MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY --
2112 BIOLOGY BUILDING
MURRAY KENTUCKY 42071-3361 -- PHONE: (270) 809-2786 -- FAX: (270) 809-2788
Offering
career preparation for professional biologists, updating for secondary school
teachers and preparation for further study at the Ph.D. level.
Career
Outlook
Graduate
education is necessary for many fields of biology. Although state, federal and
private sector jobs are available for baccalaureate students, many employers
prefer individuals with advanced training. Sometimes the M.S. or Ph.D. is necessary
in order to qualify for higher income or a more challenging position. Many doctoral
students go on to productive teaching/research careers as professors in colleges
and universities. Some will find employment with various industrial or state
and federal agencies (e.g., fish and wildlife units, National Institute of Health
(NIH) labs, pharmaceutical companies).
Specialization
Options
The Department
of Biological Sciences offers the following graduate degrees: Master of Arts in Education
with Biology Specialization Master of Science in Biology (M.S.) Master of Water Science (interdisciplinary College
degree) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.--joint program with
University of Louisville)
Both thesis and non-thesis options are available for the M.S. M.A. programs.
The M.S. and Ph.D. programs are highly selective, and acceptance is based on
academic credentials and availability of an appropriate mentor. Teaching and
research assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
Research
Opportunities
Research
strengths of the department include aquatic biology, wildlife biology, mammalogy,
physiological ecology, paleontology and evolution, biochemistry, molecular biology
and genetics, microbial ecology, parasitology, animal behavior and botany. Most
faculty have research labs and are supported by grants.
Facilities
Departmental
facilities include lecture rooms and more than 20 laboratories in the Blackburn
Science Building. The college also operates the Hancock Biological Station (HBS),
a year-round teaching/research facility on Kentucky Lake. The HBS includes classrooms,
labs, and cabins for students and visiting investigators. The HBS along with
the Mid-America Remote Sensing Center (MARC) and Chemical Services Lab (CSL)
comprise the university's Center for Reservoir Research.
A
remnant cypress swamp, Murphy's Pond, is another resource available for student
research.
A
computer lab and visual aids center is operated through the Science Resource
Center in the Blackburn Science Building.
Requirements
for Admission
Applicants
must meet the Murray State University requirements. A faculty member must agree
to mentor the student. Additional requirements for unconditional admission are
Undergraduate courses in botany, zoology, ecology
and genetics. Six to eight undergraduate hours in chemistry.
Master
of Science in Biology
Within
the guidelines, the individual's program is developed by an advisory committee
to ensure proficiency in the basic areas of zoology, botany, ecology and genetics.
The thesis track is strongly recommended for anyone considering further research
or graduate activities.
Thesis Track
Total
Course Requirements
30
hours:
BIO
689 Introduction to Graduate Studies
1
BIO
courses, 600 level
8
BIO
courses, 500 or 600 level
6-12
Graduate
courses in related fields
0-6
BIO
696 Understanding Scientific Communication
2
BIO
697 Seminar
1
BIO
698-699 Thesis
6
Non-Thesis Track
Total
Course Requirements
36
hours:
BIO
689 Introduction to Graduate Study
1
BIO
courses, 600 level
14
BIO
courses, 500 or 600 level
6-8
Graduate
courses in related fields
0-12
BIO
696 Understanding Scientific Communication
2
BIO
697 Seminar
1
Other
Degree Requirements
Reading competency in a foreign language,
usually French or German,
or
Successful
completion of courses in both statistics and introduction to computers, or
MAT 565 Applied Statistics. Preliminary written examination in the areas
of botany, zoology, genetics and ecology (taken after first semester of residence). Oral defense of thesis.
Other Degree Requirements Reading competency in a foreign language, usually
French or German,
or
Successful
completion of courses in both statistics and introduction to computers, or
MAT 565 Applied Statistics. Preliminary written examination in the areas
of botany, zoology, genetics and ecology. BIO 695 Biological Research (4) with prior approval
of the research topic by the student's graduate committee; results to be presented
while enrolled in BIO 697 Research Seminar.
Graduate courses must include a minimum of one 500 or 600 level course from
each of the following fields: botany, zoology, ecology and genetics. Specific
courses that fulfill the requirements for these fields will be defined by
the faculty.
Doctor
of Philosophy
The
department has a cooperative Ph.D. program with the University of Louisville in
aquatic biology and the environmental sciences. A student accepted to this program
will complete at least one year of work at the University of Louisville taking
specific course work and/or conducting research. The remaining two to three years
will be spent in residence at Murray State University. A written dissertation
will be required and the degree conferred by the University of Louisville. Additional
information can be obtained from the graduate coordinator in the Department of
Biological Sciences, Murray State University.
For
more information contact: Dr. Ed Zimmerer, Graduate Coordinator,
Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, 2112 Biology Building, Murray, KY 42071-3361, (270) 809-2786or
e-mail: ed.zimmerer@murraystate.edu.
Master of Arts in Education
with Biology Specialization 
Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)