Biological Sciences

Description

For a brief description of the program, application requirements and contact information, view the graduate program summary.

Director of School of Biological Sciences: Valery Forbes, Ph.D.

Graduate Committee: Associate Professor Pilson (Chair); Professors Gardner, Wagner; Associate Professors Mitra, Chia, E. Moriyama, Harris

The major goal of the School of Biological Studies (SBS) is to develop an integrated perspective of biological sciences and to provide a well-rounded education based on a functional understanding that extends from fundamental cell and molecular biology to global ecology. The SBS graduate program is important to UNL and the state in that we are the only major biology department that awards the PhD in Nebraska. The breadth and diversity of the graduate program extends through several specific research interest clusters termed Graduate Research Emphasis Groups (GREGs). The GREGs represent formally approved groups of SBS faculty, adjunct faculty, and graduate students who share common research interests. The GREGs set forth requirements for graduate studies and also are intended to provide an interactive forum for more focused research interests that reflect SBS and interdepartmental strengths of the faculty. GREG research areas constitute specializations for degrees offered by the School of Biological Sciences. Our dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and training is evidenced by our funding support and our ability to attract outstanding postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. We train approximately 25 postdoctoral and 80 graduate students at any given time and take pride in launching our trainees into successful and productive careers ranging from biomedical researchers in industry, to postdoctoral faculty members at other institutions. For current GREG information, visit www.biosci.unl.edu.

Each application must be accompanied by scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). A statement (no more than 300 words) stating long-range goals and specific research interests and experiences, and a curriculum vita or resume is required. Applicants should indicate the kind of graduate work planned and identify the appropriate research area of interest. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative grade point average equivalent to 3.0 (B) and score in at least the 50th percentile in each portion of the GRE taken. Admission also depends on the nature of the applicant’s interest and whether appropriate faculty, space, and facilities are available for the type of graduate training proposed. Entering graduate students are normally expected to have taken a year of physics, one semester of calculus, and chemistry through organic chemistry, or one semester each of organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Master of Science Degree.

Students admitted to the School of Biological Sciences choose a GREG (specialization) in which to pursue a degree. During the first semester after admission, it is the responsibility of each student, with the help of a faculty adviser, to seek a guidance interview to assess strengths and weaknesses in background and potential to complete the degree program. Degree requirements are those of the Graduate College and additional stipulations of the student’s Graduate Research Emphasis Group (GREG). Option II is available to students in biological sciences only by special permission of the Graduate Committee obtained at the time of entry in the program. Option III is not open for masters degree programs in biological sciences.

Minor in Biology:

Masters students in other departments may seek a minor in biological sciences by fulfilling the appropriate course work. The student is required to make arrangements with the Graduate Committee in Biological Sciences before the program of studies is approved.

Specializations Available at the Masters Level:

Bioinformatics; Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics; Microbiology and Molecular Biology; Parasitology; Plant Pathology

Doctor of Philosophy Degree.

Entering doctoral students must affiliate with one of the GREGs of the School of Biological Sciences. During the first semester, each student will have a guidance interview as described in the masters program. A qualifying examination administered by the GREGis taken before the end of the second semester. A supervisory committee of at least five members representing at least two GREGs satisfies the graduate college requirement of an external member. The supervisory committee will guide the student’s program of course work and determine need for additional training in supporting or deficient areas, and will determine, on an individual basis, training in one or both of the following areas: foreign language or special research techniques. Requirements for the degree differ from the general requirements of the Graduate College in that the oral comprehensive examination is the only examination that may be waived by special permission of the Graduate Committee. GREGs may stipulate additional requirements.

Specializations Available at the Doctoral Level:

Bioinformatics; Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics; Microbiology and Molecular Biology; Parasitology; Plant Pathology; Plant Systems Biology

Faculty

For faculty list, research interests and department contact information, view the graduate program summary.