Master of Science in Biological Sciences

The M.S. program in Biology at USM is designed to meet the diverse interests of potential students and to give them additional preparation for specialized careers in the life sciences. The program is aimed at three groups of students: 1) those who want to continue the scholarly pursuit of the biological sciences and possibly continue with a Ph.D. or M.D.; 2) those desiring laboratory or field experience to make them more competitive for employment; and 3) those teaching or those who wish to teach at the secondary or community college / technical college level.

In order to meet the diverse needs of these students, the M.S. program in Biology offers breadth in its coursework offerings, yet maintains an individualized approach with its research requirement. Coursework and research opportunities span the subdisciplines of cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, evolutionary genetics, physiology (animal, plant, and microbial), ecology (animal, plant, and microbial), and environmental science.

The student thesis, tailored to individual interests and falling within the specialty area of a faculty mentor, is intended to give students experience in scientific investigation. In addition to exposure to the current state of knowledge within the subdiscipline, students learn the skills necessary for creative scientific inquiry. These include exploration and evaluation of the scientific literature, experimental design, implementation of original laboratory or field-based research, statistical analysis of data, and the writing of a publishable scientific paper. Thus, students graduate from the program as knowledgeable scientists who have contributed to the field of biology.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

• cell imaging equipment such as epifluorescence microscopes, confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometers
• equipment for molecular biology, such as gradient and quantitative PCR thermocyclers, DNA sequencer, fluorescence microarray reader, various electrophoresis supplies for DNA and protein analysis
• constant temperature lighted growth chambers for plant and phytoplankton
• liquid scintillation counter for radioisotope work
• Geographic Information System (GIS) facility
• NMR spectrometry
• HPLC system

FACULTY RESEARCH INTERESTS

Interested students are encouraged to contact program faculty directly.

DAVID T. CHAMPLIN hormonal control of insect development

DOUGLAS A. CURRIE cell signaling in the developing mammalian brain

MICHELE DIONNE salt marsh ecology and restoration

S. MONROE DUBOISE virology and environmental microbiology

DAVID EVERS environmental toxicology of New England wildlife

LOUIS F. GAINEY, JR. cell signaling; physiological ecology of marine molluscs

DAVID E. HARRIS cardiovascular disease programs and education

LEWIS S. INCZE biophysical processes on marine plankton ecology

THOMAS J. KNIGHT nitrogen and carbon metabolism in plants

IRA A. LEVINE physiological ecology of commercial red algae

CHRISTINE R. MAHER evolution of social behavior in mammals

MICHAEL MAZURKIEWICZ estuarine and tidal marsh ecology

LISA R. MOORE physiological ecology of marine phytoplankton

THERESA A. THEODOSE salt marsh plant ecology

JEFFREY A. WALKER evolutionary physiology of animal locomotion

KENNETH E. WEBER genetic control of wing shape in Drosophila

KAREN A. WILSON freshwater and marine linkages

JOHN P. WISE, SR. human and animal toxicology; molecular epidemiology

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

This degree provides two thesis options: research and literature review. Most students are expected to produce a research thesis, based on an original research project. However, an individual, with approval of their Advisory Committee, could undertake the literature review thesis option, which requires writing a comprehensive review paper of a specific topic. All master’s candidates preparing a research thesis must complete a minimum of 24 credits of course work and 6 credits of thesis research. Candidates completing the literature review thesis option must complete 32 credits of course work, which must include at least one laboratory course, and 3 credits of literature review. Coursework is determined individually for each student in consultation with the student’s Advisory Committee.

During the first semester, students are required to declare a research topic and choose an Advisory Committee. The committee consists of the student’s advisor and at least two other faculty members.

All students must take four required courses (15-18 credits):

• Applied Biostatistical Analysis (AMS 545) or Introduction to Biostatistics (STA 588)

• Research Methods in Biology (BIO 601)

• Graduate Seminar (BIO 621)

• either Thesis Research (BIO 698) or Literature Review (BIO 699)

Students also choose electives. To maintain breadth, electives are required in at least two of three areas (selecting from Genetics and Molecular Biology; Physiology; and Ecology and Evolution). Upon approval of the Advisory Committee, students also may take graduate level courses in other departments.

At the end of the program, the research thesis or literature review must be written in a form suitable to submit to a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and the results must be presented in a seminar open to all university faculty, students, and the general public. After the presentation, the student and Advisory Committee will meet to discuss details of the project, paper and seminar.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Research Assistantships may be available to students working with particular faculty who have external funding. In addition, external funding (fellowships, scholarships) is available from various government agencies and private foundations. For further information on outside funding for graduate students, contact your potential advisor.

Further information on Financial Aid can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies at 207-780-4386.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

See additional information on the M.S. Biology program

Contact Biology's Graduate Coordinator: Christine R. Maher

Download USM's 2007-2008 Graduate Catalog here

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