University General Course Catalog 2013-2014

Dec 21, 2024

University General Course Catalog 2013-2014 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Biology, M.S. Plan A (Thesis)

I. Contact Information

Stephen Vanderwall, Professor/Director, Biology Graduate Program
Office: (775)784-6583
sv@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

An M.S. in Biology provides a strong foundation for either a career in the biological sciences at graduation, or to further professional training in fields such as medicine, health sciences, conservation biology, wildlife biology, and biotechnology. Our curriculum is research-focused and rigorous; expect challenges, but also expect a rewarding atmosphere that encourages experimentation.
Faculty in the Biology department include world-renowned scientists who have contributed to and conducted National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health funded research  .

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Biology Master’s degree students will:

conduct rigorous research that makes a significant contribution to scientific progress,
produce clear and coherent written presentations of their work,
complete the program in a reasonable period of time,
attend and give presentations at professional meetings,
prepare and submit papers for publication,
prepare and submit grant proposals,
mentor undergraduates.

IV. Admission Requirements

A. Standards for Admission

To compete successfully for admission, applicants should have:
Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00, combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1100 or greater, with a minimum of 400 in each test; an advanced test is recommended, course work in physical sciences (3 credits), mathematics (6 credits), biology (18 credits), and chemistry (6 credits), or equivalent, and for international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper exam) or 250 (computer exam).
Before admission into the Plan A (thesis) Masters Degree Program (see below), a full time faculty member of the Department of Biology, must be identified and agree to serve as Faculty Advisor. Potential advisors can be identified by reviewing faculty research interests or the “Peterson Guide”. If a mutually satisfactory match of student and faculty interests and field of study cannot be obtained, admission into the research thesis program (Plan A) cannot be granted. Alternatively, the student may apply to the Plan B (non-thesis) Masters Program, or undertake advanced studies as a Graduate Special student. Students accepted into the Plan B Masters Program will be advised by the Special Programs Committee during the first semester of study until an Advisory Committee is established.

B. Admission Procedure

Prospective students must apply to both the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School and the Department of Biology. Admission to the Graduate School follows the procedures outlined in the University General Catalog. Since these steps are similar to procedures within the Department of Biology, the student is advised to consult the UNR catalog, as well as the following information.
To be considered for admission to graduate study in the Department of Biology (Graduate Standing) a student must submit all necessary materials for admission prior to:

February 1 for the following Fall semester, or prior to 1
November 1 for the following Spring semester.

Note that some of the required materials are to be sent to both the Graduate School and to the Department of Biology.

Necessary Materials

Applying to the Graduate School:
See instructions and application at the Graduate School

Applying to the Department of Biology:
Send the following to:
Department of Biology - 314
Graduate Admissions
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557

A completed application for admission to the Department of Biology Graduate Program
Photocopies of transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended
Photocopies of GRE test scores for general aptitude (and advanced tests, if taken)
Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic record
Copies of TOEFL test results (required for international students)

The Biology Special Programs Committee will review all complete files. Applicants will be notified of admittance, denial, or placement on a waiting list within two months of the application deadline. Admitted students will have one month to indicate acceptance. Students on the waiting list will be notified of final disposition as soon as possible after acceptances have been received. Applications completed prior to the application review date will receive first and full consideration.

V. Program Requirements

The Department of Biology offers two Master’s Degree Programs.

Plan A (Thesis Option) is a program culminating in a research thesis for students interested in pursuing further advanced degrees or employment in biological research.
Plan B (Non-Thesis Option) is a program leading to a non-thesis Masters Degree, and is intended as the terminal degree for students seeking careers with government agencies, or in industry, education, or other areas. Students in the Plan B program may select from one of the following three areas from which to concentrate their study:
- Cell and Molecular Biology,
- Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, or
- General Biology.

A. Plan A (Thesis)

A minimum of 30 semester graduate credits in biology or related fields must be completed with an average grade of B or better, with not less than 21 credits to be earned in residence at UNR.
At least 18 credits must be in 700-level courses, including six thesis credits.
Course selection will be determined in consultation with the Faculty Advisor and Advisory Committee.
The student is required to complete an independent research project and a written thesis suitable for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal.
At the end of the student’s research program and following acceptance of the written thesis by the Faculty Advisor and Advisory Committee, the student will make a public presentation of the thesis research.
Following the public presentation, the student’s Advisory Committee will administer and judge a final oral examination that serves as defense of the candidate’s thesis, and an examination of the student’s general knowledge.

Note:

It is strongly recommended that the required course work for either Plan A or Plan B degree be completed within the first two years of residency. It is possible to transfer from one of these programs into the other. All requirements for either degree must be satisfied within the period of 4 calendar years immediately proceeding the granting of the degree.

VI. Total Units

Plan A (thesis): 30 semester graduate units
Plan B (non-thesis): 32 semester graduate units

VII. Note(s):

Financial Support

Acceptance into the Master’s Degree program does not obligate the Department of Biology or University to provide financial support. It is the responsibility of students to provide for the expense of their studies. However, there are a number of research and teaching assistantships in the Department of Biology for which students may apply. A typical teaching assistantship includes a stipend of $14,000.00 ($1400 per month for 10 months), non-resident tuition ($8193.00), the allowable portion of course fees ($166.21 of $246.50 per credit for 9-12 credits per fall and spring semester), and medical insurance coverage ($1720.00), bringing the financial package for each recipient to more than $26,000.00. In addition, there are opportunities for supplementary income working on faculty grants and contracts, and the University administers an extensive program of financial aid services. Potential students are advised to check with the graduate school and discuss options for support with their prospective advisors. The Department of Biology does not guarantee financial support.