Campuses:
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Twin Cities Campus
Biological Sciences M.B.S.CCAPS Graduate Programs Instruction
College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Master of Biological Sciences Program, 20 Ruttan Hall, 1994 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 (612-624-4000; fax: 612-626-2800)
Email:
ccapsmbs@umn.edu
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The master of biological sciences (MBS) degree is a highly flexible graduate-level program designed to meet the needs of members of the working community who wish to increase their knowledge in areas of modern biology. Students focus their studies in one of three broad areas: molecular biosciences, cellular and organismal biology, or environmental and population biology. Limited elective credits in areas, such as education, business, and public health can be used to support a student's individual career goals and program focus. The degree enables recipients to learn new job skills, change professional emphasis, or provide added value to their present job and may be completed on a part-time basis.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.00.
To be admitted, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution or its foreign equivalent.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Evidence of knowledge of current, college-level concepts of basic chemistry, organic chemistry, and some biology coursework is required. Transcripts showing equivalent coursework combined with professional experience will be considered for application toward fulfillment of the prerequisites for admission. Two years of relevant experience in the workforce is preferred for admission.
Special Application Requirements:
A statement of career goals, letters of reference, transcripts for all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate degrees or coursework, and an updated resume must accompany the application. Application deadlines are in the spring for fall semester admission, and in the fall for spring semester admission. Please refer to the program website for further details.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
Plan B: Plan B requires
30
major credits and
0
credits outside the major.
The final exam is oral.
A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:The Plan B project is carried out under the direction of a faculty member. It can be literature-based or lab-based with a testable hypothesis and a final paper of 30-50 pages in length, which is an in-depth examination and analysis of a particular area, problem, technique, etc.
Plan C: Plan C requires
30
major credits and
0
credits outside the
major.
There is no final exam.
A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project: The Plan C requirement is the Capstone course APS 8003.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00
is required for students to remain in good standing.
The program includes coursework, independent study, and a project for Plan B master's students or capstone course for Plan C master's students. With guidance from program advisors, students complete 30 credits. MBS candidates may transfer up to 12 credits into the program. Foundation credits may be waived or substituted if the student can show proficiency in the subject area. A bioethics requirement may be met with a credit or non-credit course. Coursework is taken from the regular graduate-level coursework. An overall GPA of 3.00 is required for the degree to be awarded.
Introductory Course (1 credit)
MBS 6001 - Introduction to Research in the Biological Sciences
(1.0 cr)
Biochemistry Foundation (3 credits)
BIOC 6021 - Biochemistry
(3.0 cr)
Biological Scieces Courses (17 - 23 credits)
Courses in the student's area of concentration within the biological sciences chosen in consultation with student's advisor. One course in at least two of the following areas should be taken: Molecular Biosciences, Cellular and Organismal Biology, Environmental and Population Biology. Up to 7 credits of directed research or directed study courses can be included. Plan C students MUST take at least 1 credit of APS 8110.
Take 17 - 23 credit(s) from the following:
·
Courses in the student's area of concentration within the biological sciences chosen in consultation with student's adviser.
Electives (0 - 6 credits)
Elective courses outside the biological sciences chosen with student's advisor.
Take 0 - 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
Electives courses outside the biological sciences chosen with student's adviser.
|
|
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/ |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |