Biological Sciences, MS
Chairperson: Michelle Mynlieff, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences website
Degree Offered
Master of Science, Plan A only
Program Description
The biological sciences graduate program aspires to train experimental scientists capable of teaching and directing independent research by providing a broad theoretical background and an appreciation for the rigor of the scientific method. This program provides excellent training in modern biology suitable for jobs in academia, industry and government, and offers students research experiences using all areas of modern biological techniques to study molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, systems and organism functioning.
Specializations: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neurophysiology, Physiology
The program of course work and research for the master’s degree is determined in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. Each student is advised to take such courses as are properly related to academic background and research interests. All master’s students are required to gain the equivalent of one year of teaching experience during the program.
Master’s students must complete a total of 30-32 credit hours, including 16-18 credit hours of course work, five credit hours of research, three credit hours of seminar courses and six credit hours of thesis work. Required course work includes BIOL 8004 Strong Inference and Experimental Design and BIOL 8005 Scientific Writing. Eighteen of the credit hours must be taken in biological sciences. During each term in residency, master's students are also required to enroll in BIOL 6952 Department Colloquium.
Master's students must submit a thesis outline to their advisory committee and successfully defend the outline. This defense constitutes the qualifying exam. At the completion of the program, master's students must submit a thesis that is approved by their advisory committee and must present a public seminar on their thesis research.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required experimental design and writing courses: | 6 | |
| Strong Inference and Experimental Design | ||
| Scientific Writing | ||
| Courses chosen from the following: | 10-12 | |
| Experimental Molecular Biology | ||
| Genomics and Bioinformatics | ||
| Advanced Ecology | ||
| Tropical Ecology in Panama | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Cellular Neurobiology | ||
| Biochemistry 2: Bioenergetics and Metabolism | ||
| Exercise Physiology | ||
| Experimental Microbiology | ||
| Immunobiology | ||
| Independent Study in Biological Sciences | ||
| Biometry | ||
| Protein Structure and Function | ||
| Biochemistry and Function of Nucleic Acids | ||
| Proteostasis | ||
| Epigenetics | ||
| Principles of Eukaryotic Genetics | ||
| Imaging and Cytoskeletons | ||
| Proteins in Eukaryotic Cells | ||
| Cell and Molecular Biology of Early Development | ||
| Advanced Physiology and Organ Systems | ||
| Cellular Homeostasis | ||
| Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | ||
| Microbiomes in Health and the Environment | ||
| Microbial Diversity and Ecology | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Independent Study in Biological Sciences | ||
| Functional Neuroanatomy | ||
| Biochemistry 1: Macromolecular Structure and Function | ||
| Data Mining and Machine Learning | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Biostatistical Methods and Models | ||
| Advanced Statistics and Design 1 | ||
| Required research credits: | 5 | |
| Laboratory Rotations in Biology | ||
| Laboratory Research in Biology | ||
| Seminar courses chosen from the following: | 3 | |
| Seminar in Biochemistry and Genetics | ||
| Seminar in Plant Molecular Biology | ||
| Seminar in Neuroscience | ||
| Seminar in Cell and Developmental Biology | ||
| Seminar in Physiology | ||
| Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Seminar in Microbiology | ||
| Required colloquium: | ||
| BIOL 6952 | Department Colloquium (taken each term in residence) | 0 |
| Thesis work: | 6 | |
| Master's Thesis | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-32 | |
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BIOL 5102 Experimental Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Purification, characterization and molecular analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biomolecules with emphasis on standard techniques widely used in research laboratories. 1 hr. lec., 4 hrs. lab.
Level of Study: Graduate
Marquette Core Curriculum: Writing Intensive
Interdisciplinary Studies: Bioinformatics
BIOL 5201 Genomics and Bioinformatics (3 credits)
The analysis of the structure, organization, function and evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Students gain an understanding of how recent technological advances have revolutionized the field of genomics and of how large genomic datasets are generated, analyzed and visualized.
Level of Study: Graduate
Marquette Core Curriculum: NSM Expanding Our Horizons
Interdisciplinary Studies: Bioinformatics
BIOL 5401 Advanced Ecology (3 credits)
Attain in-depth understanding of the ecology of the natural world beyond the scope of introductory-level general ecology. Learn about patterns and processes of ecological populations and communities, the mechanisms believed to be responsible for these processes, and the emergent properties of ecosystems. Focus on major theories in ecology and the empirical investigations that support or refute these theories. Read classic papers that introduced or popularized major theories in ecology, as well as more recent empirical tests of those theories.
Level of Study: Graduate
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Studies, Environmental Ethics
BIOL 5403 Tropical Ecology in Panama (3 credits)
Tropical Ecology is the study of the biotic and abiotic interactions that shape the origin, maintenance and consequences of species diversity in the tropics. The incredibly high species diversity found in tropical forests has intrigued biologists for centuries, including such luminaries as Darwin and Wallace and continues to engage biologists today. Explores a variety of different forest types within the Republic of Panama to gain an appreciation for the basic patterns and processes of tropical forests and the mechanisms believed to be responsible for them. Modeled after the Organization for Tropical Biology’s Tropical Ecology Field Course.
Level of Study: Graduate
Marquette Core Curriculum: Writing Intensive
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Studies
BIOL 5404 Molecular Evolution (3 credits)
Covers introductory topics in molecular evolution based on readings from the literature. Topics include online sequence databases, sequence alignment, detecting natural selection, building phylogenetic trees, testing alternative phylogenetic hypotheses, molecular clocks, reconstructing ancestral sequences and gene duplication and loss. Students learn to use several software packages to perform these analyses.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 5410 Conservation Biology (3 credits)
The goals of conservation biology are to understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss – from genes to populations to species to ecosystems – and to develop tools and techniques to conserve biodiversity. Reviews what is known about the causes and consequences of current biodiversity loss, established and emerging strategies and tools to conserve biodiversity, and the ecological and evolutionary theory underlying these strategies. Includes population-modeling approaches such as population viability analysis, life-history tables, and sustainable harvest models, and conservation techniques such as species recovery plans, reserve design, habitat suitability models, seed banks, and restoration ecology. Focuses on the implications of biodiversity for ecosystem function and services, as well as the implications of conservation for policy, economics, and society. Builds essential skills for a career in biology, natural-resource management or conservation, including critical review of evidence and scientific literature, quantitative and conceptual modeling and practical decision making.
Level of Study: Graduate
Marquette Core Curriculum: NSM Expanding Our Horizons
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Studies
BIOL 5501 Cellular Neurobiology (3 credits)
General principles of the organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system. Topics include the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell excitability, synaptic transmission, and how neuromodulators regulate these functions in neuronal networks; mechanisms of learning and memory at the synaptic level; sensory systems from transduction to higher-order processing; and motor systems from the neuromuscular junction to voluntary movement to provide an integrative understanding of the nervous system. A functional approach to neuroanatomy are integrated throughout the course. 3 hrs. lec., disc.
Level of Study: Graduate
Marquette Core Curriculum: NSM Cgntn, Lang, Mmry/Intlgnc
Interdisciplinary Studies: Cognitive Science
BIOL 5532 Biochemistry 2: Bioenergetics and Metabolism (3 credits)
An exploration of the thermodynamic, cellular and molecular features contributing to the organization and regulation of major metabolic pathways in plants and animals. Major topics focus on the thermodynamic and mechanistic principles governing pathways associated with carbohydrate, nucleic acid, lipid and amino acid metabolism. The integration, regulation and origins of these metabolic systems are explored in the context of biotechnology and disease.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 5703 Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
Study of the effects of acute and chronic exercise on selected organ systems. Particular emphasis is placed on muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory and environmental physiology.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 5802 Experimental Microbiology (3 credits)
Basic modern approaches to the laboratory investigation of microorganisms. A major part of the course is in-depth analysis of unknown microorganisms that students isolate from the environment.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
Marquette Core Curriculum: Writing Intensive
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Studies
BIOL 5806 Immunobiology (3 credits)
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune response. Nature of antigens and antibodies and their interactions. Special topics include complement, immediate and delayed hypersensitivity, transplantation and tumor immunobiology, immunosuppression, and immunological tolerance. 3 hrs. lec., disc.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 6001 Radioisotope Safety (2 credits)
Ionizing radiation: proper safety procedures in the independent use of radioisotopes and current regulatory guidelines and licensing procedures.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 6096 Laboratory Rotations in Biology (1-3 credits)
Informal lab rotation of first-year graduate students based on mutual preferences of the student and faculty member including lab group meetings, literature research, bench work, presentation of findings and/or research plan to lab members. S/U grade assessment.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 6097 Laboratory Research in Biology (1-3 credits)
Independent research of second year graduate students based on their dissertation/thesis research laboratories, including lab group meetings, literature research, bench work and presentation of findings. S/U grade assessment.
Prerequisite: BIOL 6096 and cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 6952 Department Colloquium (0 credits)
Scholarly reports on selected topics in modern biology by visiting and resident investigators and graduate students. Registration and attendance required of all full-time graduate students in biology. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 6995 Independent Study in Biological Sciences (1-3 credits)
Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in biology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr. and cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 6999 Master's Thesis (1-6 credits)
S/U grade assessment.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8004 Strong Inference and Experimental Design (3 credits)
Designed to teach the central components of the scientific method with an emphasis on hypothesis development (strong inference), experimental design, data analysis and data presentation.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the BSCI-PHD program; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8005 Scientific Writing (3 credits)
Designed to teach basics of clear and effective scientific writing with emphasis on preparing and evaluating research manuscripts and proposals. Students learn editing techniques through deconstructing and revising others' work.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the BSCI-PHD program; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8007 Biometry (3 credits)
Focuses on formalizing experimental design into a quantitative framework. Presented in a modern computational approach, emphasis is placed on model fitting, effect size estimation, and uncertainty, rather than strictly assessing ‘significance’ by means of p-values.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the BSCI-PHD program and BIOL 8004; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8101 Protein Structure and Function (2 credits)
Advanced protein biochemistry stressing methodology and primary literature. Topics include: structural and chemical properties of amino acids, peptides and proteins; protein folding and assembly; protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions; enzyme kinetics and regulation; and the determination of protein structure. Uses examples from glycolytic and gluconeogenic metabolic pathways to highlight the structural basis for catalysis and regulation.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3101 or equiv.; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8102 Biochemistry and Function of Nucleic Acids (2 credits)
The biochemistry of RNA and DNA with emphasis on biological function and evolution. Specific topics include: nucleic acid structure, biophysical properties, biosynthesis, and molecular function.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3101 or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8110 Proteostasis (3 credits)
Designed to follow proteins from birth at the ribosome, through life as a functional component of the cell, and into degradation at the end of the life-cycle.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the BSCI-PHD program and BIOL 3101 or equiv.; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8201 Epigenetics (3 credits)
Focuses on the molecular biology of epigenetic gene expression states of eukaryotic model organisms and introduces molecular and genetic approaches to the analysis of epigenetic problems. In particular, the course addresses DNA methylation, RNA interference, chromatin structure, transposable elements and gene silencing.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the BSCI-PHD program and BIOL 3201 and BIOL 3301 or equiv.; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8202 Principles of Eukaryotic Genetics (2 credits)
Genetics of eukaryotic model organisms with a focus on genetic approaches to the analysis of contemporary biological problems. Eukaryotic chromosome structure and function.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3201 or equiv.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8301 Imaging and Cytoskeletons (2 credits)
Discusses the principles of cytoskeleton and molecular motors and modern imaging tools developed for the studies of cellular mechanisms.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2301 or equiv.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8302 Proteins in Eukaryotic Cells (3 credits)
An in-depth analysis of the role of proteins in eukaryotic cells. Discusses, in detail, mechanisms of protein translocation across biological membranes and the genetic and biochemical analysis of protein sorting to diverse organelles.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3301 or equiv. Consent required. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8603 Cell and Molecular Biology of Early Development (3 credits)
Study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the specification of cell fate in a variety of model organisms including fruit flies, nematodes, mice and zebra fish. Emphasizes genetic, biochemical and molecular techniques used in studying these complex systems.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in BSCI-PHD; and BIOL 3301 or equiv. or BIOL 4601 or equiv.; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8701 Advanced Physiology and Organ Systems (3 credits)
Focuses on organ systems and how organs contribute to the overall physiology of organisms. Topics include homeostatic control and disease states.
Prerequisite: Enrolled in BSCI-PHD; and BIOL 4701 or equiv.; or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8704 Cellular Homeostasis (2 credits)
Detailed study of the proteins and pathways involved in the maintenance of cell volume, pH, and ionic balance, including the analysis of the function of plasma membrane transporter and channel proteins. The emphasis will be on eukaryotic cells, but prokaryotic cells will also be covered.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2301 or equiv., or cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8801 Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics (2 credits)
Basic principles of bacterial genetics and regulation of gene expression. Points of emphasis: 1) how genetics and regulation shape and are shaped by the biology of the organism, 2) principles that are important to all biologists, including the manipulation of bacteria in genetic cloning and protein production, 3) application of genetics to elucidate cell physiology and biochemistry.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8802 Microbiomes in Health and the Environment (3 credits)
Exploration of the ways bacteria, archaea and viruses influence all ecosystems on the planet, from extreme environments to human bodies.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8803 Microbial Diversity and Ecology (2-3 credits)
Study of microbial phylogenic and physiological diversity underlying the ecological interactions in natural communities. Emphasizes quantitative molecular techniques and sequencing used in studying microbial communities in the environment. Develops critical thinking and writing skills in determining research objectives and testing hypotheses. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8931 Topics in Biology (1-3 credits)
Subject matter variable as determined by needs of biological sciences graduate students. Students may enroll more than once as subject matter changes.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8953 Seminar in Biochemistry and Genetics (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in biochemistry and genetics.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8954 Seminar in Plant Molecular Biology (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in plant molecular biology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8955 Seminar in Neuroscience (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in neuroscience.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8956 Seminar in Cell and Developmental Biology (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in cell and developmental biology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8957 Seminar in Physiology (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in physiology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8958 Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8959 Seminar in Microbiology (1 credits)
Topics of current interest in microbiology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8995 Independent Study in Biological Sciences (1-3 credits)
Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in biology.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr. and cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 8999 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12 credits)
S/U grade assessment.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept. ch. Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9970 Graduate Standing Continuation: Less than Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Designated as less than half-time status only, cannot be used in conjunction with other courses, and does not qualify students for financial aid or loan deferment.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9974 Graduate Fellowship: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Designated as full-time status. If a student is already registered in other courses full time, this continuation course is not needed.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9975 Graduate Assistant Teaching: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Designated as full-time status. If a student is already registered in other courses full time, this continuation course is not needed.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9976 Graduate Assistant Research: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Designated as full-time status. If a student is already registered in other courses full time, this continuation course is not needed.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9984 Master's Comprehensive Examination Preparation: Less than Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of less than half-time status. Requires that the student is working less than 12 hours per week toward their master's comprehensive exam.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9985 Master's Comprehensive Examination Preparation: Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of half-time status. Requires that the student is working more than 12 to less than 20 hours per week toward their master's comprehensive exam. May be taken in conjunction with credit-bearing or other non-credit courses to result in the status indicated, as deemed appropriate by the department.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9986 Master's Comprehensive Examination Preparation: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of full-time status. Requires that the student is working 20 hours or more per week toward their master's comprehensive exam. May be taken in conjunction with credit-bearing or other non-credit courses to result in the status indicated, as deemed appropriate by the department.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9987 Doctoral Qualifying Examination Preparation: Less than Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of less than half-time status. Requires that the student is working less than 12 hours per week toward their doctoral qualifying exam.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9988 Doctoral Qualifying Examination Preparation: Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of half-time status. Requires that the student is working more than 12 to less than 20 hours per week toward their doctoral qualifying exam. May be taken in conjunction with credit-bearing or other non-credit courses to result in the status indicated, as deemed appropriate by the department.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9989 Doctoral Qualifying Examination Preparation: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of full-time status. Requires that the student is working 20 hours or more per week toward their doctoral qualifying exam. May be taken in conjunction with credit-bearing or other non-credit courses to result in the status indicated, as deemed appropriate by the department.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9995 Master's Thesis Continuation: Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of half-time status. Requires that the student is working more than 12 to less than 20 hours per week on their master's thesis. All six thesis credits required for the degree should be completed before registering for non-credit Master's Thesis Continuation.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9996 Master's Thesis Continuation: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of full-time status. Requires that the student is working 20 hours or more per week on their master's thesis. All six thesis credits required for the degree should be completed before registering for non-credit Master's Thesis Continuation.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9998 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation: Half-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of half-time status. Requires that the student is working more than 12 to less than 20 hours per week on their doctoral dissertation. All 12 dissertation credits required for the degree should be completed before registering for non-credit Doctoral Dissertation Continuation.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate
BIOL 9999 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation: Full-Time (0 credits)
Fee. S/U grade assessment. Allows a student to be considered the equivalent of full-time status. Requires that the student is working 20 hours or more per week on their doctoral dissertation. All 12 dissertation credits required for the degree should be completed before registering for non-credit Doctoral Dissertation Continuation.
Prerequisite: Consent required.
Level of Study: Graduate