Twin Cities campus

This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.

 
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
Website: https://ccaps.umn.edu/biological-sciences-masters-degree
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2019
  • Length of program in credits: 30
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Biological Sciences
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
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
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:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 84
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 563
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
    • Reading Score: 6.5
    • Writing Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 84
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.
Final Project or Capstone (3 credits)
Plan B students take APS 8002 in their final semester. Plan C students take APS 8003 in their final semester.
MBS 6002 - Final Project Course for Plan B MBS Students (3.0 cr)
or MBS 6003 - Capstone Course for Plan C MBS Students (3.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Continuing and Professional Studies

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2022
· Summer 2021
· Spring 2021
· Fall 2020
· Spring 2020

View PDF Version:
Search.
Search Programs

Search University Catalogs
Related links.

College of Continuing and Professional Studies

Graduate Admissions

Graduate School Fellowships

Graduate Assistantships

Colleges and Schools

One Stop
for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
 
MBS 6001 - Introduction to Research in the Biological Sciences
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course introduces students in the MBS program to resources available to them at the University of Minnesota and in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Students will prepare and deliver a scientific presentation and write a critical analysis of a topic in their planned area of concentration. Students also will explore ethical issues in the biological sciences and learn how to avoid plagiarism. This is a hybrid course that includes both online activities and classroom meetings. Required of all MBS students.
BIOC 6021 - Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Structure/function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Metabolism, regulation of metabolism. Quantitative treatments of chemical equilibria, enzyme catalysis, and bioenergetics. Chemical basis of genetic information flow. prereq: general biology, organic chemistry, instr consent; intended for MBS students
MBS 6002 - Final Project Course for Plan B MBS Students
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
MBS 6002 is the final project course for Plan B MBS students who register for this course during their last term in the MBS program. While registered in MBS 6002 students will complete their Plan B project and paper, and the final oral defense will be held in front of a committee of three faculty members. A final grade will be assigned after the student has successfully passed the oral defense and submitted a final version of the Plan B paper to the MBS office. Students intending to register for MBS 6002 need to fill out a Plan B Final Project contract form with their research mentor and submit it to their MBS academic advisor for approval before receiving a permission number to register. This is a three-credit course that is graded S/N.
MBS 6003 - Capstone Course for Plan C MBS Students
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
MBS 6003 is the capstone course for students Plan C MBS students who register for this course during their last term in the MBS program. In MBS 6003 students will complete and defend their Plan C capstone paper. The capstone paper is an in depth and critical analysis of cutting edge research in the biological sciences that explicitly incorporates the training and experiences students had during the MBS program. The course also requires an oral presentation of the paper. Students intending to register for MBS 6003 must contact their advisor well in advance to discuss their plans and receive approval. A meeting with the course instructor is encouraged before receiving a permission number to register. This is a three-credit hybrid course that includes both online activities and classroom meetings. The course is graded S/N.