Graduate Catalog 2010-12

Biology

 

Faculty

Jeremiah Jarrett (Chair, Copernicus 332), Douglas Carter, Tiffany Doan, Sylvia Halkin, Mark Jackson, Joshua King, Jacob Krans, Thomas Mione, Barbara Nicholson, Peter Osei, Clayton Penniman, Ruth Rollin, David Spector (Dept. phone: 860-832-2645)

 

Department Overview

The Department of Biology offers programs of study leading to the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees, as well as courses which may serve as part of the general education requirement for students preparing to teach in fields other than biology. The department has a wide range of modern research equipment in laboratories designed for class and/or individual research studies. Specialized facilities available for faculty and student instruction and research include a greenhouse, herbarium, photosynthesis research laboratory, molecular genetics research laboratory, neurophysiology laboratory, experimental gardens, controlled environment room, and growth chambers. Other shared facilities available are mouse and rat colonies, refrigerator/freezer room, and a computer laboratory.

Through the academic and extracurricular opportunities which the department offers, students are prepared to understand and participate in a wide variety of biological specializations. Students in the graduate programs are expected to expand their understanding of biological concepts, to become familiar with recent developments in biology and to become familiar with library, computer, and laboratory resources for biological research.

 

Admission Requirements

The following items are required:

• application for admission to graduate study

• official transcripts from all institutions in which undergraduate and graduate work has been taken

• graduate Record Examination scores for the aptitude and advanced biology tests are recommended but not required

• narrative statement

• letters of recommendation by three college instructors familiar with your ability and record in biology and the related sciences

 

The first three items above are to be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Office. When an applicant's admission folder is complete, it will be forwarded to the department chair. The last two items above should be submitted to the department chair. The Departmental Graduate Committee will make a recommendation for acceptance. Students who are accepted will be assigned an advisor at the time of acceptance. If applicable, a thesis advising committee will be assigned after the student begins the program of study.

 

Programs

Master of Arts in Biological Sciences

 

Program Rationale:

The master of arts programs provide study in the biological sciences for those graduate students desiring to major in biology. The programs are designed to fulfill the educational needs of biologists who desire further specialization and/or knowledge of recent advances in the field; students who seek a subject matter masters as an intermediate step toward preparation for work at the doctoral level; and teachers who are interested in specializing in a particular area, or updating their knowledge within the discipline of biology. Specialization may be in such areas as botany, zoology, physiology, ecology, and environmental studies. Each student will be assigned an advisor whose function will be to help the student plan a sound program.

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduate students will:

• demonstrate knowledge in general biology;

• describe scientific methodology and conduct experiments;

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific area of biology;

• be able to read and comprehend primary literature;

• deliver effective oral presentations (poster or PowerPoint); and

• effectively communicate on research in written format.

 

Course and Capstone Requirements:

Note: Additional work, as described in the course syllabi, will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses. Students may take no more than nine credits of 400-level courses.

 

Biological Sciences: General Program, MA

There are two options (Plan A and Plan B) leading to the Master of Arts degree, both of which require 30 credits.

Both Plan A and B require BIO 500 and 540 in addition to 19-20 credits of directed electives in biology or related fields as approved by advisor. Plan A also requires BIO 599 (6 credits) and thesis defense or BIO 598 (3 credits) and 599 (3 credits) and thesis defense. Plan B requires 3 credits in BIO 590 and/or BIO 591, and BIO 598 (3 credits) and a comprehensive exam.

 

Biological Sciences: Ecology and Environmental Science, M.A.

30 credits

 

Biology Course Component (24 credits):

(1) BIO 500 Seminar in Biology (1 credit), and BIO 515 Foundations of Ecology (3 credits), and BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology (3-4 credits), with a topic focus appropriate to the specialization (may be repeated with different topics). (2) Biology electives: 16-17 additional credits in biology or related fields approved by an Ecology and Environmental Science Advisor. Appropriate courses in the biology electives may include:

BIO 508 Coastal Ecology 3

BIO 509 Coastal Ecology Laboratory 1

BIO 520 Plant Ecology 3

BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology 3-4

BIO 571 Advanced Field Studies in Biology 1-4

BIO 590 Focused Study in Advanced Biology 1-4

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

BIO 402 Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics 3

BIO 405 Ecology 4

BIO 410 Ecological Physiology 4

BIO 421 Marine Invertebrate Biology 4

BIO 425 Aquatic Plant Biology 4

BIO 434 Ecology of Inland Waters 4

BIO 436 Environmental Resources and Management 3

BIO 438 Aquatic Pollution 4

BIO 440 Evolution 3

BIO 444 Plant Taxonomy 3

 

Capstone Component (6 credits, students may select Plan A or Plan B).

Plan A: Option 1, BIO 599 Thesis (6 credits) and thesis defense or Option 2, BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits) and thesis defense, and BIO 598 Research in Biology (3 credits).

Plan B: Three credits:

BIO 590 Focused Study in Advanced Biology 1-4

and/or

BIO 591 Independent Research Project in Advanced Biology 1-4

 

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

and a comprehensive exam.

 

Biological Sciences: Global Sustainability, M.A.

30 credits

Sustainability component (9 credits):

SUST 500  Social, Political,and Ethical Dimensions of Global Sustainability 3

SUST 501  Current Challenges in Sustainability 3

SUST 502  Science for Sustainability 3

 

Biology course component (minimum 15 total credits):

(1) Core 7-8 credits

BIO 500 Seminar in Biology 1

BIO 515 Foundations in Biology 3

BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology 3-4

(2) Remaining 7-8 credits from the following as approved by the student’s major advisor:

BIO 508 Coastal Ecology 3

BIO 509 Coastal Ecology Laboratory 1

BIO 520 Plant Ecology 3

BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Bio 3-4

BIO 571 Advanced Field Studies in Biology 1-4

BIO 590 Focused Study in Advanced Biology 1-4

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

BIO 402 Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics 3

BIO 405 Ecology 4

BIO 410 Ecological Physiology 4

BIO 421 Marine Invertebrate Biology 4

BIO 425 Aquatic Plant Biology 4

BIO 434 Ecology of Inland Waters 4

BIO 436 Environmental Resources and Management 3

BIO 438 Aquatic Pollution 4

BIO 440 Evolution 3

BIO 444 Plant Taxonomy 3

 

Capstone component (6 credits)

Plan A: Option 1, BIO 599, Thesis (6 credits) and thesis defense; or Option 2, BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits) and thesis defense, and BIO 598, Research in Biology (3 credits).

Plan B for specialization: 3 credits in BIO 590 and/or BIO 591, BIO 598 (3 crredits), and a comprehensive exam.

 

Master of Science in Biological Sciences: Anesthesia

31-33 credits

Coordinator: Ruth Rollin

 

Program Rationale:

The MS Biological Sciences: Anesthesia Program is designed for registered nurses who wish to become nurse anesthetists and to expand their background in the areas of biology specific to their disciplines.

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduate students will:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, immunology, and the anesthesia-specific areas of patient safety, anesthetic management, and professional role;

• describe scientific methodology and conduct experiments;

• be able to read and comprehend primary literature;

• deliver effective oral presentations (poster or PowerPoint); and

• effectively communicate on research in written format.

 

Course and Capstone Requirements:

Professional Education (6 credits):

ED 511 Principles of Curriculum Development 3

EDL 513 Supervision 3

 

Major Field Requirements (21 credits):

BIO 416 Immunology 3

BIO 500 Seminar in Biology 1-2

BIO 517 Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology 6

BIO 518 Pathophysiology and Applied Physiology 3

BIO 528 Pharmacology 4

CHEM 550 Basic Organic and Biological Chemistry 3

 

Research (4-6 credits):

Plan A:

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

BIO 599 Thesis 3

and thesis defense

or

Plan B:

BIO 590 Focused Study in Advanced Biology 1-4

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

Comprehensive exam



Note to prospective anesthesia students: The student must be a licensed registered nurse and satisfactorily complete the program of study in anesthesia at an affiliated hospital-based school of nurse anesthesia which includes 1000 hours of clinical practicum and is 17 months in length. The practicum starts the second summer in the program. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and grades of C- or better are required to start the clinical practicum. Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to one of the following affiliated schools:

New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia, New Britain, CT: Greg Fauteux, M.D., medical director, and Joan Dobbins, M.S., CRNA, program director.

Hospital of Saint Raphael School of Nurse Anesthesia, New Haven, CT: Philip J. Noto, M.D., medical director; and Judy Thompson, M.S., DNAP, CRNA, program director.

Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island School of Nurse Anesthesia, Pawtucket, R.I.: Peter Baziotis, M.D., medical director; and Mark Foster, M.A., CRNA, program director.

Note: Additional work, as described in the course syllabi, will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses. Students may take no more than nine credits of 400-level courses.

 

Master of Science in Biological Sciences: General Program

30 credits

 

Program Rationale:

The General Program is for biology and science teachers and all others who wish to expand their background in the broad area of biology or who wish to specialize in a particular aspect of this discipline. Students who as undergraduates majored in areas other than biology may also pursue a master's degree in this program. Other courses may be substituted for the professional education component with the advisor's approval.

The planned program of graduate study will be developed by a student and his or her advisor and will be based upon the student's undergraduate record and educational needs.

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduate students will:

• demonstrate knowledge in general biology;

• describe scientific methodology and conduct experiments;

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific area of biology;

• be able to read and comprehend primary literature;

• deliver effective oral presentations (poster or PowerPoint); and

• effectively communicate on research in written format.

 

Course and Capstone Requirements:

Professional Education (6-9 credits):

One of the following:

EDF 500 Contemporary Educational Issues 3

EDF 516 School and Society 3

EDF 524 Foundations of Contemporary Theories of Curriculum 3

EDF 525 History of American Education 3

EDF 538 The Politics of Education 3

EDF 583 Sociological Foundations of Education 3

and

Additional course(s) as approved by advisor 3

 

Biology Requirements (4-5 credits):

BIO 500 Seminar in Biology 1-2

BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology 3-4

 

Directed Electives (10-17 credits):

In biology or related fields as approved by advisor

 

Research (3-6 credits):

Plan A: BIO 599 Thesis (6 credits)

and thesis defense

or

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

and

BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits)

and thesis defense

or

Plan B: BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

and comprehensive exam

 

Note: Additional work, as described in the course syllabi, will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses. Students may take no more than nine credits of 400-level courses.

 

Master of Science in Biological Sciences: Health Sciences Specialization

30-31 credits

Program Rationale:

The MS Biological Sciences: Health Sciences Specialization is for those who wish to expand their background in the areas of human biology in preparation for research or work at the doctoral level or in health professions, as well as for teachers wishing to specialize or update their knowledge in the area of human biology.

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduate students will:

• demonstrate knowledge in general biology;

• describe scientific methodology and conduct experiments;

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific area of biology;

• be able to read and comprehend primary literature;

• deliver effective oral presentations (poster or PowerPoint); and

• effectively communicate on research in written format.

 

Course and Capstone Requirements:

Professional Education (6 credits):

ED 511 Principles of Curriculum Development 3

EDL 513 Supervision 3

 

Major Field Requirements (18-19 credits):

BIO 412 Human Physiology 3

BIO 413 Human Physiology Laboratory 1

BIO 500 Seminar in Biology 1-2

BIO 518 Applied Physiology 3

BIO 528 Pharmacology 4

BMS 506 Biosynthesis, Bioenergetics and Metabolic Regulation 3

or

CHEM 550 Basic Organic and Biological Chemistry 3

and

Biology Elective (choose one)

BIO 416 Immunology 3

BIO 481 Skeletal Biology 4

BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology 3-4

BIO 590 Focused Study in Advanced Biology 1-4

BIO 591 Independent Research Project in Advanced Biology 1-4

BMS 497 Biosynthesis, Bioenergetics and Metabolic Regulation Laboratory 1

BMS 505 Molecular Biology 4

BMS 506 Biosynthesis, Bioenergetics and Metabolic Regulation 3

BMS 562 Developmental Biology 3

 

Research (6 credits):

BIO 599 Thesis (6 credits)

and thesis defense

or

BIO 598 Research in Biology 3

and BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits)

and thesis defense

 

Note: Additional work, as described in the course syllabi, will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses. Students may take no more than nine credits of 400-level courses.

 

Certification in Biology for Secondary Education

The Department of Biology also evaluates undergraduate and graduate preparation of applicants to the biology certification program in secondary education. This evaluation is done through interviews and/or review of transcripts of prospective candidates who have been admitted to the graduate program. Transcripts are forwarded to the department chair by the School of Education and Professional Studies. The chair of biology or a departmental designee will make recommendations for courses to be completed in the biological area of the student's program. Admission to the Professional Program is contingent on recommendation by the Department of Biology in addition to completion of other requirements.

 

Official Certificate Program: Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Health Studies

The Department of Biology contributes to the interdisciplinary Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Health Studies, a non-degree program designed for college graduates whose undergraduate background does not yet meet the requirements for admission to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other related fields. The CCSU Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (Pre-PAC) is responsible for admitting students to this program and for individually advising them upon entry. Both the Pre-PAC and this Official Certificate Program are described in more detail on the Pre-Health Studies page, linked here.

 

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Teacher Education with Specializations in Mathematics (7-12), Sciences (7-12), Spanish (7-12), English (7-12), and Technology and Engineering Education (PK-12)

The Department of Teacher Education offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Teacher Education with specializations in Mathematics, Sciences, Spanish, English, and Technology and Engineering Education. Candidates with documented content knowledge will complete 13 months of full-time study, earning teacher certification and the MAT degree. The program is designed to cross disciplines wherever possible, encouraging candidates to build content teaching expertise in their specializations and relate each discipline to the larger school curriculum. See the Teacher Education page, linked here, for a description of the program.