Contact

Carrie Byron, Ph.D.
Chair of Graduate Program Committee, CAS
Professor, School of Marine and Environmental Programs
cbyron@une.edu

Steven Travis, Ph.D.
Director, School of Biological Sciences
stravis@une.edu

Mission

The mission of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society.

The mission of the Master of Science in Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics. The classroom curriculum features a broad-based exposure to advanced topics in biological subjects that may include physiology, ecology, molecular biology, and microbiology. The program also focuses on the research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participating in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations.

Transfer Credit

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another biological science program.
• Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Standing

No advanced standing available.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Admissions

See Graduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. Please consult this catalog’s Financial Information page for specific tuition and fees information.

Continued Enrollment

After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except their thesis will be required to pay for a minimum of three thesis credit hours plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program.

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student. Currently, there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Curricular Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Program Required Courses
BIO 503	Research Methods	3
BIO 516	Responsible Conduct Research	1
BIO 519	Scientific Literacy and Literature Review	3
BIO 590	Research & Thesis (repeated for additional credit)	26
Three credits of 500-level course(s) with the BIO prefix 1
Total Hours		33

¹

Biological Sciences M.S. students may request to substitute research credits for elective coursework with approval from their thesis advisor. A formal written request must be submitted to the Graduate Program Committee (GPC), including a justification for the request. If approved by the GPC, students will submit a Course Substitution Form (available on the Office of the Registrar's webpage), which requires approval by the School of Biological Sciences Academic Director and by the CAS Dean, to the Registrar in preparation for graduation.

Academic and Technical Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in the MS in Biological Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements. After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of three Thesis credit hours per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal

A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-. Any student who fails to meet these criteria will be considered for dismissal by the Director of the School of Biological Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Academic Policy

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes they are unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor. At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course.

This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through high-quality research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field.
• Students will increase their proficiency to publication level written and professional oral communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts and principals of the Biological Sciences.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project.