Graduate Catalog
 Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

Program Coordinator: Professor Richard Veit
Biological Sciences/Chemical Sciences Building (6S), Room 129
Email: biologymasters@mail.csi.cuny.edu
Telephone: 1.718.982.3862
(See section Graduate Courses in Selected Disciplines for biology courses for teachers.)

Department of Biology's Website
MS in Biology Website

*See the curriculum supplement for additions and changes to the program.

The Master of Science degree program in Biology is designed to provide research training and experience in the discipline of biology and allow students to specialize in such areas as molecular/cellular experimentation and ecology. The program is an appropriate foundation for students whose current goal is a terminal master's degree as a credential for laboratory or field research and for students who intend to continue to study toward the doctorate.

The program prepares students for careers in the expanding fields of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and conservation biology. Graduates of the program will be prepared to conduct research, to evaluate the research of others, and to write and speak effectively in scientific fields. The program opens the door to careers in clinical and research laboratories, industry, teaching, science writing, and in governmental agencies in the fields of health, environment, and parks.

Students with initial certification in Adolescence Education* (Biology) wishing to obtain professional certification in Biology will complete a program of 33 graduate credits. Students in the program enroll in ESC 601 (3 credits) and BIO 799 (6 credits) with others in their cohort. In addition to the courses listed above, they are required to take EDS 694 Advanced Studies in Teaching Secondary School Science (3 credits). Students who choose this program of study will complete a thesis with guidance from faculty of the Departments of Biology and Education.

*Approved by University Governance; pending NYSED approval.

Admissions Requirements

The Department of Biology Graduate Admissions Committee makes all decisions regarding admission to the program as a matriculated or non-matriculated student. Applicants are required to submit a CSI Graduate Admissions Application and a Department of Biology application.

1. BS in Biology degree from an accredited college (students in the last semester of undergraduate study and students with a baccalaureate in another discipline may also be considered for admission).
2. Overall GPA of 2.75 (B-) and a GPA of 3.0 (B) in undergraduate science and mathematics courses.
3. Two letters of recommendation testifying to the applicant's ability to complete successfully the program of graduate study.
4. General Aptitude Test and the Advanced Test in Biology of the Graduate Record Examination.
5. A grade of 550 on the TOEFL test is required of all applicants for whom English is a second language.

Non-matriculated status: Applicants who meet most, but not all, of the admissions requirements may be considered for admission with non-matriculated status.

Retention in the Program

A minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for the 30 credits of required courses, of which six credits may be allocated to thesis research. Four courses are required of all candidates: BIO 603, BIO 604, BIO 605, and ESC 601. The remaining courses, 11 credits, will be chosen according to the student's career goals.

Prior to the completion of 15 credits, students are required to present their research proposal to their Thesis Committee. The student's Committee will consist of at least three members, two of whom must be faculty in the Biology Department, including the student's adviser.

Prior to the completion of 15 credits, students must provide evidence of proficiency in writing and speaking, computer skills, and statistics.

Transfer Credits

Acceptance of any graduate course taken elsewhere toward the requirements of a CSI degree is at the discretion of the coordinator of the graduate program. A maximum of nine credits of courses taken elsewhere in The City University may be applied to the MS in Biology, and a maximum of six credits of courses taken at colleges outside The University may be accepted for transfer. A grade of 3.0 (B) is the minimum grade accepted for transfer credit.

Degree Requirements: 30 credits

Four required courses: (13 credits)

• BIO 603 Scientific Communication I 3 credits
• BIO 604 Scientific Communication II 3 credits
• BIO 605 Statistical Analysis 4 credits
• ESC 601 The Biosphere and Our Species 3 credits

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology; Multidisciplinary; and Physiology courses chosen from the following lists: (11 credits)

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology

• BIO 720 Entomology
• BIO 721 Evolution of Primates
• BIO 722/
• ESC 722 Marine Ecology
• BIO 723 Ornithology
• BIO 724 Plant Population Biology
• BIO 727/
• ESC 727 Conservation Biology
• BIO 730 Principles and Methods of Systematics, Evolution, and Phylogeny
• BIO 735  Biogeography
• BIO 736 The Mammals

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

• BIO 740 Advanced Microscopy
• BIO 741 Cell Culture Techniques
• BIO 742 Cell Physiology
• BIO 743/
• ESC 743 Cellular Toxicology
• BIO 744 Laboratory Methods in Cell Biology
• BIO 750 Laboratory Methods in Molecular Genetics
• BIO 751 Molecular Genetics

Multidisciplinary

• BIO 760 Introduction to Bioinformatics and Genomics
• BIO 761 Mathematical Methods in Biology
• BIO 771 Principles of Epidemiology

Physiology

• BIO 780 Comparative Physiology
• BIO 781 Laboratory Methods in Physiology
• BIO 782 Vertebrate Endocrinology
• BIO 783 Environmental and Evolutionary Physiology

In satisfying these 11 credits, students may take up to nine credits in other departments at CSI, at other senior colleges in CUNY, or at the Graduate School.
 
Research

• BIO 799 Thesis Research 1 – 6 credits

Courses

BIO 603 Scientific Communication I
3 hours; 3 credits
The course focuses on scientific writing, with emphasis on the preparation, editing, and evaluation of scientific manuscripts and grant proposals. The student will critique current literature, prepare manuscripts, and review and author grant proposals.

BIO 604 Scientific Communication II
3 hours; 3 credits
This course is a continuation of BIO 603 and emphasis will be placed on public speaking. The student will prepare materials for oral presentation, including making slides and transparencies, and for poster presentations for delivery at scientific meetings. Students will also make oral and poster presentations to an audience of faculty and fellow students.
Prerequisite: BIO 603

BIO 605 Statistical Analysis
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits
Statistical analysis as applied to all biological fields; the course will emphasize analysis of students' own data. ANOVA, regression, time series, and randomization tests will be included. Students must learn SPSS statistical program.
Prerequisite: CSC 126 recommended; or equivalent psychology courses

BIO 720 Entomology
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits
A comprehensive introduction to entomology. Lectures will introduce insect structure and behavior with emphasis on (1) adaptations for locomotion, (2) ecology and reproductive behavior, (3) physiological processes, (4) insect-generated sound and its function, (5) migration and distribution, (6) developmental and metamorphic stages. Laboratory sessions will involve dissection of preserved and fresh specimens, observation of live animals, field collection, and identification.
Prerequisite: BIO 322 or BIO 338 or BIO 360 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor

BIO 721 Evolution of Primates
3 hours; 3 credits
Examines the evolution of primates from tree shrews to apes. Adaptations of morphology, physiology, locomotion, diet, foraging behavior, ability to learn, tool use, territoriality, aggressive behavior, dominance hierarchies, mating systems, dispersal, social structure, and communication systems in Old and New World species to their environment. The socio-biology and ecology of selected species will be treated in greater detail.
Prerequisite: BIO 322 or BIO 338 or BIO 360 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor

BIO 722 Marine Ecology
(Also ESC 722)
3 hours; 3 credits
Field-oriented study of estuarine and pelagic ecosystems. This course will emphasize how spatial and temporal scales are critically important in the study of marine organisms. Students will learn specialized sampling and analytical techniques necessary for the study of marine systems. Topics will include comparisons of “rate-based” versus “abundance-based” studies of population dynamics plus comparisons of individual, population, and community levels of analysis.
Prerequisite: BIO 360 or equivalent

BIO 723 Ornithology
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits
A comprehensive introduction to ornithology. Lecture will introduce bird structure and behavior with emphasis on (1) anatomical and physiological adaptations for flight, (2) ecology and reproductive behavior, (3) song and its function, and (4) migration and distribution. Most laboratory sessions will be field trips for locating and identifying birds, observation of bird behavior, and recording bird songs. One or more laboratory sessions will include anatomical dissection and behavior of captive birds. There will be at least one overnight field trip to study nocturnal migration.
Prerequisite: BIO 322 or BIO 338 or BIO 360 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor

BIO 724 Plant Population Biology
3 hours; 3 credits
Ecological and evolutionary perspectives on the dynamics of plant populations. Topics include demography, life-history evolution, ecological genetics, phenotypic and genotypic variation within and between populations, competition, reproduction and breeding systems, pollination ecology, seed dispersal and germination, symbioses, clonality, and coevolution. In addition, the application of population concepts to environmental and conservation problems will be covered.
Prerequisites: BIO 228 and BIO 312 and BIO 360 or equivalents

BIO 727 Conservation Biology
(Also ESC 727)
3 hours; 3 credits
Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field of environmental science. The objectives of this course are: (1) to understand global biodiversity in its historical context; (2) to learn how human impacts are endangering ecosystems around the world; (3) to identify the biological properties of organisms, populations, species, and systems that render them vulnerable; and (4) to explore means of protecting biodiversity and the ecological processes on which it depends.
Prerequisite: ESC 601

BIO 730 Principles and Methods of Systematics, Evolution, and Phylogeny
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits
Species concepts and the history of evolutionary thought. Mechanisms of evolutionary change. The history of life.
Prerequisite: BIO 322 or equivalent

BIO 735 Biogeography
4 hours; 4 credits
An introduction to the distribution of both terrestrial and aquatic animals and plants with emphasis on their prehistoric, historic, and present distributions and how these relate to the ecological conditions of the periods, methods of dispersal, and movement across the planet. Historical changes in scientific thought concerning the means of movement (e.g., land bridges, rafting, plate tectonics) are presented. The flora and fauna of unique regions of the Earth (e.g., Madagascar , Australia , South America , and Antarctica ) will be examined for similarities and differences in their compositions. The effects of humans, early and present, on distribution are discussed.
Prerequisite: BIO 322 or BIO 338 or BIO 360 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. NOTE: ESC 735 may substitute for this course

BIO 736 The Mammals
3 hours; 3 credits
The evolution of the various orders of mammals from monotreme to marsupial to placental. Studies of the various morphological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that define each order. Emphasis on adaptations of behavior, social structure, and mating systems to environmental conditions.
Prerequisite: BIO 322 or BIO 338 or BIO 360 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor

BIO 740 Advanced Microscopy
6 laboratory hours; 3 credits
Preparations of biological specimens for use in confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning and transmission of electron microscopy, image analysis of micrographs.
Prerequisite: BIO 272 or equivalent

BIO 741 Cell Culture Techniques
6 laboratory hours; 3 credits
Preparation and propagation of eukaryotic cell lines from primary tissue isolates.
Prerequisite: BIO 352 or equivalent

BIO 742 Cell Physiology
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits
The function of living cells, including examination of membrane composition and biogenesis, membrane transport proteins, electrical properties of membranes, and interaction between cells and extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions.
Prerequisite: BIO 352 or equivalent

BIO 743 Cellular Toxicology
(Also ESC 743)
4 hours; 4 credits
Toxicology is the overview of the mechanisms by which exogenous agents produce deleterious effects in biological systems. An overview of the sensitive analytical techniques that have facilitated studies on the metabolism and biotransformation of xenobiotics and have contributed to interpretation of the biological and toxicological effects of xenobiotics will be presented. Since the action of toxins is ultimately exerted at the cellular level, emphasis will be placed on the description of representative model cell systems that play an important role in the identification and assessment of potential environmental hazards. A variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems are currently in use for the study of different toxic effects including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenesis.
Prerequisites: CHM 256 and BIO 314 and BIO 352 or equivalent

BIO 744 Laboratory Methods in Cell Biology
6 laboratory hours; 3 credits
Use of current cell biology techniques available. Techniques will include subcellular fractionation, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblot techniques, polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization. Use of confocal laser scanning and electron microscopes will be included.
Prerequisite: BIO 352 or equivalent

BIO 750 Laboratory Methods in Molecular Genetics
6 laboratory hours; 3 credits
Techniques needed to form, recover, and analyze recombinant DNA will be performed. Southern analysis and PCR will also be included.
Prerequisites: BIO 312 and BIO 352 or equivalent

BIO 751 Molecular Genetics
4 hours; 4 credits
Topics will include nucleic acid and chromosome structure, transcription, translation, protein localization, and regulation of gene expression, DNA replication and repair, biotechnology, signal transduction, regulation of the cell cycle, and oncogenes. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems will be discussed.
Prerequisites: BIO 312 and BIO 352 or equivalent

BIO 760 Introduction to Bioinformatics and Genomics
4 hours; 4 credits
Introduction to the representation and analysis of biological sequence and structural information. Description and use of nucleic acid, protein, structure, sequence motif, genome, literature, and other relevant databases. Overview and discussion of basic sequence manipulations and analyses including sequence assembly and editing, restriction and protease analysis, coding region identification, gene prediction, database searching and similarity analysis, pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, PCR primer design, phylogenetic analyses, protein structure and property prediction, RNA structure prediction, and microarray analyses. Course format includes lectures and sequence analysis exercises.
Prerequisite: BIO 312 or equivalent. Recommended: BIO 370 or BIO 352 or equivalent and BIO 751 or equivalent. Not open to students who have taken BIO 326

BIO 761 Mathematical Models in Biology
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours; 4 credits
Use of mathematical models in all fields of biology. Differential equations, difference equations, and simulations. Nonlinear dynamics of biological systems.
Prerequisites: MTH 230 or equivalent plus at least one advanced course in biology (300 level or above)

BIO 771 Principles of Epidemiology
3 hours; 3 credits
Introduction to principles and methods of epidemiological investigation of both infectious and noninfectious diseases. How studies of the distribution and dynamics of diseases in communities and populations contribute to an understanding of their etiology, modes of transmission, and pathogenesis. Clinical examples of the evaluation of treatment, prevention, costs, and policy implications of disease.
Prerequisites: BIO 272 and basic computer knowledge

BIO 780 Comparative Physiology
4 hours; 4 credits
Survey of major taxonomic groups to identify diverse solutions to universal problems of nutrient acquisition and transport, osmoregulation, movement and maintenance of homeostasis.
Prerequisites: BIO 205 and BIO 213 or BIO 215

BIO 781 Laboratory Methods in Physiology
6 laboratory hours; 3 credits
Diverse topics of physiological techniques, including respirometry, enzyme and metabolite assays, and analysis of osmolarity and osmolytes, will be addressed depending upon the research requirements of specific students.
Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 370 or equivalents

BIO 782 Vertebrate Endocrinology
6 laboratory hours; 3 credits
Focus will be on the role of chemical messengers of endocrine and neural origin in the control of vertebrate physiological processes (i.e., growth and regulation of cellular function). In addition, the cellular source, biosynthesis, chemistry and storage of the messengers, the factors and mechanisms controlling messenger secretion, and the cellular mechanisms of messenger actions will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 332, CHM 256 or equivalent

BIO 783 Environmental and Evolutionary Physiology
3 hours; 3 credits
Focus on questions in ecological and evolutionary physiology, including examination of specific examples of environmental adaptation, especially to extreme environments. Discussion of methodological approaches and current philosophical debates on identifying adaptation in physiological processes and critiques of primary literature.
Prerequisites: BIO 434 or equivalent and BIO 605
Recommended: BIO 370 or equivalent

BIO 799 Thesis Research
Hours and credits vary, maximum six credits with a maximum of three credits in one semester. This course may be repeated. No student may apply more than a total of six credits of Thesis Research toward the degree.

ESC 601 The Biosphere and Our Species
3 hours; 3 credits
A required course that covers the structure and function of the biospheric ecosystem on the planet Earth, and the impacts of our species upon it in terms of ecology, resource use and exploitation, sociopolitical aspects, economics, environmental ethics, and related topics