Biology, M.A. and M.S.
Applicants who have completed a major in a biological science or appropriate related discipline and who present grade point averages and GRE General Test scores (taken within the last five years) that are predictive of success in this program may be admitted to the master’s degree program. The M.S. degree is offered in Biology. The M.A. degree is offered in Biology with a health profession concentration. The minimum requirement for M.S. degrees is thirty semester hours, including six semester hours of research (BIO 5V99 Thesis) leading to an acceptable thesis. The minimum requirement for the M.A. degrees, which are non-thesis, are thirty semester hours of graduate course work.
Master's students present a public exit seminar based on the thesis (M.S. degrees) or other approved topic (M.A. degree). During the final semester, master's students will have an oral examination comprising (1) demonstration of master's level knowledge in the concept areas associated with their area of emphasis, according to the particular degree program, and, for M.S. degrees, (2) defense of the thesis and (3) demonstration of proficiency in scientific investigation. There is no foreign language requirement or teaching requirement for master's degrees in Biology.
For master's students, the major professor and the graduate program director in consultation with the student will select a thesis committee before the research is begun. The complete committee should be assembled by the end of the student's second semester. The major professor will be a member of the Biology graduate faculty or approved graduate faculty in affiliated life-science departments or programs at Baylor University. The committee consists minimally of three graduate faculty members, professors, including the major professor, a member of the Biology Department faculty and a graduate faculty member from a department other than Biology. Additional faculty may be included on the committee. The committee is involved in the development of the thesis proposal and must approve the proposal before thesis research begins.
The purpose of the M.A. degree in Biology with a health profession concentration is to provide advanced education in biological topics specific for students pursuing a professional career in health care. This degree program is expected to be completed in a single year to serve students applying for health-related graduate programs. The student will select an intensive research topic that will be guided by a research mentor that will culminate with a required research seminar and defense. This research topic will be developed through taking 5 to 6 hours of Independent Studies (BIO 5V90 Special Problems) with a selected mentor.
The M.S. degree in Biology is for those interested in developing an area of biological expertise through course work and an in-depth research experience that culminates in a thesis. Students may follow either of two emphases: ecology, evolution, and organismal biology (EEO), or cellular, molecular, health, and disease (CMHD) biology. Students in both emphases must demonstrate familiarity with the scientific literature, and expertise in experimental design, in collection and analysis data, and in interpretation of results in subject areas pertinent to the student’s thesis research. The majority of course work is in Biology, although graduate courses in allied areas (e.g., Biomedical Studies, Health Sciences, Environmental Studies) may be taken with approval of the student’s committee and graduate program director.
M.S. Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 5201 | Research Methods in Biology | 2 |
| BIO 5202 | Res Meth In Bio II | 2 |
| STA 5300 | Statistical Methods 1 | 3 |
| BIO 5101 | Graduate Scientific Communications 2 | 2 |
| BIO 5V99 | Thesis | 6 |
| Additional Biology Coursework | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Or substitute course such as BIO 5412 Biometrics
- 2
1 credit per semester, taken each of first 2 semesters
Up to four hours of Seminars in Biology (BIO 5100), or other appropriate seminars approved by the student's committee and graduate program director may be applied toward a master's program; repeat credit requires a change in topic from previous registrations. Not more than six hours of Special Problems in Biology (BIO 5V90) may be applied toward master's degree requirements. At least 12 hours of this coursework (excluding the 6 hours of 5V99) must be at the 5000 level. No more than 12 hours may be taken at the 4000 level, and 4000 level courses MUST carry graduate credit (i.e., not all 4000 level courses are eligible for graduate credit).
M.A. Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 5201 | Research Methods in Biology | 2 |
| BIO 5202 | Res Meth In Bio II | 2 |
| BIO 5213 | Research Methods in Biology III | 2 |
| STA 5300 | Statistical Methods 1 | 3 |
| BIO 5V90 | Special Problems | 6 |
| Additional Biology Coursework | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Or substitute course such as BIO 5412 Biometrics
Up to four hours of Seminars in Biology (BIO 5100), or other appropriate seminars approved by the student's committee and graduate program director may be applied toward a master's program; repeat credit requires a change in topic from previous registrations. Not more than six hours of Special Problems in Biology (BIO 5V90) may be applied toward master's degree requirements.
In addition to the core curriculum, students will select approved courses from "essential" areas that are consistent with a general biology degree and pre-health training that is important to the future of medical education. These areas include: Cellular Foundation, Genetics, and Disease Etiology and Human Response. Students will take at least one course from each of these areas as they complete the course work requirement for the degree. No more than 12 hours may be taken at the 4000 level. The following are current courses that apply to these essential areas:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular Foundation | ||
| BIO 4108 | Genes and Development Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 4307 | Biochemistry and Physiology of the Cell | 3 |
| BIO 4308 | Genes and Development | 3 |
| BIO 4426 | Vertebrate Histology | 4 |
| Genetics | ||
| BIO 4106 | Molecular Genetics and Genomics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 4306 | Molecular Genetics and Genomics | 3 |
| BIO 5306 | Molecular Evolution | 3 |
| BIO 5311 | Advanced Genetic Analysis | 3 |
| BIO 5400 | Population Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 5425 | Molecular Ecology | 4 |
| Disease Etiology and Human Response | ||
| BIO 4104 | Medical Entomology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 4123 | Laboratory for Parasitology | 1 |
| BIO 4304 | Medical Entomology | 3 |
| BIO 4323 | Parasitology | 3 |
| BIO 5302 | Virology | 3 |
| BIO 5303 | Behavioral Ecology | 3 |
| BIO 5310 | Advanced Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 5401 | Microbial Ecology | 4 |
Other graduate courses in biology may be taken as electives in addition to courses in these areas.