Graduate Faculty: Beitinger, Benjamin, Burggren, Chapman, Crawford, Dickson, Dickstein, Fitzpatrick, Fuchs, Goven, Gross, Kennedy, Kunz, LaPoint, Norton, O'Donovan, Pirtle, Root, Saleh, Schafer, Schwark, Sinclair, Smith, Tam, Waller, Zimmerman.
Our mission includes providing professional and contemporary graduate education leading to master's and doctoral degrees with majors in biology, biochemistry, environmental science and, as part of the Federation of North Texas Area Universities, molecular biology. Scholarly activity in basic and applied research, professional community/public service, strong professor-student mentoring and high quality coursework instruction are the foundations of our mission.
Our graduate students participate in the creation of new knowledge through research in aquatic biology, aquatic toxicology, biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, ecology, environmental sciences, forensic biology, genetics, limnology, microbiology, neurobiology, physiology and plant sciences. Research is funded by extramural grants and contracts from a diversity of public and privates sources: The National Science Foundation, The National Institutes of Health, the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, the Department of Agriculture, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas Advanced Research Program, the Department of Defense, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and private industry.
Department research assets include nearly 200,000 square feet within the Biology Building, the
Environmental Education Science and Technology Building and the Science Research Building.
Instrumentation includes scanning and transmission electron microsopy (with electron dispersive spectroscopy
capability), flow cytometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, single- and multi-unit
electrophysiology, superspeed and ultracentrifugation, DNA synthesis, visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy, tissue
culture, liquid scintillation counting, light microscopy, electrophoresis and chromatography. Environmental
research capabilities include complete facilities for water and water pollution analyses, archaeological studies and satellite/airborne digital image
analyses utilizing a computerized remote sensing system. An aquatic research field station with
48 0.1- acre experimental ponds is located a few miles from campus, and an artificial stream facility
near Pecan Creek.
The department offers graduate programs leading to the following degrees:
The Master of Arts is a 36-hour, non-thesis degree with the option of taking 30 hours of formal organized coursework plus 6 hours of problems-in-lieu-of-thesis or 36 hours of formal coursework.
The MA degree is for students who do not anticipate further education leading to a doctorate. Students receiving MA degrees at UNT are not eligible for our PhD program in biology.
This degree includes a foreign language requirement. See the Master's Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
The Master of Science requires 24-hours of organized coursework, plus a 6-hour scholarly thesis. The MS is appropriate for students who wish to pursue careers in biomedical and biological sciences directly or enter a PhD program at UNT or elsewhere.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a 60-hour program beyond the master's degree or 90 hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including 12 hours of dissertation.
Most of our graduate students are supported through teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs) funded through research grants to faculty. Nine-month stipends range from $8,200 for entering master's students to $10,000 for PhD candidates. In addition, out-of-state and international students who are supported at least one-half time are eligible for in-state tuition rates. A limited number of summer TAs are available. Contact the department for further information about assistantships. Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for student loan information.
Students interested in neurobiology, neuropharmacology, tissue-based biosensors, or the mathematics of neural modeling may participate in an interdisciplinary research effort directed at investigating the behavior of neurons in networks and the application of network dynamics to the field of neurotoxicology, drug development, biosensors and small ensemble information processing.
The center specializes in in vitro preparations, especially monolayer cultures of mammalian (mouse) central nervous system cells with emphasizes research on pattern generation. The center pioneered the development and application of photoetched multimicroelectrode arrays and special culture chambers that allow the simultaneous monitoring of electrical activity at 64 sites in a network. Sophisticated multichannel data analysis systems support these research efforts.
The Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Human Identification provides field search and recovery technology and scientific laboratory analysis of human remains to medical examiners, coroners, and law enforcement agencies within the state of Texas. The laboratory also provides accredited professional training in various aspects of forensic science to death investigators. The main laboratory and x-ray facility are housed in the Department of Biological Sciences together with a teaching laboratory. Cooperating facilities include the Videocomputing Laboratory (Center for Instructional Services), and the Zooarchaeology Laboratory (Institute of Applied Science). Research activities focus on material properties of bone, isotopic dietary reconstruction and taphonomy.
The Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) provides research and educational programs that address the natural and human resource issues facing Texas, the nation and the world. With an emphasis on water, land, people and communities, IAS seeks to explore resources for the future. The strength of IAS is its interdisciplinary approach to instruction, research and community service.
The Institute is presently organized into four program areas: water resources, environmental chemistry, remote sensing and land use analysis, and archaeology. The institute provides educational programs for students seeking training in environmental studies and other applied science areas. It also offers to the public continuing education programs such as workshops, minicourses, seminars and symposia to the public.
Activities include basic and applied studies in a variety of fields in the applied sciences, including the analysis of trace organic and inorganic compounds in air, water, soils, waste materials and biological samples; toxicology; land use analysis via remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS); archaeological reconnaissance and salvage; and water resources management. The institute is particularly active in the coordination and execution of joint research projects with industry and governmental agencies in these areas. The following centers support this role.
UNT has one of the best aquatic toxicology laboratories in the Southwest. The lab is equipped to conduct acute and chronic toxicity tests with freshwater and marine organisms, and conducts research for a variety of industries and municipalities on the effects of chemicals on aquatic life. The reservoir limnology program conducts water quality research on rivers and reservoirs throughout Texas. The program has vehicles, boats, and sampling equipment for conducting intensive water quality surveys. Analytical capabilities are available for analyses of water contaminants.
The Center for Remote Sensing (CRS) applies remote sensing technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to land use and water resources issues. The center uses state-of-the-art computer facilities to conduct basic and applied research on remote sensing data collection, image enhancement, classification and analyses. The primary thrust is to find interrelationships between local or regional land use patterns and water quality. The center has a fully equipped Earth Resources Data Analysis Systems (ERDAS) and ARC/INFO capabilities.
UNT has two of the few facilities in the US designed to assess, under field conditions, the effects of new chemicals and pesticides on aquatic ecosystems. The pond facility consists of 48 aquatic testing ponds of 0.1 acre each and 52 1,000- and 10,000-liter microcosms. The Artificial Stream Facility has 12 five-meter replicate streams, each capable of being colonized by aquatic species. The Water Research Field Station (WRFS) is specifically designed to assess the impacts of agrichemicals on aquatic populations and communities. The research conducted at these facilities assesses the hazards of chemicals prior to their use in the general environment. The field station and stream facility are supported on campus by a biological and residue analysis laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment such as computer interfaced gas chromatographs.
The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory conducts research on the fate of chemicals in the environment. This lab has modern analytical equipment for the analysis of metals and organic chemicals in water and soils. The laboratory examines the physical and chemical processes that control the distribution of chemicals in soil, surface water, ground water and the atmosphere. Modern chromatography and spectroscopy instrumentation for the measurement of organic and inorganic contaminants are available.
The Institute's faculty are experienced in the design and implementation of cultural resource management projects. The emphasis is on reconstruction of past environments and cultural ecology as part of archaeological research. Quaternary geologic studies are supported by a sediment-soils laboratory that has full capabilities for mechanical, chemical and mineralogical analyses of samples from archaeological sites and natural deposits. A comparative osteology lab maintains an extensive collection of animal skeletons for zooarchaeological research and forensic analysis. An off-campus lab includes facilities for artifact washing and cataloging, detailed analysis, and artifact curation. Environmental geology, groundwater hydrology, geomorphology, soil science, sedimentology and hydrology research are also conducted.
This laboratory develops and uses mathematical models and computer simulations for the assessment
of risks and impacts of anthropogenic stressors on environmental and ecological systems. Research is
carried out at the local, landscape, regional and global scales. The main themes are linking of environmental
models of Remote Sensing/GIS
and application to landscape and regional dynamics; global change effects on tropical forests and
savannas; integration of modeling to policy science and relation to environmental issues and development;
and integration of modeling with other technologies like optical sensors, data acquisition electronics, and
high performance computers.
1. Application materials and information on our faculty and programs may be obtained through the department or our web site (www.biol.unt.edu). Prospective applicants meeting our admission criteria are encouraged to become familiar with the research and degree programs within the department and to seek opportunities by contacting individual faculty members or the graduate coordinators directly.
2. To be considered for admission to a graduate program, applicants must first apply and be admitted to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also submit the following directly to the graduate coordinator:
a. a departmental application form;
b. a letter of intent, including the specific degree sought (MA [coursework only or problems-in-lieu], MS or PhD); concentration or focus of program; faculty member contacted as prospective major adviser (if none, why); professional goals and objectives; why you chose UNT and the Department of Biological Sciences; and why you chose the specific area of interest; and
c. three form-letters of recommendation from former professors if a recent graduate (one of the three may be from an employer if employed for more than one year since graduation).
3. Completed applications of those meeting minimal departmental acceptance criteria are reviewed by the faculty. Only applicants selected by a faculty sponsor (i.e., future adviser) are eligible for admission to the department's graduate program.
4. Application deadlines: to be considered for acceptance, completed applications must be received in the department on or before the following dates. We encourage applications at least three months prior to enrollment.
5. Departmental acceptance criteria
a. Master's Degree (MA/MS)
b. Doctoral Degree (PhD)
The program in biology includes several research areas, including ecology, immunology, microbiology, physiology and plant science. This program offers the student diverse options of concentration in one or a combination of these areas.
1. The 36-hour coursework option requires students to complete formal courses at the 5000 level. The student's program is directed by a faculty adviser and a two-member advisory committee. The student submits a formal degree plan approved by the student's committee to the department and graduate school before the student's second long semester. During the student's final semester, the committee administers a final comprehensive examination. Students taking this option are not eligible for our PhD program.
2. The problems-in-lieu-of-thesis option requires the student to complete 30 hours of formal coursework plus 6 hours of 5920/5930. The student's program is directed by a faculty adviser and a two-member advisory committee. The student submits a formal degree plan approved by the student's committee to the department and graduate school before the student's second long semester. During the student's final semester, the committee administers a comprehensive examination, which also covers the problems-in-lieu-of-thesis. Students taking this option are not eligible for our PhD program.
The MS program requires the student to take formal coursework and conduct scholarly research leading to the thesis. This 30-hour program includes 6 hours of thesis (5950), and is directed by a faculty adviser and a two-member advisory committee. The committee is formed during the student's first semester. The committee approves the student's formal degree plan, which is submitted to the department and graduate school before the student's second long semester. Before the third long semester, the committee approves the student's formal research proposal, which is then submitted to the department. Until the research proposal is filed with the department, the student may not register for thesis (5950). The student submits the completed thesis to the committee members at least two weeks before the defense and final examination. The student will present results of the thesis research in a formal department seminar before graduation and submit a final, approved copy of the thesis to both the faculty adviser and the department.
The degree consists of 90 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's or 60 hours beyond the master's, with 12 hours allocated for the dissertation.
The PhD represents the attainment of a high level of scholarship and achievement in independent research that culminates in the completion of a dissertation of original scientific merit. It is expected that the candidate will have published or have approved for publication at least one original research article in a refereed journal prior to graduation. Before the third long semester, the student and adviser select a four-member advisory committee and submit a formal, committee-approved degree plan to the department and graduate school. Before the fifth long semester, the student submits a formal committee-approved research proposal to the department. Until the research proposal is filed with the department, the student may not register for dissertation (6950). The student must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a single foreign language or complete 6 hours of approved courses in a tool subject. After completion of coursework and the language/tool subject requirement, the student must take and pass written and oral qualifying examinations administered by the adviser and advisory committee. These examinations must be completed at least 9 months prior to the intended graduation date. During the final semester, the student submits the dissertation to the students advisory committee at least two weeks before the defense and final examination. The student will present results of the dissertation research in a formal departmental seminar before graduation and submit an approved, completed copy of the dissertation to both the faculty adviser and the department.
The biochemistry program encompasses a broad spectrum of student and faculty research interests reflective of the great impact of biotechnology on society.
The biochemistry program receives extramural support from a wide variety of international, national, regional and local granting agencies. Additionally, research is supported by a number of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Current research interests in biochemistry include regulation of cell growth and metabolism by hormones and growth factors; mammalian and plant gene structure, organization and expression; cellular regulation by the glyoxalase enzyme system; biological protective systems of oxidative stress; cell and molecular biology of invertebrate serotonin receptors; cell and molecular biology of prokaryotic sulfur metabolism; the molecular biology of prokaryotic ATCase; regulation of phospholipid metabolism and membrane biosynthesis in plants; mechano-chemical energy transduction of molecular motors using biochemical and biophysical methodologies; and investigations of interactions and organization of macromolecular structures, including nebulin, actin and myosin.
Laboratories in biochemistry are well equipped with the most advanced instruments and special equipment, including an automated DNA sequencer, DNA thermocyclers; protein purification equipment, pulsed-amperometric, fluorescence and UV monitor HPLC's; fluorescence microscope; scanning and transmission electron microscope; gas chromatographs with FID and NP detectors; radiometric scanner; UV-visible and fluorescence counters; liquid scintillation spectrometers; preparative ultracentrifuges; and tissue culture facilities.
1. Application materials and information on our faculty and programs may be obtained through the department or our web site (www.biol.unt.edu). Prospective applicants meeting our admission criteria are encouraged to become familiar with the research and degree programs within the department and to seek opportunities by contacting individual faculty members or the coordinator of the graduate programs directly.
2. To be considered for admission to a graduate program, applicants must first apply and be admitted to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also submit the following directly to the department's coordinator of graduate programs:
a. a departmental application form;
b. a letter of intent, including the specific degree sought (MA [coursework only or problems-in-lieu], MS or PhD); concentration or focus of program; faculty member contacted as prospective major adviser (if none, why); professional goals and objectives; why you chose UNT and the Department of Biological Sciences; and why you chose the specific area of interest; and
c. three form-letters of recommendation from former professors if a recent graduate (one of the three may be from an employer if employed for more than one year since graduation).
3. Completed applications of those meeting minimal departmental acceptance criteria are reviewed by the faculty. Only applicants selected by a faculty sponsor (i.e., future adviser) are eligible for admission to the department's graduate program.
4. Application deadlines: to be considered for acceptance, completed applications must be received in the department on or before the following dates. We encourage applications at least three months prior to enrollment.
5. Departmental acceptance criteria
a. Master's Degree (MS)
b. Doctoral Degree (PhD)
The biochemistry graduate adviser serves as adviser to the beginning student. When a field of specialization and a major professor have been selected, a committee is then appointed to serve in an advisory capacity. The student meets periodically with this committee for research progress reports and consultation.
The MS program requires at least 30 hours of graduate course work, and is directed by a faculty adviser and a two-member advisory committee. The student must maintain a B average in all biochemistry courses. The committee is formed during the student's first semester and approves the student's formal degree plan, which is submitted to the department and graduate school before the student's second long semester. Before the third long semester, the committee approves the student's formal research proposal, which is then submitted to the department. Until the research proposal is filed with the department, the student may not register for thesis (5950).
The biochemistry master's program requires completion of three core courses with an average grade of B or above. Supporting elective course work may be taken in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics or any combination of these areas. A research thesis is required. The student submits the completed thesis to the committee members at least two weeks before its defense and final examination. The student will present results of the thesis research in a formal department seminar before graduation and submit a completed copy of the dissertation to both the faculty adviser and the department.
The PhD represents the attainment of a high level of scholarship and achievement in
independent research that culminates in the completion of a dissertation of original scientific merit. It is expected
that the candidate will have published or have approved for publication at least one original research article in
a refereed journal prior to graduation. The degree consists of 90 semester credit hours beyond the
bachelor's or 60 hours beyond the master's, with 12 hours allocated for
the dissertation. The PhD core course requirement consists of the completion of four courses. Before
the third long semester, the student and adviser select a four-member advisory committee, and submit a
formal, committee-approved degree plan
to the department and graduate school. Before the fifth long semester, the student submits a formal
committee-approved research proposal to the department. Until the research proposal is filed
with the department, the student may not register
for dissertation (6950). After completion of the formal core requirement and other elective course
work, foreign language or computer science requirement, and BIOC 6010, the student will apply to the dean of
the School of Graduate Studies for admission to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. This should
be done at least one year before graduation. The student must take and pass written and oral
qualifying examinations administered by the adviser and advisory committee. These examinations must be completed at least nine months prior to the intended graduation date.
During the final semester, the student submits the dissertation to the student's advisory committee at least
two weeks before the defense and final examination. The student will present results of the dissertation
research in a formal departmental seminar before graduation and submit an approved, completed copy of
the dissertation to both the faculty adviser and the department.
Students also may conduct research in biochemistry, leading to the PhD degree, by entering the molecular biology program of the Federation of North Texas Area Universities. Further information about the molecular biology program is listed below.
The environmental science program is an interdisciplinary collaboration of the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Geography, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, as well as other departments at UNT. The program offers graduate studies in environmental science that lead to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The course of study involves core courses and electives that are flexible and designed to accommodate students with various backgrounds and interests in the natural, physical and social sciences, who desire careers related to environmental science. Students are trained to identify problems, collect and interpret data, and develop solutions to today's complex and challenging environmental problems. The training is truly interdisciplinary, promoting the analytical and communicative skills required to study and solve the critical problems facing municipalities, industries, utilities, and state and federal agencies. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of opportunities in education and research that reflect the university's interdisciplinary approach to environmental sciences.
The Environmental Science faculty members are active in a diversity of research endeavors, including biology, chemistry, aquatic toxicology, remote sensing and land use analyses, environmental modeling, earth resources, environmental policy, ground water and archaeology.
Completed applications, including official transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, environmental science application form and a letter of intent, must be received by:
Fall semester July 1
Spring semester November 1
Summer semester May 1
Applications missing these deadlines will be retained and reconsidered for the following semester.
Two options are available at the master's level: thesis option and non-thesis option. The basic thesis option degree plan consists of 36 graduate hours, including a core of 19 or 20 semester hours (depending on which of the optional core courses are selected), with the remaining 16 or 17 semester hours selected from a list of potential electives. The non-thesis option degree plan consists of 42 graduate hours, including a core of 25 to 28 semester hours (depending on which of the optional core courses are selected), with the remaining 14 to 17 hours selected from a list of potential electives. Each student must select the thesis or non-thesis option upon admission to the program, and with the guidance of a graduate advisory committee comprised of three faculty members, will develop an individual degree plan according to the student's area of interest. Only students who select the thesis option are eligible for teaching or research assistantships.
Students admitted to the master's program must meet or exceed all requirements set forth by UNT's graduate school. Please refer to "Requirements for Admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies" earlier in this catalog for complete details. In addition to these requirements, each student must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, or a 3.2 GPA for the last 60 hours of course work, and an acceptable GRE score (verbal and quantitative scores). Contact the department or the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies for information concerning acceptable admission test scores. Undergraduate course work also must include at least 6 credit hours of biology (3 of which must be ecology), 8 credit hours of chemistry (must be courses with laboratories) and mathematics up to calculus. In addition, three letters of reference by people who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate education must be sent to the graduate coordinator, of the Environmental Science program. Each student must submit a letter of intent that states the student's interest in attending graduate school at UNT, what background the student has to be successful in an environmental science graduate program and what the student expects to gain from the program. Finally, an application form for the environmental science program must be completed. The form is included in the application package.
The doctoral program is a research degree. A major, innovative dissertation is required for all students. A doctoral committee comprised of five faculty members will help the student select courses for a degree plan. Applicants to the PhD program must arrange to have a faculty member agree to chair this committee prior to application. Students entering the PhD program immediately after a bachelor's degree are required to take a minimum of 90 hours of graduate level course work, while students entering the PhD program after a master's degree are required to take a minimum of 60 hours. The degree plan will include 41 to 45 semester hours of core requirements (depending on which of the optional core courses are selected) and 12 hours of dissertation. The remaining hours will be selected from a list of potential electives, the number of hours depending on whether the students is in the 60-hour or 90-hour program. Students must select their doctoral committee within the first year after admission to the program and, with the guidance of the doctoral committee, develop individualized degree plans based on their area of interest.
Students admitted to the doctoral program must meet or exceed all requirements set forth by UNT's graduate school. Please refer to "Requirements for Admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies" earlier in this catalog for complete details. In addition to these requirements, each student must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, or a 3.2 GPA for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, or a minimum of an overall 3.5 GPA in their master's degree, and an acceptable GRE score (verbal and quantitative scores). Contact the department or the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies for information concerning acceptable admission GRE scores.
Bachelor's course work must be in an appropriate field (directly applicable to environmental science), with course work in biology, chemistry and mathematics, and master's programs must include a thesis appropriate to environmental science. Transcripts will be evaluated, and undergraduate leveling course work may be required. In addition, three letters of reference by people who can evaluate the applicant's potential for doctoral education must be sent to the graduate coordinator, of the Environmental Science program. Each student must submit a letter of intent that states the student's plans to attend graduate school at UNT, what background the student has that will facilitate his or her success in an environmental science graduate program and the general area of environmental research the dissertation will involve. Finally, prior to submitting an application to the PhD program, each student must have an environmental science faculty member agree to serve as his or her major professor and the chair of the doctoral committee. The student must ask for this commitment in writing and include a copy of that commitment with the application package.
Admission requirements and procedures for the master's program with a major in molecular biology are the same as for the biology degree programs listed above.
A minimum of 24 semester hours of formal course work plus a thesis based on 6 semester hours of research is required for the master's degree. Students can pursue course work at both UNT and Texas Woman's University through the Federation of North Texas Area Universities.
The following are procedures and degree requirements for students enrolled in the master's programs in molecular biology.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in molecular biology is offered through a cooperative program of the Federation of North Texas Area Universities, which includes the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. Students apply for acceptance into the program through one of the participating universities.
The federation doctoral program provides opportunities for formal course work, seminars, independent study, participation in regional and national conferences, and dissertation research. The program also includes federation-sponsored seminars featuring outstanding nationally and internationally recognized researchers.
Graduate students enrolled at either UNT or TWU take courses at both universities, thus benefiting from the combined faculties and facilities of the two institutions. Students graduating from the federation program will be granted the PhD from the university through which they entered the program. Course descriptions for UNT and TWU courses are located at the back of the catalog.
The doctoral program is staffed by faculty from the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. The following faculty members from each university participate in the program:
University of North Texas: Benjamin, Chapman, Dickstein, Farinha, Fuchs, Gross, Kunz, Norton, O'Donovan, Pirtle, Root, Schwark, Tam, Zimmerman.
Texas Woman's University: Conrad-Webb, Knesek, Lancaster, McIntyre, Mills, Rudick, Uphouse.
Faculty of the two participating universities pursue a variety of research topics. UNT faculty research interests include pyrimidine metabolism in bacteria; Pseudomonas ATCase; mechanisms of natural transformation in Gram-negative bacteria; organization and evolution of Pseudomonas catabolic plasmids; role of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the regulation of glycogenolysis; cyanide biodegradation; chemistry and enzymology of pathways for catabolism of aromatic compounds in soil microorganisms; regulation of insulin secretion; brain-stem lipids; glutathione-requiring enzymes; mammalian and plant gene structure, organization and expression; and regulation of blood cell differentiation.
TWU faculty research interests include binding and transport in cell membranes; gene regulation and hormone action; glycoprotein synthesis and secretion; biology of retroviruses; bacterial conjugation and gene transfer; aspects of brain development and brain function and mechanisms of generating motor patterns.
Funding to support research efforts comes from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas Advanced Technology/Research Program, UNT and TWU faculty research funds, industry contracts and private foundations.
a) a letter of intent, including a brief description with rationale, specifying the candidate's particular area of interest in biological sciences; and
b) three letters of recommendation from former professors if a recent graduate. One of the three may be from an employer if employed for more than one year since graduation.
The degree consists of a minimum of 90 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's or 60 hours beyond the master's, with 12 hours allocated for the dissertation.
The PhD represents the attainment of a high level of scholarship and achievement in independent research that culminates in the completion of a dissertation of original scientific merit. The candidate will have published or have approved for publication at least one original research article in a refereed journal prior to graduation.
The following are procedures and degree requirements for students enrolled in the federation doctoral program in molecular biology.
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