Biology, Ph.D.

The Department of Biological Sciences doctoral program provides students with in-depth training under the mentorship of a tenure-track faculty member. Among others, research strengths in the department include animal physiology, ecology, evolution and systematic biology, microbiology, plant biology, biotechnology, and quantitative biology.

The basic program requirements for Ph.D. candidates follow those of the Graduate School, with the following additions. All students 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. Only under extenuating circumstances and with confirmation by the instructor of record may these course requirements be waived by the Chair and Graduate Advisor.