Integrative and Conservation Biology (Ph.D) - Integrative Biology

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The Integrative Biology track in the Integrative and Conservation Biology PhD program prepares students for independent research in ecology, evolution, physiology, genetics, behavior, and conservation. Students choose elective courses from various disciplines to tailor the program to their individual interests and needs. The curriculum includes required courses, electives, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. The program culminates in a dissertation that represents an original contribution to the field.

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Degree Overview:

The Integrative Biology track within the Integrative and Conservation Biology PhD program prepares students for independent research and roles within industry, nongovernmental organizations or government sectors combining traditional biological sciences with a range of other disciplines. The track embraces applied and basic research concerning ecology, evolution, physiology, genetics, behavior, and conservation. Students taking this track will be prepared to pursue an academic career.

Outline:

The Integrative Biology Track requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including a minimum of 27 hours of formal coursework excluding independent study.

• Required Courses (7 credit hours):
• PCB6466 - Methods in Experimental Ecology (3)
• PCB6095 - Professional Development in Biology I (1)
• PCB6096 - Professional Development in Biology II (1)
• Elective Courses (20 credit hours):
• A minimum of 20 credit hours of formal graduate-level courses from Biology, or other departments, are selected in consultation with the advisor and the dissertation committee.
The goal is to tailor the program of study to the individual student's needs while maximizing exposure to a variety of disciplines including, among others, policy, economics, sociology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, or computer science.
• Dissertation (15 credit hours):
• PCB 7980 - Dissertation Advisory Committee The Advisory Committee shall consist of a minimum of four members, including the dissertation advisor, with at least three members coming from the graduate faculty of the Biology Department.
At least one member will be from a department other than Biology or from outside the university. The chair, or co-chair, must be a member of the program graduate faculty.
• Additional Electives (30 credit hours):
• In addition to the above required, elective, and dissertation credits, the student must enroll in an additional 30 credit hours of electives.
These electives may include additional formal coursework, additional dissertation research hours (PCB 7980), and a maximum of 12 credit hours combined of independent study (PCB 6908) and directed research (PCB 6918, PCB 7919, and PCB 5917). Professional internship hours can be substituted for directed research.

Assessment:

• Qualifying Examination: The written qualifying examination should be completed within the first two years of the student's program.
The exam seeks to cover areas of general knowledge and discipline-specific knowledge within the student's declared track. These questions could be related to the dissertation research proposal or designed to examine general knowledge and reasoning within the field. The candidate will meet with their advisory committee at least two months prior to the examination to discuss expectations. Committee members must clearly articulate in writing the general areas that may be examined. Any student failing the examination must repeat the examination within six calendar months of the date of the first examination and the examination requires a majority vote by committee members. A second failed attempt will result in dismissal from the program.
• Candidacy Examination: Each student will be required to generate and orally defend a written proposal outlining their dissertation research to their dissertation advisory committee no later than 12 months after passing the Qualifying Examination.
The oral Candidacy Examination will cover all areas within the scope of the student's doctoral program and requires that the student demonstrate knowledge of the theory, literature, and research methodologies relevant to the proposed area of research as well as demonstrate an understanding of how their work relates to the field of biology as a whole. After passing the Candidacy Examination and meeting other requirements, the student will be deemed as having been admitted to candidacy and can register for dissertation hours. Upon completion and approval of the doctoral dissertation by all appropriate faculty and university offices, the student will make a formal presentation of the research findings in seminar format to the dissertation committee and other university faculty and students who may wish to attend. The major role of the student's advisory committee is to offer guidance on study design and interpretation of results. The final defense is to be scheduled only after the advisory committee agrees that the dissertation is ready for defense. Committee members should return the corrected dissertation to the student two weeks after receipt and the candidate should check with committee members to ensure they have the time to review the document.

Careers:

The Integrative Biology track prepares students for independent research and roles within industry, nongovernmental organizations or government sectors combining traditional biological sciences with a range of other disciplines.

Other:

• Students entering the graduate program with regular status are normally expected to have completed course work generally required for a bachelor's degree in biology.
• Students are required to register for 9 credit hours in fall and spring before their candidacy exam, and 6 credit hours in summer if enrolled.
After being admitted to candidacy, minimum enrollment is 3 credit hours of dissertation research each semester.
• An orientation for all incoming students will be scheduled one week prior to each fall semester.
The orientation will include tours of the program facilities, a session on registration, university policies and procedures, and expectations of doctoral study. Further, Environmental Health and Safety will present a program on topics such as laboratory safety, chemical and fire safety, biohazard training, and radioisotope handling. Expectations for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) will be fully covered. In addition, students will be required to participate in the program for GTAs offered by the UCF Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning and the College of Sciences. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the university orientation as well, held approximately one week prior to each fall semester.
• The dissertation satisfies the independent learning experience.
• A student is required to establish a program of study before the completion of nine credit hours of coursework, in conjunction with their dissertation advisor and advisory committee.
• Students entering with a master's degree may request up to 30 semester credit hours of previous work be waived toward the requirements for this degree with approval from the advisory committee.
Students who transfer 30 credit hours must still take 2 credit hours of Biology Seminar (BSC 6935) and Professional Development I (PCB 6095) and II (PCB 6096).
• Students may register for dissertation research only after passing the candidacy exam.