Plant Biology M.S.

Program Overview

The Plant Biology M.S. program at Ohio University offers a comprehensive education in plant biology, encompassing molecular, organismal, and ecosystem levels. Students engage in research, coursework, and teaching experiences, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations. The program fosters communication across sub-disciplines to meet individual career goals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Plant Biology M.S. graduate program at Ohio University provides educational and research experience in plant biology from the molecular to the organismal and ecosystem levels. The program aims to foster communication across these areas of study and provide unique opportunities to meet each student's specific career goals. Objectives:

• Train and prepare students for success in a Ph.D. program or positions in industry, government, or non-governmental organizations.
• Guide students in conducting independent research and pursuing knowledge.
• Mentor students in grantsmanship to support their research with internal and external funding.
• Provide hands-on teaching experience through teaching assistantships.
• Expose students to the national and international plant biology community through colloquia, seminars, and scientific meetings.
Program Structure: Most students are trained within three general areas of study: plant ecology, plant systematics and evolution, or plant molecular and cellular biology. The program strives to foster communication across and beyond these areas of study to provide unique opportunities to meet each student's specific career goals.

Outline:

The Plant Biology M.S. program at Ohio University comprises various courses, research components, and other requirements:

• Coursework:
• A minimum of 20 PBIO graduate hours of graded coursework, excluding seminar, supervised study, colloquium, and research.
• Courses selected in consultation with the student's adviser and approved by the Graduate Chair.
• One course for each of the three sub-disciplines:
• Organismal Botany
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Plant Ecology
• Other recommended courses include:
• Lab in Cell and Molecular Plant Physiology
• Soil Microbial Analysis Lab
• Field Studies in Plant Diversity
• Statistical Methods in Plant Biology
• Problem Solving with Bioinformatics Tools
• Writing in the Life Sciences
• Biostatistics II
• Research:
• A minimum of 10 hours of research (PBIO 6940).
• Completion of a research thesis with the intent of publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Successful defense of the thesis orally.
• Other Requirements:
• Successful completion of Biological Research and Science Ethics (PBIO 5170).
• Successful completion of two semesters of PBIO 6970 (Seminar) or giving a research presentation at Ecolunch in BIOS or MCB seminar.
• Maintain a GPA at or above 3.00.

Assessment:

The assessment of students in the Plant Biology M.S. program at Ohio University is based on the following:

• Coursework: Students are assessed through regular assignments, exams, and projects.
• Research: Students' research progress is monitored through regular meetings with their advisers and the submission of a thesis proposal and thesis.
• Oral Defense: Students present their research orally to a committee of faculty members.

Teaching:

The Plant Biology M.S. program at Ohio University is taught by experienced faculty members who are active in research. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory experiences, research opportunities, and teaching assistantships. Students have the opportunity to interact with faculty in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Careers:

Graduates of the Plant Biology M.S. program at Ohio University are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including:

• Academia: Teaching or research in universities or colleges.
• Industry: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture.
• Government Agencies: Conservation, environmental protection, agriculture.
• Non-governmental Organizations: Environmental consulting, non-profit organizations.
• Botanical Gardens, Arboreta, and Museums of Natural History.