Biology (MS)

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The MS degree program in biology is a terminal degree for students admitted into the marine biology and biological oceanography (MBBO), neurobiology (BNRO), or integrative and evolutionary biology (IEB) PhD programs who cannot complete the PhD degree program for personal or medical reasons.

The MS degree program is a non-thesis program but a paper, based on the student’s original research investigation of a selected program in biology, constitutes one of the requirements. Each student must take 7–8 units of biology graduate core courses (BISC 582 , BISC 584 and BISC 585 ) or neurobiology courses (NSCI 524 and either NSCI 531 or NSCI 532 ), two seminars and additional graduate courses or research units for a minimum of 24 units. Students also must satisfy the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. Further details of these requirements are contained within each graduate program’s particular requirements and policies.

Each student must take 7–8 units of:

Biology Graduate Core Courses

BISC 582 Advanced Biological Oceanography Units: 4
BISC 584 Faculty Lecture Series Units: 2
BISC 585 Scientific Writing and Reviewing Units: 2

or

Neurobiology Courses

NSCI 524 Advanced Overview of Neurosciences Units: 4
NSCI 531 Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Units: 4 or
NSCI 532 Systems and Behavioral Neurobiology Units: 3

Additional Requirements

Two seminars and additional graduate courses or research units for a minimum of 24 units. Students also must satisfy the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. Further details of these requirements are contained within each graduate program’s particular requirements and policies.