The Department of Biological Sciences doctoral programs include tracks in the areas of animal physiology, ecology, evolution and systematic biology, microbiology, plant biology and biotechnology, and quantitative biology.
Once admitted to a doctoral degree program, students may be required by their advisory committee to take a preliminary, diagnostic examination that includes subject matter usually required of undergraduates. If the preliminary examination reveals serious weaknesses in the student’s subject-matter background, the student may be required to take remedial courses designated by the advisory committee.
Doctoral students must have five members on their advisory committee. Otherwise, the basic degree requirements of the Graduate School determine the policy of the department.
All graduate students in the Ph.D. programs are required to take BIOL 6202 during their first fall semester after acceptance in the graduate degree program. During their first year, teaching assistants are required to take a special topics course (BIOL 6301 ) that emphasizes development of teaching skills. Under extenuating circumstances and with confirmation by the respective instructors of record, either BIOL 6202 and/or the pedagogy section of BIOL 6301 may be exempted by the Chair and Graduate Advisor.
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