M.S. in Biological Sciences

Program Overview

Ohio University's Biological Sciences graduate program offers a flexible and supportive environment for students to pursue research in a wide range of biological topics, from molecules to ecosystems. The program emphasizes individualized training, collaborative networks, and experiential learning, preparing students for diverse career paths in biological sciences.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Biological Sciences Department at Ohio University offers a graduate program that includes faculty from both Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences (Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine).
Faculty and graduate students conduct research on a wide array of biological topics spanning from molecules to ecosystems, and from basic to applied research. Faculty and students develop collaborative networks both within and outside the department as they conduct their research.
• Objectives: The program aims to be both flexible and supportive, emphasizing individualized training and a diverse research environment.
The program strives to cultivate a rich intellectual environment and provide the necessary technical resources for students to succeed.
• Description: Within Ohio University, the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies (OCEES), the Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program bring together researchers with common research interests from across diverse departments.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide array of biological topics, including:
• Cell, Developmental and Microbiology
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Physiology and Neuroscience Program
• Structure: The program requires 30 credit hours, including formal courses (at least 12 hours) and a statistics course.
The specific coursework is determined by the student, their advisor, and their thesis committee. Master's students may also be required to complete breadth courses and supervised teaching, even if they are funded by non-program sources.
• Modules: The program offers three concentrations:
Cell, Developmental and Microbiology: Examines intracellular and intercellular interactions, developmental processes, and the role of microorganisms in environmental processes and disease responses. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: Integrates research in functional and evolutionary morphology, biomechanics, animal behavior, phylogenetics, population genetics, conservation biology, population ecology, and community ecology to study ecological and evolutionary patterns, processes, and mechanisms. Physiology and Neuroscience Program: Includes research in metabolic and comparative physiology, the physiology of thermotolerance, environmental toxicology, exercise physiology, computational biology, developmental neurobiology, trophic interactions in the development of sensory systems, control of movement, auditory neurobiology, neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal transport, heavy metals and neurodegeneration, neuroendocrine control of development, cellular basis of neuronal communication, and neural and neuroendocrine control of the autonomic nervous system.

Assessment:

• Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Coursework evaluations
• Thesis and original research
• Oral examinations
• Criteria: Students are evaluated based on their:
• Knowledge of major concepts in biology
• Ability to critically evaluate research literature
• Capacity to formulate hypotheses and design experiments
• Statistical and computational analysis skills
• Presentation and communication abilities
• Collaborative research skills

Teaching:

• Methods: The program employs a combination of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork
• Faculty: The program's faculty are experts in various fields of biology.
They are dedicated to providing students with individualized guidance and support.