Master of Science in Biology

Total Credits
36

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Mission

The Master of Science in Biology Program at Notre Dame University-Louaize has been carefully crafted to offer graduates a profound understanding of advanced topics in biology. Through a well-structured curriculum that includes both coursework and thesis components, our program aims to cultivate independent thinking among students, empowering them to identify and explore specific research challenges within the field of biology. The thesis option equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue further research in biology, opening doors for them to engage in Ph.D. programs if they so desire.

Program Educational Objectives

1.Prepare students for better careers in biology by extending their knowledge, skills and experience.
2.Train students to be independent and critical thinkers, capable of solving basic problems in biology by employing appropriate experimental methodology and design.
3.Develop students’ communication skills and leadership abilities.
4.Accentuate the value of biology in our society.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

1.Explain fundamental concepts in the different basic areas of biology.
2.Design a study, follow the proper experimental procedures, and apply the appropriate laboratory techniques to investigate scientific problems.
3.Troubleshoot experimental procedures.
4.Analyze critically primary scientific literature; apply the appropriate statistical tools for data analysis.
5.Write scientific papers which require literature search, selection of relevant papers, interpretation of scientific data, and synthesis of a coherent scientific review.
6.Communicate effectively scientific ideas and findings in written and oral formats.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements, students holding a BS in biology with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or the equivalent will be accepted, while those with a cumulative GPA of 2.7-2.99 or the equivalent will be conditionally accepted. The conditional acceptance will be removed when the student receives a minimum of a “B” average for the 6 credits taken during his/her first semester. Students from other relevant majors may be also given conditional admission pending completion of some supplementary courses over and above the 36 credits required for the MS in Biology, as specified by the faculty graduate committee, with a minimum of a “B” average. These supplementary credits do not count towards the 36 credits required for the MS degree. Normally, a maximum of nine transfer credits from previous graduate work completed at another accredited institution of higher education may be transferred upon the discretion of the faculty graduate committee.

Graduation Requirements

To fulfill the requirements for the MS in Biology degree, students must complete a total of 36 credits, which includes 6 credits of thesis work. The minimum passing grade is 'C.' A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 is required, with no more than 2 grades of 'C.'

Based on the chosen elective courses within the major, students have the option to specialize in either Molecular Biology or Ecology/Organismal Biology. The advisor must approve the selected elective courses.

Thesis work is designed to provide students with the necessary background and research experience, particularly for those planning to pursue a Ph.D. and engage in scientific research activities.

Thesis

Students in the degree of M.S. in Biology may register for the thesis course BIO 691 only after successfully completing at least 19 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and after receiving the approval of both the department chairperson and the thesis advisor.

Work Duration

The thesis work is expected to be successfully completed within a duration of two semesters.

Jury

Immediately after receiving a note of completion from the thesis advisor and three copies of the thesis from the student, the department chairperson shall appoint the oral defense jury and its chairperson. It shall consist of the thesis advisor and two full-time faculty members. The department chairperson shall distribute to each member of the jury one copy of the thesis.

Oral Defense Schedule

The oral defense for the thesis shall take place within two weeks from the jury appointment.

Final Grade

Each jury member shall evaluate the student thesis work. The jury will then thoroughly examine the student during the oral defense and consequently assign the appropriate grade by a majority vote. In case of a tie, the committee chairperson shall have the deciding vote.

Thesis Copies Distribution

The student shall submit the signature page to the jury chairperson for signatures and soft copies of the final approved theses shall be distributed by the student to the thesis advisor, department, faculty, and the remaining members of the jury. A soft copy with the signature page shall be submitted to the University library databases.

Courses

Major Courses (15cr.)

Elective Major Courses (9cr.)

Free Electives (6cr.)

Thesis (6cr.)

6 BIO 691 Master Thesis

Suggested Program

Fall Semester Year 1 (10cr.)

BIO	603	Quantitative Analysis in Biology	3 cr.
BIO	608 636	Advanced Biochemistry or Plant Ecology	4 cr.
BIO	610 628	Advanced Cell Biology or Advanced Human Physiology	3 cr.