Biology:
Masters of Science in Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms,
including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Modern
biology is a vast and eclectic field, composed of many branches and subdisciplines.
However, despite the broad scope of biology, there are certain general and unifying
concepts within it that govern all study and research, consolidating it into single,
coherent fields. In general, biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as
the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that propels the synthesis and
creation of new species. It is also understood today that all organisms survive by
consuming and transforming energy and by regulating their internal environment to
maintain a stable and vital condition.
Recommended Course Work
Students choosing to pursue a degree in Biology upon graduating Christendom College
are advised to complete the following courses at Christendom College:
SCIE 204 GENERAL PHYSICS I
SCIE 205 GENERAL PHYSICS II
SCIE 204L-205L LABORATORY FOR GENERAL PHYSICS I & II
Sample Prerequisites
Taken from George Washington University, Master of Biological Sciences course
requirements1:
Standardized test
scores:
GRE general test (institutional code 5246). Waived for
applicants who hold a JD, MD, or PhD.
Recommendations
required:
M.S. - One (1) recommendation
Ph.D. - Three (3) recommendations
1
http://www.gwu.edu/graduate-programs/biological-sciences Accessed 01/03/2015
Prior academic
records:
Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities
attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program
was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on
another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges
and universities attended must be uploaded to your online
application. Official transcripts are required only of
applicants who are offered admission.
Statement of purpose:
In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in
undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include
your academic objectives, research interests, and career
plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including
collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any
other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned
on the application. If you are applying for an assistantship
or fellowship, you should also describe any teaching
experience you have had.
Applicants are required to establish correspondence with
one or more potential research advisors in the Biological
Sciences Department prior to submitting your application.
You should mention these individuals in your statement of
purpose, explain how your interests match their research
program(s). Applicants who have not discussed with
faculty their interests in the program are unlikely to be
admitted
Sample Curriculum
Curriculum for a Masters of Biology from American University, College of Arts
and Sciences2:
2
http://www.american.edu/cas/biology/ms-reqs.cfm Accessed 01/12/2015
Degree Requirements:
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30 credit hours of approved graduate work
Comprehensive examination
Advancement to candidacy, which requires the acceptance of a research
proposal by the student's advisor, the graduate studies committee, and the
chair of the department at least one semester prior to the oral defense of the
thesis.
Completion, oral defense, and the acceptance of thesis by the thesis
committee, chair of the department, and the university
Course Requirements
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BIO-566 Evolutionary Mechanisms (3)
BIO-583 Molecular Biology (3)
BIO-697 Research Methodology in Biology (3)
BIO-797 Master's Thesis Research (1-6) (6 credit hours required)
STAT-514 Statistical Methods (3) (satisfies tool of research requirement)
An additional 12 hours of approved graduate coursework