Biology, Marine and Estuarine Science, Thesis, MS

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College of Sciences and Technology

Graduate Faculty

Acevedo-Gutierrez, Alejandro, PhD, marine vertebrate ecology.
Anderson, Roger A., PhD, vertebrate behavioral and physiological ecology.
Donovan, Deborah A., PhD, marine invertebrate physiological ecology.
Kodner, Robin, PhD, quantitative marine biology
Miner, Benjamin G., PhD, marine invertebrate ecology and evolution.
Moyer, Craig L., PhD, evolutionary molecular microbiology.
Otto, Joann J., PhD, cell biology.
Sulkin, Stephen D., PhD, invertebrate larval biology.

Program Advisor: Dr. Deborah Donovan, Biology Building 310

Curriculum Coordinators: Dr. Brian Bingham, Huxley College of the Environment; Dr. Stephen Sulkin, Department of Biology

For a complete list of participating faculty and their research interests, and for additional information, visit the MESP website.

The Marine and Estuarine Science option is a joint offering of the Department of Biology, Huxley College, and Shannon Point Marine Center. Students graduating from the program will have an understanding of coastal marine and estuarine environments, biota and topical management issues, and fundamental biological and chemical oceanographic processes.

Goals

To offer a first-class research experience for our students that will provide them with the background and skills to enter a variety of professional careers in biology. We aim to provide a stimulating intellectual environment with rigorous scholarship that facilitates multiple opportunities for graduate students.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree and departmental permission. Deficiencies in undergraduate courses or those subsequently revealed to the Biology Graduate Committee or to the student’s program committee must be removed prior to advancement to candidacy. Applicants are directed to the current requirements of the basic BS degree in biology for a summary of expected preparation for graduate work. All students should have completed upper-division courses in genetics, cell biology, ecology and biometrics, and supporting introductory course work in organismal biology.

Application Information

Admit Quarter: Fall quarter only; spring quarter by petition.

Deadline: The deadline for priority consideration is February 1 for fall quarter. See Graduate School deadlines for other quarters.

TA Deadline: The deadline for applying for a teaching assistantship is February 1.

Required Test: Graduate Record Exam, General Test or REVISED General Test beginning August 2011.

Supporting Materials: Application with $60 fee; three recent letters of reference; one set of official transcripts from every college/university attended; written description of background and research interests, including an indication of three potential faculty advisors.

Program Requirements

At least 45 total combined credits from the following areas:

Requirements in Specialization

❑ BIOL 501 - Fundamentals of Biological Research (3 credits)
❑ BIOL 505 - Current Research in Marine Science (1-2 credits)
❑ BIOL 525 - Research Mentorship (4 credits)
❑ BIOL 598 - Essentials of Biology Graduate Studies (2 credits)
❑ BIOL 690 - Thesis Research (12-36 credits)

Electives

❑ Courses selected under advisement from 400- and 500-level courses in biology and supporting disciplines. No more than 10 credits may come from 400-level courses. All elective courses must be approved by the student’s program committee (14-23).

Thesis and Examination

Degree candidates will submit a thesis based on independent and original research on a problem approved by the student’s thesis committee. A final oral exam will be conducted by the advisory committee. Degree candidates will present a department seminar based on the results of the thesis research.