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The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate study leading to a Master of Science degree. The selection of specialties, called tracks, available in the program provides an opportunity for continuing education in biology beyond the bachelor’s degree for teachers, technicians, future Ph.D. candidates, and persons in the allied health professions, medical and other related fields.
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Departmental Requirements for Admission
Fulfillment of the general requirements for admission to the graduate program. Completion of a minimum of fifteen hours in the biological sciences with a minimum average of B (3.0). Applicants with less than a B average may be considered for conditional admission on a three-course basis.
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Requirements for the Degree
Completion of 30 semester hours of approved graduate courses in the biological sciences, including: BIOL 315, 410, 412, 470; PSLY 407; and at least six additional semester hours of 400-level courses. Completion of a written thesis based on laboratory/field studies or library research. Requirements for the thesis must be completed in the following order:
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| 1. |
Completion of BIOL 410. |
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Selection of a thesis committee composed of a thesis advisor and two additional faculty members. |
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Submission of thesis proposal. |
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Approval of thesis proposal by thesis committee. |
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Completion of BIOL 470. |
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Successful oral defense of the thesis within two attempts. |
A maximum of six semester hours for the thesis course (BIOL 470) may be applied toward the master’s degree. The student must declare and adhere to a curriculum specified by one of the following tracks of study: Microbial/Molecular Biology; Applied Physiology; Environmental Biology.
A student who is currently active as a secondary school teacher may design a curriculum of courses from each of these three tracks only after consultation with the graduate advisor and approval of the curriculum by the graduate faculty.
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Tracks of Study
Students may choose from one of three tracks of study for the Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences. Each track consists of a defined set of lecture and laboratory courses that will enable the student to receive a structured graduate-level education by focusing on a particular area of biology. The courses for the tracks listed below are taken in addition to the five courses required for all biology graduates students (BIOL 315, 410, 412, 470 and PSLY 407) for a total of 30 credit hours, 18 of which must be at the 400 level.
Microbial/Molecular Track
BIOL 351, 428, and two of the following courses: BIOL 417, 352 or 390.
Applied Physiology Track
PSLY 321, 333, 420, 435.
Environmental Biology Track
Fifteen credit hours of biological sciences, six of which must be at the 400-level selected from the following: BIOL 320, 307, 372, 373, 405, 419. Other courses may be substituted only with the prior written approval of the department.
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Course Offering
Biology
301 THE BIOLOGY OF AFRICA (3)
Prerequisite: One year of biology.
Special biological and ecological features of Africa; emphasis on the tropical regions and their relationship to present biological and ecological crisis and potential biological resources. Africa’s biological contributions, past and present, to life on earth.
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302 HISTORY OF BIOLOGY (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department.
Significant topics in the development of the biological sciences since the time of the ancient Greeks. Use of Chicago area libraries for research reports.
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307 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /8/
Prerequisite: CHEM 155, one semester of biology, and consent of the instructor.
Practical field and laboratory-based skills for assessing environmental impact in an urban setting using EPA protocols. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for a local project selected in consultation with local environmental professionals and citizen groups. Experienced professionals will speak on legal, ecological, consulting and other aspects of environmental impact analysis. Lab fee.
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315 BIOMETRICS(3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the university qualifying examinations in reading and English; BIOL 107, 255 and four additional biology courses and MATH 162.
Statistics and related mathematics as currently applied in the biological and health sciences. Includes graphs and tables; descriptive statistics; populations, samples, and inference; hypothesis testing; demography and vital statistics.
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320 URBAN HORTICULTURE (3)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /5/
Prerequisite: 45 hours of college credit including BIOL 107 or BOT 205 or consent of the department.
Laboratory cultivation and examination of plants used in urban settings to determine environmental factors affecting rate of growth, hardiness, and appearance. Included are insect pest problems, abiotic factors such as soluble salts, air pollution, and use of artificial light and soil media. |
335 SEMINAR IN RESEARCH (1)
Prerequisite: 16 credit hours in physical or biological sciences, successful completion of the English Qualifying Examination, and consent of the instructor. Instruction in critical reading and understanding of current research literature in the chemical and biological sciences. Utilization of current literature to prepare and carry out a scientifically accurate presentation (publication or meeting talk) of data and results from research endeavors.
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340 ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 250.
Principles; use of the electron microscope. |
351 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3) /4/
Prerequisite: BIOL 250, CHEM 254.
Chemistry of major cellular macromolecules and their role in the structure and function of the cell. Emphasis on the nucleic acids, protein synthesis and molecular genetics, including genetic bioengineering. |
352 CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY (3) /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 250.
Application of modern techniques to the study of cell biology, with emphasis on methods for isolation and analysis of cellular organelles and macromolecules. |
373 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY(4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 355, BIOL 372, and CHEM 251.
The biological consequences of overpopulation, depletion of natural resources, pollution, and environmental degradation to plants and animals, including humans. Discussion of both the theoretical and practical aspects of conservation of plants and animals. Combining theoretical concepts from ecology, genetics, evolution, and chemistry to evaluate the possible solutions to these problems.
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390 RECOMBINANT DNA LABORATORY (3) /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 351 and CHEM 302.
Application of modern techniques used in molecular biology and analysis of mammalian genomes using state-of-the-art methodologies such as PCR and DNA sequencing.
NOTE: All graduate students are eligible to enroll for 400-level classes, except those designated as restricted to master’s degree students or requiring departmental permission. Prior consultation with the department is recommended.
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401 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (2-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department.
Individualized program in advanced biology suited to the students needs and past training. Summary paper required. (Hours to be arranged.)
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405 ADVANCED EVOLUTION (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 240; BOT 247; or consent of the department.
Principles, facts, and the theories of organic evolution. |
410 METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH (3)
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master’s degree program or consent of the instructor. Investigation of the nature of scientific research through selected readings, bibliographic compilation and written literature reviews. Term paper required.
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412 HUMAN GENETICS (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 240; PSLY 201 or 204; CHEM 302 or equivalent.
Molecular and cellular basis of human heredity. |
414 MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 269 or CHEM 302; master’s degree Candidate or Graduate Degree. In-depth survey of form, function, composition, growth, nutrition, and metabolism of microorganisms. Review and discussion of relevant research papers with emphasis on methodology and significance of results. Credit will not be given for both BIOL 314 and BIOL 414.
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417 IMMUNOLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 269 and CHEM 302 or equivalent.
Basic immunological concepts and laboratory techniques with applications to biological research form the basis for discussion and independent study: chemistry of antigen-antibodies reactions cellular immunology including antibody formation, hypersensitivity, immunogenetics, autoimmunity and transplantation immunology; and immunity and immunopathology including the immunological mechanisms of disease. Credit will not be given for both BIOL 417 and 317.
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419 APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 269 or equivalent.
The basic concepts and laboratory techniques in applied and environmental microbiology and their applications to biological research will be mphasized. The roles of microbes in environmental remediation; natural recycling of bioelements.
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425 VIROLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 269 and CHEM 254 or equivalent.
Physical, chemical, and biological characterization of major cellular macromolecules of viruses and their role in the structure and viral functions with emphasis on bacteriophage. Clinical virology and plant viruses of significance to biological research. Application of modern techniques for isolation and biological characterization of bacteriophage. Credit will not be given for both BIOL 325 and 425.
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428 MICROBIAL GENETICS (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: BIOL 240 and 269; CHEM 254 or equivalent.
Molecular basis of inheritance in viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The role of microbes in understanding basic genetic principles and their roles in genetic engineering. Laboratory techniques with application to biological research. Credit will not be given for both 328 and 428.
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430 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY(3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 372 and either BIOL 355 or 405.
Theory and techniques used for protection of biological diversity. Emphasis on local environments and management practices. Preparation of management plans. Invited speakers include local conservation biologists. Field trips to local preservation and restoration sites.
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435 PHARMACOLOGY (3)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /4/
Prerequisite: CHEM 302; PSLY 204, 407.
Pharmacologic concepts including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and drug biotransformation. Classification of drugs and the effects of these drugs on the body.
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441 SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (3)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /8/
Prerequisite: Biology, chemistry, or Physics major with 12 credit hours completed in the major or permission department.
Principles and use of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray microanalysis. Preparation of specimens for photography and analysis in the SEM. Credit will not be given for both 341 and 441.
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460 SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (1-4)
In-depth study of selected topics in the biological sciences. Subject matter for each selected topic will be determined by instructor and student interests. Course may be repeated under different topics. |
470 GRADUATE RESEARCH (2-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of faculty sponsor and the graduate advisor; degree candidacy.
Investigation of a laboratory, field, or library research topic in biology in preparation of a master’s thesis under the direction of a faculty member
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BOTANY
354 ECONOMIC BOTANY (3)
Prerequisite: One semester of college biology.
Plants and plant products important to human economy.
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361 LOCAL FLORA (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the university qualifying examinations in reading and English; BOT 205 or 236.
Collection, identification, and classification of seed plants and ferns of the Chicago region. Use of manuals and other references. Herbarium techniques. Principles of plant taxonomy and phylogeny. |
362 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: One year of botany courses and CHEM 302.
Physiological processes of plants. Environmental influences.
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365 PLANT ANATOMY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the university qualifying examinations in reading and English; BOT 205 or 236.
Origin, development, maturation, function, and evolutionary history of vascular plant structures. |
366 PLANT ECOLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: One year of botany courses and consent of the department.
Analysis and classification of plant communities. Six field trips required.
NOTE: All graduate students are eligible to enroll for 400-level classes, except those designated as restricted to master’s degree students or requiring departmental permission. Prior consultation with the department is recommended.
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411 PALEOBOTANY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: One year of botany courses.
Evolution of plants revealed by fossil records. |
412 PLANT CYTOLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: BOT 236 or 247.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions of plant cells. Structures, behavior, and aberrations of chromosomes. |
414 MEDICAL MYCOLOGY(3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 240, 269; CHEM 251, and consent of the department.
Fundamental principles of the infectious disease process. Clinical techniques for isolation, identification and diagnosis of cutaneous and systemic mycoses; therapeutic control procedures. Credit will not be given for both BOT 314 and BOT 414.
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460 SELECTED TOPICS IN BOTANY (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department.
In-depth study of selected topics in Botany. Subject matter for each selected topic will be determined by instructor and student interests. Course may be repeated under different topics.
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PHYSIOLOGY
306 THE CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE STRESS (3) /4/
Prerequisite: PSLY 201 or 204 or equivalent.
Critical review and application of the current knowledge to the interactions between exercise stress and the cellular processes of adaptation and maladaptation. Not acceptable as a biology elective for biology majors.
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321 COMPARATIVE ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the university qualifying examinations in reading and English; ZOOL 204 and CHEM 254.
The physiological and biochemical diversity of animals. Emphasis on the physiological mechanisms involved in adaptation to habitat.
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333 PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTROL MECHANISMS (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: PSLY 201 or 204 and admission to the Premedical/Predental option or consent of the department.
Endocrine and nervous control mechanisms. An analysis of glandular and central nervous system functioning as they relate to normal body physiology and behavior patterns.
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NOTE: All graduate students are eligible to enroll for 400-level classes, except those designated as restricted to master’s degree students or requiring departmental permission. Prior consultation with the department is recommended.
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407 CELL PHYSIOLOGY(3)
Prerequisite: Two semesters of organic chemistry.
Physical, chemical, and mathematical interpretation of basic life processes at the cellular level. Multicellular development and integration. |
410 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /6/
Prerequisite: PSLY 204, 407; ZOOL 250.
Cellular and systemic pathophysiology in relation to normal cellular and systemic physiologic function. The effects of pathophysiology on the systems of the human body. Students attend physician and surgical seminars.
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420 COMPARATIVE CELLULAR NEUROPHYSIOLOGY(4)
LECTURE AND LABORATORY /4/
Prerequisite: PSLY 201 or 204.
Survey of the animal nervous systems used in the formulation of current theories of nerve physiology from a historical and experimental perspective. Cellular approach to the nervous system, including synaptic biophysics, nerve anatomy, and nervous integration. Credit will not be given for both 320 and 420.
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435 HOMEOSTATIC MECHANISMS/ADVANCED HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4)
Prerequisite: Physiology 204.
Examination of the contributions of the respiratory, renal and cardiovascular systems in the maintenance of homeostasis of the internal environment. Credit will not be given for both Physiology 335 and Physiology 435.
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460 SELECTED TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGY (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department.
In-depth study of selected topics in physiology. Subject matter for each selected topic will be determined by instructor and student interests. Course may be repeated under different topics. |
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