PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Our graduate program is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to graduate level topics in diverse areas of biology. We have designed a pair of courses exclusively for graduate students; these courses are intended to broaden and deepen your thinking in biological concepts, research, and quantitative hypothesis testing. Students can also participate in other courses as well as independent study with individual faculty. Since most course requirements are usually completed in the first year, you then have time to engage fully in individual research projects by the second year. Graduate Program Learning Goals 1. Display diversified knowledge of biological concepts, theories and research techniques covered by the core courses and in each student’s area of specialization 2. Integrate new knowledge into existing scientific frameworks 3. Engage in and conduct original research 4. Represent and interpret data in quantitative and statistically meaningful forms 6. Appreciate ethical conduct in science (see “On Being a Scientist” (1995) (Manifest leadership and social responsibility) including 7. Develop a skill set and research record such that they can secure employment in universities, federal agencies, private companies or non-governmental organizations where they can apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the program.