Program Overview

Computational Life Science Biology Master's

Program Overview

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computational Life Science Biology is a research-based degree that provides students with a strong foundation in biology, computational methods, and professional community service. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master of Science (M.S.)
• Major: Computational Life Science Biology
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 years
• Credit Hours: 30

Program Description

The biology program provides students with the option of selecting a research track leading to the Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a major in biology, or a non-research track leading to the Master of Arts (MA) with a major in biology. Students interested in obtaining both a master's degree and certification to teach life sciences at the secondary level may select the non-research Master of Science with a major in biology (Teaching in the Life Sciences). Students pursuing a research degree have the opportunity to conduct research leading to a thesis or dissertation in a variety of specializations, including:

• Aquatic biology
• Aquatic toxicology
• Cell and molecular biology
• Ecology
• Environmental science
• Forensic biology
• Genetics
• Neurobiology
• Physiology
• Plant sciences

Marketable Skills

• Critical evaluation of literature
• The ability to follow protocols and methodologies
• Collection and analysis of complex data
• Understanding of research regulations
• Working knowledge of biological sub-disciplines

Research Areas

The program offers opportunities to conduct research in various areas, including:

• Aquatic biology
• Aquatic toxicology
• Cell and molecular biology
• Ecology
• Environmental science
• Forensic biology
• Genetics
• Neurobiology
• Physiology
• Plant sciences

Faculty

The faculty members include internationally renowned researchers who have earned recognition from the National Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society for Microbiology, among others.

Facilities

The program utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• The Life Sciences Complex, which has Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for sustainability
• The Center for Network Neuroscience
• The BioDiscovery Institute (BDI)
• The Center for Watershed and Reservoir Assessment and Management
• The Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI)

Courses

Some of the courses offered in the program include:

• Biocomputing (3 hrs)
• Biostatistics I (3 hrs)
• Biostatistics II (3 hrs)
• Computational Epidemiology (3 hrs)
• Advanced Genetics (3 hrs)
• Advanced Topics in Computational Life Science (3 hrs)

Support

Qualified students are supported through competitive teaching assistantships or research assistantships funded by research grants to faculty members.