MS Biology Program
Master of Science (MS) in Biology - Curriculum
There are two tracks in the program - a Thesis Track and a non-Thesis Track. Students pursuing the degree should consult with their thesis advisor and declare for one of the two tracks at the time of application. Of the 30-36 SCH to fulfill the coursework required to graduate, students declaring the Thesis Track will have a minimum of 6 SCH allotted for a research thesis, whereas those in the Non-Thesis Track will have a maximum of 6 SCH (minimum 3 SCH) credited for independent study.
Thesis Track: Submission of a thesis based on the in-depth analysis of a research study. The thesis should conform to the format required by the Biology program and must be approved by a Research (Advisory) Committee.
Non-Thesis Track: Submission of a literature review or research report based on a topical study. The report will also need to conform to the required format. The research report must be approved by the academic advisor, and at least one other TAMUSA graduate faculty member.
MS Biology Course Curriculum (see also suggested Degree Plans)
Prefix and Number | Required (Thesis) | SCH |
BIOL 5105 | Graduate Seminar | 1 (x4) |
BIOL 5310 | Graduate Scientific Scholarship | 3 |
BIOL 5XXX | Graduate Biostatistics I | 3 |
BIOL 5306 | Thesis | 6-12 |
BIOL 5XXX | Biology Electives or Independent Study | 6-14 |
Total SCH | 30 |
Prefix and Number | Required (Non-Thesis) | SCH |
BIOL 5105 | Graduate Seminar | 1 (x4) |
BIOL 5310 | Graduate Scientific Scholarship | 3 |
BIOL 5XXX | Graduate Biostatistics I | 3 |
BIOL 5X01 | Independent Study | 3-6 |
BIOL 5XXX | Biology Electives | 20-26 |
Total SCH | 36 |
Biology Electives | ||
Prefix and Number | Course | SCH |
BIOL 5101, 5201, 5301, 5401 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
BIOL 5305 | Population and Community Ecology | 4 |
BIOL 5311 | Molecular Ecology | 3 |
BIOL 5303 | Ecosystems Ecology | 3 |
BIOL 5404 | Biotechnology | 4 |
BIOL 5309 | Biology of Disease | 3 |
BIOL 5405 | Cellular Mechanisms | 4 |
BIOL 5XXX | Graduate Biostatistics II | 3 |
BIOL 5XXX | Special Topics in Biology | 3-4 |