2023-2024 Graduate Catalog
Embark on a journey of scientific discovery with our prestigious PhD in Biology program. We offer a comprehensive and rigorous education in a wide range of disciplines, including genetics, microbiology, ecology, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, zoology, botany, environmental science, and neuroscience. Our doctoral program is designed to provide exceptional research opportunities, allowing students to delve into the fascinating world of biological research and make significant contributions to the field. Whether you aspire to pursue a career in academia, industry, or biomedical sciences, our Biology doctoral degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and research expertise to succeed and excel.
Ph.D. Requirements
Program Overview
Our curriculum revolves around building a strong foundation in cell and molecular biology, empowering you to explore research areas like physiology, genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, ecology, and evolution. From day one, you'll immerse yourself in coursework and hands-on laboratory rotations to discover your research passions. In your second year, you'll choose a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through your dissertation research.
Once you conquer qualifying exams, you'll dive into full-time research while enjoying the flexibility to select from a diverse range of elective courses. We believe in nurturing your scientific presentation and teaching skills, which is why we emphasize teaching experience for all Ph.D. candidates. With an estimated completion time of five years, you'll receive support through research or teaching assistantships, including full tuition scholarships.
Required Courses for the PhD
| REQUIRED | Credits |
| BIOL 574 Ethics in Biotechnology/ Biology BIOL 645 Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology I BIOL 647 Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology II BIOL 695 Intro to Graduate Research I BIOL 696 Intro to Graduate Research II BIOL 646 Advanced Topics (Three OR Six) BIOL 680 Graduate Research in Biology BIOL 690 Seminar |
1 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 1 cr. 16 cr. 2 cr. max |
| ELECTIVES | Credits |
| BIOL 505 Microbial Genetics BIOL 513 Developmental Biology BIOL 515 Mammalian Physiology BIOL 516 Comparative and Environmental Physiology BIOL 522 Animal Behavior BIOL 524 Immunology BIOL 526 Pathogenic Microbiology BIOL 527 Microbial Ecology BIOL 529 Microbial Physiology BIOL 532 Applied & Environmental Microbiology BIOL 536 Environmental Ecology BIOL 540 Evolution BIOL 544 Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Genomics BIOL 555 Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology BIOL 557 Reproductive Physiology BIOL 560 Endocrinology BIOL 566 Terrestrial Field Biology BIOL 568 Human Genetics BIOL 569 Signal Transduction BIOL 570 Lab I: Experimental Biology BIOL 571 Lab II: Cell & Molecular Biology BIOL 572 Lab III: Cell & Systems Physiology BIOL 575 Neurobiology BIOL 592 Stream Field Biology BIOL 651 Special Topics BIOL 667 Advanced Molecular Biology CHEM 501 Biochemistry I |
3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 2 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 1-3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. |
Financial Support Information
Biology Ph.D. students are supported with financial assistance, ensuring a seamless academic journey. As part of our commitment to your success, we provide a full tuition waiver along with either teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Our teaching assistants play a vital role in the undergraduate laboratory sections, where they excel at delivering oral instructions, overseeing laboratory activities, creating test materials, and administering and evaluating examinations. To further alleviate financial burdens, students receive a competitive annual stipend of $27,500, enabling them to focus on their studies and research. We prioritize your academic progress, and students in good standing are typically supported for five years, with opportunities to apply for 1-2 years of additional support.