Graduate Catalog 2012-2013

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Master of Science in Biology (MS)

Program Coordinator: Professor Frank Burbrink

Building 6S, Room 143

Email: frank.burbrink@csi.cuny.edu

Email: biologymasters@csi.cuny.edu

Telephone: 718.982.3961

(See section Graduate Courses in Selected Disciplines for biology courses for teachers.)

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 evolution, ecology, and behavior. 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.

Biology 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 (Effective Fall 2011)

A minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for the 30 credits of required courses. Students may choose between a research-based thesis option or a non-thesis option. For those students who will pursue a research-based option, six credits may be allocated to thesis research (BIO 799). Three courses are required of all candidates: BIO 603, BIO 605, and ESC 601. The remaining courses, 21 credits, will be chosen according to the student’s career goals with faculty guidance.

Prior to the completion of 15 credits, students pursuing a research degree are required to present their thesis research proposal to their Thesis Committee. The student's Committee will consist of at least three members, two of who must be faculty in the Department of Biology, including the student's adviser. Non-thesis students will select a three-member examination committee, who will administer and exit examination based upon the coursework undertaken during the degree program.

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

Transfer Credits (Effective Fall 2011)

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 within The City University may be applied to the MS in Biology with approval of the program coordinator. Alternately, for courses taken outside of CUNY, a maximum of six credits may be accepted for transfer. A grade of 3.0 (B) is the minimum grade accepted for transfer credit.

Master of Science Biology Degree Requirements: (Effective Fall 2011)

30 credits

Three required courses: (9 credits)

Of the remaining 21 credits required for partial fulfillment of the Master of Science in Biology degree, students may choose from the following courses. If the student is matriculated at the College of Staten Island as an undergraduate, they may not repeat the more advanced course for credit.

In satisfying these 21 credits, students may take up to nine credits in other departments at CSI, at other senior colleges in CUNY, or at the Graduate School.

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