Program Overview

Introduction to the Biology Program

The Biology Department offers a research-focused Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program leading to a degree of Doctor of Philosophy. A B.S./M.S. degree is offered to undergraduate students currently enrolled at the university.

Program Requirements

• The Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) degree is administered through the Lynch School of Education in cooperation with the Biology Department.
• Those seeking admission to the graduate program should have a bachelor's degree and undergraduate coursework in:
  • Calculus
  • Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry, including organic chemistry
• Deficiencies in preparation, as noted by the Admissions Committee, may be made up in the graduate school.

Curriculum for Ph.D. Students

• The minimum curriculum consists of five Graduate Core Courses:
  • BIOL6410 and BIOL6420 Contemporary Biological Questions and Critical Analysis I and II
  • BIOL6430 Experimental Methods and Design in Biology
  • BIOL6440 Molecular and Cellular Control Mechanisms
  • BIOL6180 Scientific Proposal Writing
• Two additional Biology-approved Graduate Elective Courses (e.g., BIOL5000+, BIOL8000+)
• A University seminar in Responsible Conduct of Research

Graduate Research Experience

• Begins with three lab rotations during the first year
• After each rotation, students present at the Department Data Club
• Rotations allow students the opportunity to explore important questions in different areas of biology and to determine if a particular lab environment is suitable for their thesis research
• Students are expected to have joined a permanent lab by the end of the first academic year, with permission of the lab's P.I.

Teaching Assistantship

• Students are also required to be a Teaching Assistant for at least two semesters, beginning in their first semester
• Depending on the availability of funding from their lab P.I., they may be supported by either a Research Assistantship or a Teaching Assistantship in subsequent semesters

Departmental Colloquium

• The Biology Departmental Colloquium hosts distinguished researchers in many areas of biology
• Attendance is required of all full-time Ph.D. students at both the Seminar Talk and Department Data Club

Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) Degree

• Course requirements vary depending upon the candidate's prior teaching experience
• All master's programs leading to certification in secondary education include practical experiences in addition to coursework
• Students seeking certification in Massachusetts are required to pass the Massachusetts Educators Certification Test