The department expects new Ph.D. candidates to do research in three laboratories on a rotating basis during their first year. Students consult with their temporary advisers and with prospective faculty research advisers before identifying their preferences for rotations. Students are assigned to laboratories through a matching process.
During the first year, students are required to enroll in the department's colloquium, which is based on a weekly Friday seminar series. In the second semester, the colloquium includes a discussion component based on the research described in the seminars. During the first two years, students also are required to enroll in at least two seminar courses that have a significant writing component and in two advanced lecture courses. In each subsequent year, students also must enroll in a seminar/writing course.

Additional formal course work and proficiency requirements for each Ph.D. student are determined by the dissertation committee on the basis of the student's background and current and prospective research interests. The dissertation committee also determines what portion of the formal course or proficiency requirements the student must complete before the comprehensive examination. In this examination, students must demonstrate knowledge of Biology fundamentals and the analytic and synthetic skills necessary to become creative, independent scientists. Once they complete the course work and proficiency requirements and pass the comprehensive examination, students may be admitted to full candidacy for the Ph.D. Students also must demonstrate teaching skills by assisting in instruction as teaching assistants for at least two semesters.

The program culminates in students' preparation of a dissertation based on original, independent research. Students must pass a final examination that covers the thesis and its specialized field before the Ph.D. is awarded.


Although the department emphasizes the Ph.D. degree, M.S. programs are available with and without thesis. All M.S. students must take a seminar with a substantial writing and oral presentation requirement.


The M.S. in Biology with thesis requires 30 S.H. of graduate credit and a thesis based on original research. No more than 9 S.H. earned in research can be applied toward the degree. The remaining semester hours are selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee and are tailored to the student's background and career goals. Students receive academic credit for courses they are required to take, except credit awarded for courses necessary to make up undergraduate deficiencies, which does not count toward the 30 S.H. requirement.

After the thesis is accepted by the supervisor and advisory committee, the candidate must pass an oral examination on the research described in the thesis and on related subjects.


The M.S. in Biology without thesis requires 34 S.H. of graduate credit and a library research report for which no more than 4 S.H. of credit may be granted. Credit may be earned in Biology or cognate sciences; specific courses are determined in consultation with the student's thesis committee and are tailored to fit the student's background and career goals. No more than 8 S.H. earned in research can be applied toward the M.S. without thesis. Credit earned in courses numbered 100 or above--except courses required to make up deficiencies--may be included in the 34 S.H. if approved by the advisory committee.

On completion of the 34 S.H. and acceptance of the research report by the faculty sponsor, the student must pass a written examination covering the graduate program in Biology, including the area of the research report.