MS in Biology
Program HighlightsThe Master of Science degree in Biology is designed to provide graduate training in biology for biology teachers, for individuals preparing for advanced study leading to the earning of a doctorate, or for individuals who have chosen an industrial vocation. The curriculum will enable a student to broaden his or her background in the biological sciences, to specialize in an area of biology, and to gain experience in research. There are two areas of concentration: Ecology and Medical Sciences. |
Course Information
Master of Science in Biology Curriculum—Ecology Area 30 credits minimum
Core 9–10 credits
BIOL701 Seminar in Biology
6–7 credits must come from the following list of courses: BIOL540, BIOL609, BIOL651, BIOL657
Area of Concentration 9-18 credits
At least 9 credits must come from the following list of courses: BIOL540, BIOL555, BIOL600, BIOL603, BIOL604, BIOL609, BIOL637, BIOL640, BIOL642, BIOL643, BIOL647, BIOL651, BIOL657, BIOL664, BIOL672, BIOL681, BIOL682, PYMA619, PYMA620, PYMA621, PYMA622, PYMA623, PYMA624, PYMA625, PYMA626, PYMA633, PYMA636, PYMA639, PYMA641, PYMA651, PYMA699, PYMA755
Research Component 3-6 credits
BIOL799 Thesis OR BIOL793 Independent Study in Biological Sciences
Electives in Supporting Sciences, Mathematics, and Education 0–6 credits
Comprehensive Examination
Master of Science in Biology Curriculum—Medical Sciences Area 30 credits minimum
Core 9–10 credits
BIOL701 Seminar in Biology
6–7 credits must come from the following list of courses: BIOL540, BIOL609, BIOL 651, BIOL657
Area of Concentration 9-18 credits
At least 9 credits must come from the following list of courses: BIOL540, BIOL555, BIOL602, BIOL609, BIOL610, BIOL646, BIOL651, BIOL657, BIOL661, BIOL664
Research Component 3-6 credits
BIOL799 Thesis OR BIOL793 Independent Study in Biological Sciences
Electives in Supporting Sciences, Mathematics, and Education 0–6 credits
Comprehensive Examination
Degree Requirements: Research Requirement. Students must complete a research project. Two options are available: thesis and non-thesis. In each case, the student works with a faculty supervisor and research committee to carry out an original project. The thesis option is the most demanding, requiring the development of a proposal, execution of the experimental design, and submission of a written summary of the work. The non-thesis option is generally less rigorous, but requires the design and execution of a laboratory or field experiment.
BIOL 600 Ecology (3 credit hours)
This course presents a study of plants and animals in relation to their physical and biological environments. Special topics include distribution factors, life zones, food chains and adaptations. Special attention is given to animal and plant communities in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Class consists of lectures, laboratory exercises, and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL230 and BIOL240.BIOL 603 Organic Evolution (3 credit hours)
The evolution of the modern synthesis and the ability of this theory to explain the genetic structure of populations, molecular evolution, adaptations and speciation will be discussed and investigated through laboratory exercises. Modern methods in phylogenetic systematic/taxonomy will also be presented and implemented through various projects. Prerequisite: BIOL103 and BIOL300. 2 hours lecture and 3 hours of lab
BIOL 609 Molecular Biology and Genomics (4 credit hours)
This course will inculcate concepts in molecular biology and genomics and develop laboratory skills in molecular biology/biotechnology and computer skills in genomics, proteomics, and related areas. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL103 and either BIOL300 or BIOL305, or equivalent.
BIOL 637 Conservation Biology (3 credit hours)
This course provides an overview of the history and current status of species extinction and global loss of biodiversity. The course surveys methods used to conserve animal and plant life and wildlife habitat in the United States and around the world, and discusses conservation activities and needs in societal, cultural, economic, and political contexts. Prerequisite: BIOL230 or BIOL 240 or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 640 Ichthyology(3 credit hours)
This course studies the taxonomy, ecology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, breeding habits, and growth and development of fishes. A taxonomic and evolutionary approach examines both the diversity and the relationships existing among the major groups of fishes. Laboratory and field work emphasizes fishes of the area. There is a three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisite: BIOL140 or BIOL309, or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
BIOL 642 Ornithology (3 credit hours)
This course will include the identification, classification, and natural history of birds with emphasis on those of Pennsylvania and nearby states. It will involve laboratory, lectures, and much field study. Prerequisite: BIOL240, with lab. 2 hours lecture and 3 hours lab.
BIOL 643 Mammalogy (3 credit hours)
This course provides for a study of taxonomy, adaptations, life histories, ecology and distribution of mammals with emphasis on those in this general region of the country. Prerequisite: BIOL140. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.
BIOL 647 Field Zoology and Systematics(3 credit hours)
This course is devoted to concepts and procedures of systematics, and to classifying and identifying fauna collected on field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL240 with lab. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.
BIOL 657 Biological Study Design and Data Analysis(3 credit hours)
This course examines the design and use of research hypotheses, controlled experiments, and data collection and analysis, as they apply to research in the biological sciences. Emphasis is on the role of statistical inference in the hypothetico-deductive approach to studying living organisms. Prerequisite: BIOL103 and either MATH260 or MATH350.
BIOL 664 Introduction to Pathology(3 credit hours)
This course involves the study of abnormal function and structure at the tissue level. Topics covered are inflammation, necrosis, tissue repair, neoplasia and autoimmunity. A detailed unit on blood and electrolyte imbalances is also included. Lecture and demonstrations, no lab. Prerequisite: a course in Human or Animal Physiology or consent of the instructor.
BIOL 672 Biology of the Higher Invertebrates(3 credit hours)
Biology of Higher Invertebrates is an exploration of the life styles of the many animals without backbones, including form, function, and taxonomy. Lectures will focus on the unique features of different invertebrate phyla and the interesting ways animals interact with each other and their environments. We will cover topics in animal classification, life history and various types of human-invertebrate interactions. The laboratory section of this course will be composed of field work on campus and at Presque Isle, and labortory work that examines invertebrate diversity and animal structure and function. Prerequisites: BIOL103 and BIOL 240. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.
BIOL 682 Behavioral Ecology (4 credit hours)
Behavior is studied from an evolutionary perspective. Current models of foraging, mating and social behavior are evaluated through classroom and field work.
BIOL 701 Seminar in Biology(3 credit hours)
The emphasis in this course is on the presentation and discussion, by students, of topics and research pertinent to the field of biology at the present time. Required of all biology graduate students (M.S. and M.Ed.). Prerequisite: graduate standing.
BIOL 793 Independent Study in Biological Science (3 credit hours)
This experience is devised to meet the needs of students who wish to prepare, under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty, individual studies or projects in the field of biological science.
BIOL 799 Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
Research for the Master's thesis is conducted under the supervision of the advisor.
Admission Requirements
All admission materials should be sent to : School of Graduate Studies, 219 Meadville Street, Reeder Hall - 3rd Floor, Edinboro, PA 16444 or via email gradstudies@edinboro.edu or fax 814-732-2611
1. Complete the online graduate application (gradschool.edinboro.edu).
2. Application fee of $30 (if not former EUP student), or $7 (if former EUP student).
3. An official transcript verifying an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
4. Scores from the general aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Edinboro University code 2651
5. Three letters of reference.
6. Statement of purpose (1 paragraph each) on each of the following 2 questions:
a. What area(s) or topic(s) within biology would you like to research for the thesis or independent
study project that represents partial fulfillment of this degree program?
b. What career options within biology are you considering and how would completion of a
master’s degree in Biology support these goals?
If you are interested in transferring credits from another degree you will need to fill out the Transfer Credit Form and submit it to the address listed above.
For information or assistance regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with a disability, contact Dr. Robert McConnell, Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), at (814) 732-2462 t/tty or mcconnell@edinboro.edu. For additional information, visit the OSD web page.
Apply Online
On-Campus PA Resident
| Credits | Tuition PA Resident |
University Center Fee |
Technology Fee PA Resident |
Instructional Service Fee PA Resident |
TOTAL TUITION RATES & FEES PA RESIDENT |
| 1 | 429.00 | 29.00 | 21.00 | 67.50 | 546.50 |
| 2 | 858.00 | 58.00 | 42.00 | 135.00 | 1,093.00 |
| 3 | 1,287.00 | 87.00 | 63.00 | 202.50 | 1,639.50 |
| 4 | 1,716.00 | 116.00 | 84.00 | 270.00 | 2,186.00 |
| 5 | 2,145.00 | 145.00 | 105.00 | 337.50 | 2,732.50 |
| 6 | 2,574.00 | 174.00 | 126.00 | 405.00 | 3,279.00 |
| 7 | 3,003.00 | 203.00 | 147.00 | 472.50 | 3,825.50 |
| 8 | 3,432.00 | 232.00 | 168.00 | 540.00 | 4,372.00 |
| 9 | 3,861.00 | 261.00 | 189.00 | 607.50 | 4,918.50 |
| 10 | 4,290.00 | 290.00 | 210.00 | 675.00 | 5,465.00 |
| 11 | 4,719.00 | 319.00 | 231.00 | 742.50 | 6,011.50 |
| 12 | 5,148.00 | 348.00 | 252.00 | 810.00 | 6,558.00 |
| 13 | 5,577.00 | 377.00 | 273.00 | 877.50 | 7,104.50 |
| 14 | 6,006.00 | 406.00 | 294.00 | 945.00 | 7,651.00 |
| 15 | 6,435.00 | 435.00 | 315.00 | 1,012.50 | 8,197.50 |
On-Campus Non-Resident
| Credits | Tuition Non-Resident |
University Center Fee |
Technology Fee Non-Resident |
Instructional Service Fee Non-Resident |
TOTAL TUITION RATES & FEES NON-RESIDENT |
| 1 | 644.00 | 29.00 | 31.00 | 101.25 | 805.25 |
| 2 | 1,288.00 | 58.00 | 62.00 | 202.50 | 1,610.50 |
| 3 | 1,932.00 | 87.00 | 93.00 | 303.75 | 2,415.75 |
| 4 | 2,576.00 | 116.00 | 124.00 | 405.00 | 3,221.00 |
| 5 | 3,220.00 | 145.00 | 155.00 | 506.25 | 4,026.25 |
| 6 | 3,864.00 | 174.00 | 186.00 | 607.50 | 4,831.50 |
| 7 | 4,508.00 | 203.00 | 217.00 | 708.75 | 5,636.75 |
| 8 | 5,152.00 | 232.00 | 248.00 | 810.00 | 6,442.00 |
| 9 | 5,796.00 | 261.00 | 279.00 | 911.25 | 7,247.25 |
| 10 | 6,440.00 | 290.00 | 310.00 | 1,012.50 | 8,052.50 |
| 11 | 7,084.00 | 319.00 | 341.00 | 1,113.75 | 8,857.75 |
| 12 | 7,728.00 | 348.00 | 372.00 | 1,215.00 | 9,663.00 |
| 13 | 8,372.00 | 377.00 | 403.00 | 1,316.25 | 10,468.25 |
| 14 | 9,016.00 | 406.00 | 434.00 | 1,417.50 | 11,273.50 |
| 15 | 9,660.00 | 435.00 | 465.00 | 1,518.75 | 12,078.75 |
| **Please note, these prices are for PA Resident and Non PA Resident ON CAMPUS ONLY programs.Credit costs are subject to change from year to year.** | ||||||
| Financial Aid Office Phone: (814)-732-3500 Toll Free: 1-888-611-2680 Fax: (814)- 732-2129 Email: Finaid@Edinboro.edu |
Bursars Office Phone: (814)-732-5555 Fax: (814)-732-2991 Email: Bursar@Edinboro.edu |
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For More Information: If you have questions about the application process, please contact Edinboro University's School of Graduate Studies at (814)732-2856 or toll-free (888) 845-2890. For questions specific to the Master of Biology program, please contact Dr. Peter Lindeman at (814)732-2447 (plindeman@edinboro.edu) or Ms. Jessica Albert, Graduate Admissions Counselor at (814) 732-1353 (jalbert@edinboro.edu). Request Information |
Tutorial Overview
Please note that your professor will communicate with you via your university e-mail account. As such, you will need to check this account often. Using this Tutorial
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