Dr.
Louise Temple, Department Head
Dr.
Susan Halsell, Graduate Coordinator
For information, call (540) 568-6225
Web site: http://www.jmu.edu/biology/biogrd.html
Professors
R. Harris, I. Knight, M. Renfroe, B. Wiggins, D. Wubah, G.
Wyngaard
Associate Professors
S. Babcock, C. Cleland, J. Herrick, J. Kastendiek, S. Keffer,
J. Monroe, K. Murphy, C. Rose, K. Slekar
Assistant Professors
J. Clevinger, J. Daniel, M. Gabriele, S. Halsell, T. Hancock,
C. Hurney, D. Jaynes, C. Lantz, C. McMullen, T. Rife, K. Simon, J. Wubah, R.
Wunderlich
Admission
Mission
Thesis/Research
Track
Thesis Track
Requirements
Non-Thesis/Teaching
Track
Course Offerings
Admission
Prospective graduate students
for the Master of Science degree should have completed an undergraduate major
consisting of a minimum of 20 credit hours in biology, including courses
covering the areas of general botany, general zoology, cell biology, ecology
and genetics. A student may be admitted with deficiencies in one or more of
these areas but should be aware that the Graduate Advisory Committee may
require the student to make up deficiencies with no credit toward the master’s
degree. The applicant should have completed a minimum of a year (two semesters)
of general chemistry and one semester of organic chemistry. A course in general
physics is strongly recommended, especially for those students interested in
physiology.
Certain areas of study may
require additional background in biochemistry, statistics, calculus or computer
programming. Students are required to submit with their application the
Graduate Record Examination General Test and Biology Subject Test scores, three
letters of recommendation from individuals who know the student’s scientific
potential, and a statement of professional goals and interests.
Students typically matriculate
only in the fall semester.
Application
Deadline: February 15
Mission
The Department of Biology Masters of Science Program is
committed to providing a strong and unique training plan for advanced students
of the discipline that will prepare them superbly for their future career
goals. The program takes advantage of the current strengths of the department:
basic scientific research and excellent biology pedagogy. Students will develop
their intellectual potential by pursuing advanced course work in biology and
pedagogy, by participating in mentored teaching experiences and preparing a
teaching portfolio and/or by successfully completing a research thesis.
The Biology Program offers two tracks in the pursuit of a
Masters of Science: a thesis based track based on research and a non-thesis
track for students whose primary focus is teaching. Both tracks require a
minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit in biology.
Thesis/Research Track
The thesis/research track is for students who wish to
continue the study of biology as a scholarly pursuit and who later continue
work toward the Ph.D. or work for industry or government. The primary objective
of the thesis/research track is to enrich the student’s subject knowledge and
give the student a rigorous experience in research and thesis-writing. Thesis
track students can also acquire training and experience in teaching. Training
in teaching is provided through courses, offered by the biology department, and
the mentored teaching of biology laboratories. Thus, students in the thesis
track not only gain research experience, they also can learn to be effective
teachers and communicators.
Currently, the biology department has research strengths in
the following areas.
§ Cell Biology and Genetics
§ Comparative and Functional Morphology
§ Developmental Biology
§ Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and
Systematics
§ Environmental Microbiology
§ Neurobiology
§ Plant Biology
More information regarding faculty research can be found at
the following Web site: http://www.jmu.edu/biology/biofac.html.
Thesis
Track Requirements
|
Minimum
Requirements1
|
Credit
Hours
|
|
BIO 500. Effective
Scientific Communication
|
2
|
|
BIO 700. Thesis
|
6
|
|
Electives2
|
22
|
|
|
|
Non-Thesis/Teaching Track
The non-thesis/teaching track
is for students who wish to teach, particularly in two year community colleges.
The program has two foci: subject training and teacher training. Currently,
subject training is concentrated in areas much in demand by community colleges,
i.e., Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and General Biology. Students are
trained in teaching through courses, all taught within the biology department,
and through mentored teaching of laboratories and lectures. In addition, each
student will prepare a professional teaching portfolio.
Track Requirements
|
Minimum
Requirements
|
Credit Hours
|
|
BIO 500. Effective
Scientific Communication
|
2
|
|
BIO 600. Effective
Teaching I
|
2
|
|
BIO 601. Mentored
Teaching
|
2
|
|
BIO 701. Effective
Teaching III: Teaching Portfolio
|
3
|
|
Electives1
|
21
|
|
|
|
All students electing to major or minor in biology must have
their individual program of study approved by the student’s Graduate Advisory
Committee and the head of the department. Graduate students planning a program
of study leading to the Master of Education degree, offered by the College of
Education, may minor in biology with 12 hours of graduate credit in biology if
they satisfy the minimum entrance requirements for the Master of Science degree
program in biology.
Up to nine hours of graduate credit from accredited
institutions may be accepted toward the Master of Science degree, subject to
the general regulations and procedures of the College of Graduate and
Professional Programs regarding transfer credit.
Full-time biology graduate students are required to attend
and participate in departmental seminars while in residence.
Course Offerings
For a student to enroll in any biology graduate course
(except BIO 501), the department assumes the student meets minimal course
requirements for entrance into the Master of Science degree program in
biology. Permission of the instructor is required if this is not the case.
BIO 500. Effective Scientific Communication. 2 credits.
Students will develop
skills in effective oral and written communications in the biological sciences.
Emphasis will be placed on student learning styles, how to prepare an effective
lecture or research seminar, effective use of presentation technologies, and
effective scientific writing.
BIO 501. Workshops in Biology. 1-3 credits.
Concentrated
study in particular areas of biology. No credit is allowed toward the Master
of Science degree requirements and no more than one workshop may be applied
toward a minor in biology.
BIO 504. Evolution. 3
credits.
Population change as
brought about by mechanisms of organic evolution. Molecular biology is
integrated with evolutionary biology and concepts of phylogenetic relationships
resulting from the process of speciation are stressed. A seminar/research
project is required. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 404 and BIO 504.
BIO 513. Human Gross Anatomy with Clinical Applications
(4, 8). 6 credits.
An advanced study of human anatomy with cadaver
dissection. Emphasis is given to a clinical perspective and the evolution and
development of human structure within a comparative context. Prerequisite: A
rigorous undergraduate course in anatomy. Credit may not be earned in both
BIO 413 and BIO 513
BIO 516. Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants I. 4 credits.
An advanced clinically-oriented study of human
physiology and the alterations in body functions that underlie diseases in
humans. It serves as a foundation for courses in clinical medicine.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant concentration.
BIO 517. Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants II. 2 credits.
An advanced
clinically-oriented study of human physiology and the alterations in body
functions that underlie diseases in humans. It serves as a foundation for
courses in clinical medicine. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all
previous courses in the Physician Assistant concentration or permission of the
program director.
BIO 526. Graduate Topics in Biology. 3 - 4 credits.
Studies in special areas of biology. May be repeated
with change in topic or change in subject matter within a topic.
BIO 542. Immunology. 3
credits.
A study of the
fundamental concepts of immune responses, the properties of antigens and
immunoglobins, immunological specificity, and the development and regulation of
cellular and humoral immunity. Prerequisite: A course in microbiology or
cell biology or the equivalent. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 442 and
BIO 542.
BIO 544. Virology. 3
credits.
A lecture seminar course considering the fundamental
principles of basic and medical virology and an analysis of the structure,
chemistry and replication of representative RNA and DNA animal viruses at the
molecular level. Prerequisite: A course in microbiology or genetics or
consent of the instructor. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 444 and BIO
544.
BIO 550. Neurobiology (3, 3). 4 credits.
Molecular, cellular and network mechanisms
underlying behavior will be studied using problem-solving, discussion, lecture
and reading of primary literature. Similarities and differences between nervous
systems and computers will be explored. Laboratories will utilize contemporary
electrophysiology and computer simulation to examine the neurobiology of simple
animal model systems. Independent project required. Credit may not be earned in
both BIO 450 and BIO 550.
BIO 551. Ecosystem Dynamics. 4 credits.
Structure and functional dynamics of ecosystems.
Basic ecological units, which are comprised of communities interacting with
their environment and are themselves components of landscape, are
quantitatively examined. Prerequisite: General Ecology. Credit may not
be earned in both BIO 451 and BIO 551.
BIO 552. Population Biology (2, 4). 4 credits.
Theoretical and applied aspects of distribution and
abundance, population regulation, interactions between populations, and
conservation will be studied in selected organisms, including humans. An
independent research project will be required. Credit may not be earned in both
BIO 452 and BIO 552.
BIO 553. Microbial Ecology (2, 4). 4 credits.
The ecology of microorganisms will be covered,
emphasizing the study of microbial growth and activity in natural environments.
An independent laboratory project is required. Prerequisites: Introductory
ecology and microbiology courses. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 453
and BIO 553.
BIO 554. Biometrics. 3
credits.
The design of biological experiments and
applications of statistical techniques in ecology, cell biology, physiology,
behavior, systematics, genetics and evolution. A seminar/research project
involving advanced applications is required. Prerequisite: MATH 220 or
equivalent. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 454 and BIO 554.
BIO 555. Plant Physiology (3, 3). 4 credits.
The physiology of plant cells and organisms
emphasizing biophysical and biochemical aspects of plant function including
water relations, mineral nutrition, transport phenomena and metabolism. Prerequisites:
General Botany and Organic Chemistry. Credit may not be earned in both BIO
455 and BIO 555.
BIO 559. Aquatic Ecology (2,4). 4 credits.
Functional relationships and productivity of
freshwater communities are examined as they are affected by their physical,
chemical and biotic environment. Organisms inhabiting lakes, ponds, rivers,
streams and estuaries are studied at the population, community and ecosystem
levels. Preparation of seminar topic papers required. Credit may not be earned
in both BIO 459 and BIO 559.
BIO 560. Plant Cell and Tissue Culture (2,4). 4 credits.
Theory and practice of growing isolated plant cells,
tissues and organs. Independent research project and class seminar expected. Prerequisites:
General Botany and Chemistry. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 460 and
BIO 560.
BIO 565. Plant Somatic Cell Genetics. 3 credits.
Examination of genetic changes at the cellular level
and implications for plant trait modification. Literature review and class
presentation expected. Prerequisites: Cell Biology and Genetics. Credit
may not be earned in both BIO 465 and BIO 565.
BIO 580. Advanced Molecular Biology (2, 4). 4 credits.
Cellular constituents and cellular genetics are
emphasized at the molecular level. An exhaustive literature review and research
proposal is required. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 342 or equivalent,
or permission of instructor. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 480 and
BIO 580.
BIO 582. Human Histology (3, 3). 4 credits.
This course presents the microscopic structure of
cells, tissues and organs to explain normal physiological function and provides
a basis for understanding disease mechanisms and altered cellular states. A
special research project is required. Prerequisite: BIO 270 or BIO 290, or
equivalent.
BIO 584. Comparative Endocrinology. 3 credits.
This course will study the hormonal regulation of
physiological activity in different animals, from the cellular to the
whole-organism level. Special emphasis will be paid to recent advances in
cellular and molecular endocrinology as well as human endocrine disorders. A
special research project is required. Prerequisite: BIO 270 or BIO 370, or
equivalent.
BIO 586. Systematics of Vascular Plants (2, 4). 4 credits.
Study of systematic theory and an overview of the
classification and evolution of higher plants, with particular attention to
flowering plant families. Techniques for plant identification and collection
and for construction of phylogenies will be taught in lab. An independent
project and presentation will be required. Prerequisites: general botany and
cell biology or equivalents. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 486 and
BIO 586.
BIO 590. Biomechanics (3, 3). 4 credits.
A study of the interactions of organisms with their
physical environment. Concepts from fluid and solid mechanics are applied to
biological form and function. Independent research is required. Prerequisite:
BIO 220 or permission of the instructor. Credit may not be earned in both
BIO 490 and BIO 590.
BIO 595. Topics in Integrative Biology. 1-3 credits.
This course will examine the interrelationships of
various biological topics with related scientific and mathematical disciplines
that are not offered by the biology department. A seminar/research project
involving advanced applications is required. Course may be repeated as topics
change. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
BIO 600. Effective Teaching I. 2 credits.
Students will explore effective teaching strategies
in the biological sciences. Emphasis will be placed on how to prepare and teach
laboratory and lecture courses, including effective instructional technologies
and exam preparation. Discussions of teaching experiences and mentor and peer
evaluations of the students’ teaching skills will be included. Corequisite:
BIO 601.
BIO 601. Mentored Teaching. 1
credit.
Students continue their exploration of effective
teaching strategies in the biological sciences as they enter into their first
teaching assignment in the department. Students will work under a faculty
teaching mentor who will guide the students through their first teaching
experience in the Biology Department. Emphasis will be placed on mentor and
peer evaluations of the students’ teaching skills. May be repeated for up to 2
credits for different teaching assignments. Corequisite: BIO 600
BIO 603. Scientific Presentations. 1 credit.
A forum for students to present their research
and/or teaching materials to their peers and receive constructive feedback on
their progress. Presentations may take the form of informal “chalk talks,”
journal club presentations and/or formal presentations. This course is graded
on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. May be repeated for up to 2
credits.
BIO 615. Managing Anatomy and Physiology Laboratories. 2 credits.
This course will teach students how to manage an
anatomy and physiology laboratory. Course topics will include: lab safety,
course budgets, the acquisition of supplies, facility layout and design, cadaver
maintenance, and the use and maintenance of equipment and inventory control.
BIO 630. Advanced Graduate Topics in Biology. 3-4 credits.
Studies in advanced special areas of biology. May be
repeated with change in topic or change in subject matter within a topic.
BIO 660. Graduate Seminar. 1-3
credits.
Seminar in special areas of biology. May be repeated
up to a total of 12 hours with change of subject.
BIO 670. Developmental Anatomy of Seed Plants. 4 credits.
A study of the origin, growth, differentiation and
maturation of cells, tissues and organs and their interrelationships. Emphasis
is placed on economically important structures of crop, ornamental and forest
plants.
BIO 697. Biological Research. 1-6 credits.
Laboratory and/or field research will be conducted
under the direction of the Graduate Advisory Committee. The course will
emphasize the development of research techniques and data collection. Can be
repeated for credit. This course is graded on the satisfactory/unsatisfactory
(S/U) basis. Hours do not apply toward 30 hours required for graduation.
BIO 698. Comprehensive Continuance. 1 credit.
Continued preparation in anticipation of the
comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as needed.
BIO 699. Thesis Continuance. 2 credits.
Continued study, research and writing in the area of
thesis concentration. Course may be repeated as needed.
BIO 700. Thesis. 6
credits.
Thesis research
to be directed by the Graduate Advisory Committee. This course is graded on a
satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. Prerequisites: Unconditional
admission status in the graduate program and completion of an approved thesis
research proposal.
BIO 701. Effective Teaching III: Teaching Portfolio. 3 credits.
Students will document their teaching background in
preparation for the job application process.
