completion of the thesis plan includes an oral defense of the thesis and oral examination conducted by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee.

Non-Thesis Plan

The program of study for the degree of Master of Science in Biology with the non-thesis plan consists of a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit of which at least 18 hours must be earned in 500-level, or above, courses. Required courses include BISC 502: Research Methods in Bio Sciences , BISC 509: Biological Sciences Seminar , BISC 517: Applied Bio Sciences Research , BISC 535: Current Topics in Bio Sciences , BISC 585: Comp Exam in Biological Sciences , and 3 semester hours of statistics. A maximum of 6 semester hours of credit for BISC 530: Biol Sciences Special Problems combined with BISC 540 and BISC 541: Biological Sciences Internship can be applied toward the degree. Non-thesis students are required to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations conducted by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee.

Research Activities

Faculty members conduct a wide range of research that may serve as the basis for student theses or independent study projects. Students interested in pursuing research are encouraged to contact the appropriate graduate faculty member, the Director of the School of Biological Sciences, or the Associate Dean for Research. Information describing faculty research areas is available directly from the faculty, from the School of Biological Sciences, or online at www.ans.latech.edu.

Financial Support

A limited number of University and externally funded assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Students holding assistantships will have out-of-state fees waived, if applicable. Students may also be employed as student workers. For additional information concerning financial support, contact the Director of the School of Biological Sciences.

Master of Science in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology (MSMSNT)

The School of Biological Sciences and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences offer an interdisciplinary Master of Science degree in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology (MSNT) in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Science. Refer to Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs of this catalog for more information.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The School of Biological Sciences and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences offer an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology (MSNT) in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Science. Refer to Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs of this catalog for more information.

Programs

Master’s Degree Programs

Biological Sciences (MS)