Degree Title and Name: Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Program Name and Number: M.S. in Biological Sciences – MS2517
Department/Unit: Biological Sciences
Delivery Mode: Athens Campus
Term(s) of Entry: Fall
Program Overview: The graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University strives to be both flexible and supportive, stressing individualized training and a diverse research environment. We provide our students with a rich intellectual environment, as well as the necessary technical resources to succeed.
The Department offers a graduate program that includes faculty from both Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences (OU-HCOM). Faculty and graduate students conduct research on a wide array of biological topics spanning molecules to ecosystems, and from basic to applied research. Faculty and students develop collaborative networks both within and outside the department as they conduct their research. Within Ohio University, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, and the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies (OCEES) bring together researchers with common research interests from across diverse departments.
Concentrations:
The cell, developmental and microbiology program employs molecular and cellular approaches to study biological function. The cell group examines intracellular and intercellular mechanisms in a wide variety of cells. The developmental group studies the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of multicellular complexity over time. The microbiology group addresses questions concerning the role of microorganisms in environmental processes and in disease and immune responses.
The physiology and neuroscience program includes research in metabolic and comparative physiology, the physiology of thermo-tolerance, environmental toxicology, computational biology, developmental neurobiology, trophic interactions in the development of sensory systems, control of movement, auditory neurobiology, neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal transport, heavy metals and neurodegeneration, neuroendocrine control of development, cellular basis of neuronal communication, and neural and neuroendocrine control of the autonomic nervous system.
The ecology and evolutionary biology program integrates research in functional and evolutionary morphology, biomechanics, animal behavior, phylogenetics, population genetics, conservation biology, population ecology, and community ecology to understand the causes and consequences of biological diversity. Faculty use lab and field based research on model organisms and natural populations to study ecological and evolutionary patterns, processes, and mechanisms.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of major concepts in programmatic areas within Biology
- Critically evaluate the primary literature in research discipline and demonstrate independent scientific thinking.
- Formulate testable hypotheses based on theory or empirical research.
- Design experiments and studies to test hypotheses.
- Acquire necessary skills to write successful research proposals for funding.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform statistical and computational analyses of data.
- Present scientific concepts and research in written and oral form to both scientific and lay audiences.
- Acquire effectual teaching practices and skills.
- Develop collaborative research skills.
Link to Program: http://www.ohio.edu/biosci/grad.html
Graduation Requirements: 30 credit hours are required for the degree. At least 12 hours must be formal courses (including seminars), and include a statistics course. The student, advisor, and thesis committee determine the program of study. Master’s students may be required to complete breadth courses depending on their particular Educational Program (i.e., Concentrations above), in addition to 1 semesters of supervised teaching before the M.S. is granted. In this program the student carries out original research and writes a thesis. Admission to M.S. candidacy must be achieved within 3 semesters, and includes passing a research proposal defense. The presentation of public thesis seminar and passing the thesis oral exam are required in addition to the completion of the written thesis to receive the M.S. degree.
Culminating Experience: The presentation of a public thesis seminar based on the original research project and passing the final thesis oral exam given by the thesis committee based on the completed written thesis.
Admission Requirements: 1) Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or similar degree program that will typically include courses in calculus, organic chemistry, physics, and courses in biology equivalent to those required by Ohio University’s Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, 2) a GPA of 3.2 or above in her/his most recent completed degree program, 3) GRE test scores, 4) three letters of recommendation, 5) for students who are non-native speakers of English, an 80 or above on the iBT TOEFL. Students are admitted on an annual cycle. Applications must be received by January 8 for students to enter the Program in fall of that year.
International Students: This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
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