Biological Sciences
Dr. Kathryn A. Ono
Chair, Graduate Program Committee
Department of Marine Sciences
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207)602- 2814
kono@une.edu
or
Dr. A. Christine Brown
Chair, Department of Biology
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 602-2617
Mission
The mission of the Department of Biology at University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society.
The mission of the Master of Science: Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences.
Program Description
The Master of Science: Biological Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics. The classroom curriculum features a broad-based exposure to advanced topics in biological subjects that may include physiology, ecology, molecular biology and microbiology. The program also focuses on the research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.
Program Goals
- Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
- Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through excellence in research.
- Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
- Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations.
Curricular Requirements
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 503 - Research Methods | 3 |
| BIO 510 - Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| BIO 500 - Level Graduate Topics in Biological Sciences | 12+* |
| Electives - Additional Coursework | 6* |
|
BIO 590 - Thesis/Research |
12 Min
|
| Minimum Total Credits | 36 |
| BIO 595 - Thesis Writing/Data Analysis (taken after 36 credits completed) | 1 |
|
BIO 599 - Masters Thesis |
0 |
| *Biological Sciences MS students may request to substitute research credits for coursework with approval from their thesis advisor. A formal written request must be submitted to the Graduate Program Committee, including a justification for the request. If approved by the GPC, students will submit a Course Substitution Form (available on the Registrar's webpage), which requires approval by the Chair of the Department of Biology and by the CAS Dean, to the Registrar in preparation for graduation. |
Academic and Technical Standards
Satisfactory Academic Progress
To remain in the MS: Biological Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.
Program Completion Timeline
Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements. After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of three Thesis credit hours per semester to remain in the program.