Graduate Bulletin

Biology, M.S.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall:  April 1; December 15 international

Spring:  November 15; August 1 international

Applicants who desire to be considered for a University Fellowship must have a completed application on file by February 1.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters should be obtained from college/university faculty, preferably those in laboratory science areas, who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or research abilities.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

Applicants should have a solid background in Biology and should have taken at least eight undergraduate Biology courses and one year each of Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. The Department's Graduate Committee may allow departures from these course requirements after review.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A B.A. or B.S. in a science field is required.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words in length and should include your interest in Temple's program and your research goals.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE is required. Admission guidelines include a minimum score of 550 on both the quantitative and analytical sections of the GRE exam.

Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based.

Transfer Credit:

Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the Biology program. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered by the Biology Department at Temple University. A grade of "B" or better must have been earned for the credits to transfer. The Biology Department Graduate Committee makes recommendations to the Department Chair for transferring credit on an individual basis. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 24

Required Courses:
BIO 5475*:  General Biochemistry I

BIO 8003:  Introduction to Biological Research

* May be satisfied with a previous course in Biochemistry. A student seeking this credit must petition the Department's Graduate Committee.

One core course from each of the three major areas of study within the Biology Department must also be completed:

Cell and Developmental Biology:

BIO 5427: 

BIO 5429:  Developmental Genetics

BIO 5430: 

BIO 5464: 

BIO 5465: 

BIO 5467:  Endocrinology

BIO 5471:  Cell Proliferation

Molecular Biology and Genetics:

BIO 5101:  Evolution

BIO 5248:  Virology

BIO 5403:  Genomics and Proteomics

BIO 5429:  Developmental Genetics

BIO 5469:  Molecular Biology

BIO 5474:  Physical Biochemistry

BIO 5476:  General Biochemistry II

BIO 5479: 

Physiology, Behavior, and Neurobiology:

BIO 5416:  Tropical Marine Biology: Belize

BIO 5452:  Neurobiology

BIO 5454:  Neurological Basis of Animal Behavior

BIO 5456:  Organization and Development of the Nervous System

BIO 5467:  Endocrinology

One 3-s.h. graduate seminar course is also required. Students must enroll in a 1-s.h. graduate seminar in each semester that either BIO 703 or a 3-s.h. seminar is not taken.

Internship: No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Additional Requirements:

All graduate-level courses, including Biochemistry, must be passed with a "B-" or better.

Attendance at scheduled departmental colloquia is required.

Culminating Events:

Thesis:

The master's thesis is an original empirical study that demonstrates the student's knowledge of research methods and mastery of her/his primary area of interest. Theses should be limited to a specific problem in the Biological Sciences and investigated under the direct supervision of a major advisor.

A student preparing to defend a master's thesis should confirm a date and time with her/his committee, composed of both the major advisor and another member of the Graduate Faculty. The student should then register with the Graduate Secretary. After the date, time, and room are approved, the Biology Department posts flyers announcing the defense.

The student's committee is responsible for evaluating the thesis and its oral defense in a public presentation. The committee votes to pass or fail the thesis and defense at the end of the public presentation. If revisions are required, the committee must approve the changes.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.temple.edu/biology

Department Information:

Dept. of Biology

Regee Neely, Administrative Assistant

255 Biology-Life Sciences Building
1900 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

rneely@temple.edu
215-204-8854

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Regee Neely

rneely@temple.edu
215-204-8854

Program Coordinator:

Edward Gruberg
e.gruberg@temple.edu
215-204-1920

Graduate Chairperson:

Edward Gruberg
e.gruberg@temple.edu
215-204-1920

Chairperson:

Shohreh Amini
shohreh.amini@temple.edu
215-204-8854

About the Program

The M.S. in Biology offers students rigorous advanced study of the Biological Sciences. Broad preparation is offered in major research areas in Biology through a variety of formal courses and advanced seminars. Students are encouraged to take courses in related sciences. Preparation for both research and teaching is important.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years

Campus Location:

Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Full-time study is required.  Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered before 4:30 p.m.

Department Information:

Dept. of Biology

Regee Neely, Administrative Assistant

255 Biology-Life Sciences Building
1900 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

rneely@temple.edu
215-204-8854

Interdisciplinary Study:

The program encourages interdisciplinary research and coursework in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Special interdisciplinary programs in which faculty from the Biology Department participate include the Center for Neurovirology and Cancer Research, the Environmental Studies Program, and the Neuroscience Program.

Affiliation(s):

Not applicable.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

Not applicable.

Accreditation:

Not applicable.

Areas of Specialization:

Faculty members specialize in the areas of Aquatic Ecology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, and Virology.

Job Placement:

The Department produces well-trained biologists who find work in the health professions, pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields, and government positions.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students may enroll in a total of three courses (9 credits) with permission of the instructor and the Department.

Financing Opportunities

University Fellowships, Graduate Assistantships, and Academic Internships are normally reserved for Ph.D. students.

Updated 10.28.09