Biology with Concentration in Regional Analysis and Public Policy – Master of Science

Admission Requirements

1. General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to Admission to Graduate Study).
2. Completion of an undergraduate major in biology, environmental science or an equivalent course of study.
3. Minimum GPA of 3.0 in all upper division biology courses.
4. Acceptable proficiency in chemistry, mathematics and physics as determined by the biology graduate admissions committee.
5. Minimum GRE score of 400 for verbal and 400 for quantitative sections.
6. Minimum TOEFL score for international students is 525. Computed-based test score of 173. Internet-based score is 70.

Program Competencies

1. All students are expected to demonstrate:
   1. The mastery of course work considered fundamental to the training of a biologist. Required competencies may include the accumulation of knowledge in molecular biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, ecology and evolution. A thesis-track student may elect to specialize in one of the listed areas.
   2. The mastery of supplementary requirements selected to enhance the training of a biologist, including statistics and regional analysis.
   3. The use of equipment and instruments required for biological research.
   4. The ability to think analytically and have a thorough understanding of the scientific method. Students are expected to evaluate published research with respect to experimental design, strengths and weaknesses of data and validity of research conclusions.
   5. The ability to write a formal proposal of their intended research projects. The proposal will consist of a literature survey, research objectives, materials and methods, significance, bibliography and an itemized budget for the research (thesis students).
   6. The ability to design original experiments, collect and analyze data and report the findings through oral and written presentations (thesis students).
2. Students preparing for post-master's degree professions must develop those competencies required for admission to professional schools or Ph.D. level graduate programs.

Assessment

1. Students must pass both a written exit examination prepared by the biology and chemistry departmental committee and an oral examination given by the student's graduate committee. It is expected that students attain an 80% performance level on the written exit examination and unanimous approval by the student's graduate committee concerning performance on the final oral examination and research component. Exams will include questions pertaining to regional analysis and biological principles. Students failing to reach the 80% performance level on the written exam may retake the exam one time after a seven-day period.
2. In-class evaluation of journal research occurs in all graduate courses, and interpretation of scientific articles associated with the student's thesis or non-thesis research is evaluated.
3. All research proposals are evaluated by the graduate advisory committee.
4. Every thesis option student is expected to perform original research and present the data in a formal seminar (BIOL 671) setting to the faculty and students of the biology and chemistry department. This oral seminar is graded by the faculty in attendance and the averaged score must be 80% or above. Students failing to reach the 80% performance level must give the seminar to their committees after a seven-day period.

Program Requirements (Thesis-RAPP)

1. Satisfy University degree requirements.
2. Complete an approved thesis.
3. Complete a minimum of 34 credit hours of 600-level course work, including six credit hours for the thesis and one credit hour for biology graduate seminar.
4. At least 22 credit hours must be completed in biological sciences.
5. Take final written/oral examinations as determined by the student's advisory committee, which must include at least one IRAPP faculty member (associate or affiliate).
6. Complete the 12 credit hour regional analysis requirements.
7. Each student will be required to take one credit hour of biology graduate seminar.

Biology Thesis RAPP Requirements

BIOL 699	Thesis	6
BIOL 671	Graduate Seminar	1
BIOL 600-level	Electives	15
MATH 653	Concepts in the Design of Experiments	3
RAPP 610	Ideology and Policy Development in Appalachia	3
RAPP 620	Economic Development	3
RAPP 630	Graduate Seminar in Regional Issues	3
Total Credit Hours:		34

Program Requirements (Non-thesis)

1. Satisfy University degree requirements.
2. Must be unconditionally admitted.
3. Complete a minimum of 37 credit hours of 600-level course work.
4. At least 25 credit hours must be completed in biological sciences.
5. Complete the 12 credit hour regional analysis requirements.
6. Take final written/oral examinations as determined by student's advisory committee, which must include at least one IRAPP faculty (associate or affiliate).

Biology Non-Thesis RAPP Requirements

BIOL 671	Graduate Seminar	1
BIOL 600-level	Electives	24
MATH 653	Concepts in the Design of Experiments	3
RAPP 610	Ideology and Policy Development in Appalachia	3
RAPP 620	Economic Development	3
RAPP 630	Graduate Seminar in Regional Issues	3
Total Credit Hours:		37