Academic Programs Catalog

This program provides theoretical and practical training in cell and molecular biology to prepare students for a variety of professional positions in academia, industry or government.

Admission

Most students enter the Master of Science degree program in cell and molecular biology with the goal of eventually obtaining a Ph.D. degree. However, students with limited research experience or specific deficiencies in their undergraduate training may be admitted to this program to obtain additional experience.  Applicants will be considered by the Cell and Molecular Biology admissions committee, and in general the criteria for admission are similar to those of the Ph.D. program (an undergraduate major in biological science, acceptable GPA and GRE scores, and letters of recommendation).

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology

Students in the M.S. program in Cell and Molecular Biology must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). These credits must include core courses in molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. Detailed course and other requirements are specified in the cell and molecular biology graduate manual.

For a Plan A master’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 credits of Cell and Molecular Biology 899, Master’s Research. They must also prepare a written thesis, complete a final research seminar, and pass an oral examination.

For a Plan B master’s degree, student may complete a maximum of 8 credits of Cell and Molecular Biology 890, Independent Study. They must also complete a final report and pass an oral examination.

The interdepartmental Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in cell and molecular biology is administered by the College of Natural Science.  Students may elect to complete the requirements for a second major, in addition to the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in cell and molecular biology.

The educational objectives of the program are to provide doctoral  students with fundamental knowledge and research skills so that they may become independent and self–educating scholars. 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in cell and molecular biology, an applicant must have taken the Graduate Record Examination General Test.

To be admitted to the doctoral program in cell and molecular biology, it is recommended that an applicant have:

1. Completed a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree with a minimum grade–point average of 3.00.
2. A broad background in biology, including courses in biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology.
3. Completed at least one year of study in each of the following fields:  physics, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and mathematics through integral calculus.
4. A grade of 3.0 or above in each science and mathematics course completed.
5. Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test.

Applicants with deficiencies in academic preparation may be admitted provisionally, in which case they will be required to complete collateral courses.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology

The student must:

For additional information, contact the director of the doctoral program in cell and molecular biology, 153 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the Ph.D. program through the BioMolecular Science Gateway – First Year, where students choose a doctoral major from any of six Ph.D. programs: biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics and genome sciences, microbiology and molecular genetics, pharmacology and toxicology, or physiology. For additional information refer to the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.

The interdepartmental dual major in ecology, evolution, and behavior is administered by the College of Natural Science.  The dual major is  available only to those students who plan to complete a Ph.D. degree program that involves ecology, evolution, and behavior and who have a graduate major at Michigan State University.  The student does not have the option of completing a dual major in ecology, evolution, and behavior alone.

The educational objectives of the interdepartmental program are to:

1. provide an opportunity for doctoral students to obtain a comprehensive and contemporary academic experience in the field of ecology, evolution, and behavior.
2. stimulate doctoral students with an interest in ecology, evolution, and behavior to become sensitive to their professional obligations and responsibilities.
3. develop an intellectual environment which will foster the growth of research and teaching in the area of ecology, evolution, and behavior.

Students who are enrolled in the dual major in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior may elect an Interdepartmental Specialization in Cognitive Science. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Cognitive Science in the College of Social Science section of this catalog. For additional information, contact the College of Natural Science.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

In order to enroll in the dual major in ecology, evolution, and behavior a student must also have been admitted to a major at Michigan State University. A minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 and undergraduate mathematics through calculus are required for admission to the dual major.

The Graduate Admissions Committee, composed of members of the ecology, evolution, and behavior faculty reviews applications for admission and recommends acceptance of applicants for admission.  In special cases an applicant who has deficiencies in background courses may be admitted to the dual major on a provisional basis.

Guidance Committee

During the first year of enrollment in the dual major, the student and a member of the ecology, evolution, and behavior faculty who will serve as the student’s major professor will constitute a  guidance committee that will assist in planning the student’s program of study.  At least two members of the ecology, evolution, and behavior faculty shall be members of the committee.  The student’s program of study will involve ecology, evolution, and behavior and a major in the student's department.  The program shall be planned in accordance with the statement on Dual Major Doctoral Degrees in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Students in the dual major in ecology, evolution, and behavior are expected to attend weekly seminars and to participate in the graduate student-organized research colloquium.

Requirements for the Dual Major in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

1. One 3-credit course in ecology at the 800-900 level from a list of approved courses available from the office of the ecology, evolution, and behavior program.
2. One 3-credit course in evolution at the 800-900 level from a list of approved courses available from the office of the ecology, evolution, and behavior program.
3. Both of the following quantitative methods courses (6 credits):
   IBIO   830   Statistical Methods in Ecology and Evolution I                                                         3
   IBIO   831   Statistical Methods in Ecology and Evolution II                                                        3
4. Twenty-four credits in Doctoral Dissertation Research (course number 999) from the student's departmental major.
5. Pass a comprehensive examination that will be defined by the requirements of the student's major department and that will include a written examination in which the student demonstrates a knowledge of ecology, evolution, and behavior as determined by the guidance committee.
6. Submit a dissertation that, in the judgment of the student’s guidance committee, represents the integration of ecology, evolution, and behavior and the student’s departmental major.

The dual major in environmental and integrative toxicological sciences is administered by the College of Natural Science.  The dual major is available only to those students who plan to complete a Ph.D. degree program that involves environmental and integrative toxicological sciences and who have a graduate major at Michigan State University.  The student does not have the option of completing a dual major in environmental and integrative toxicological sciences alone.

The purpose of the Dual Major Ph.D. in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences (EITS) is to provide students with training in a basic science discipline and training and credentials in environmental and integrative toxicological sciences. Students accepted into a science-related Doctor of Philosophy degree programs may apply subsequently for admission to the environmental and integrative toxicological sciences program. Students who complete this multidisciplinary course of study earn the Ph.D. degree in a basic science discipline with a dual major in environmental and toxicological sciences.

Each program that cooperates with the environmental and integrative toxicological sciences program is represented by training faculty affiliated with Michigan State University’s Institute for Integrative Toxicology, through which the Doctoral Program in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences is administered in conjunction with the College of Natural Science. The program allows students substantial flexibility in choosing areas of study. Each student’s course of study is planned with that individual’s particular interests, capabilities, and professional goals in mind. The student must meet the requirements for the partnering disciplinary program and the requirements for the environmental toxicology dual major.

In partial fulfillment of the environmental toxicology major, the student must complete the biomedical toxicology track, the food toxicology and ingredient safety track, or the environmental toxicology track. Course requirements for the biomedical toxicology track are designed for doctoral students in biomedical disciplines. The food toxicology and ingredient safety track require courses in toxicology and risk assessment and regulation of food-borne ingredients. Course requirements for the environmental toxicology track are designed for doctoral students in engineering, chemistry and other fields who may have less background in mammalian biology.

When all requirements for the degree have been met, both the chairperson of the department or program that administers the student’s disciplinary major and the director of the Dual Major Ph.D. in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences program will recommend the student for the degree.

Where course requirements for a disciplinary major and for the environmental toxicology major overlap, a given course may be counted toward both requirements.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.
 
Admission
 
A student must be accepted for graduate study into a department or program that offers the student the opportunity to meet EITS admissions requirements, such as a science-based discipline, before applying for admission to the Dual Major Ph.D. in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences. Admission requires the approval of the environmental and integrative toxicological sciences graduate committee and the program director.

The student must:

1. have earned at least a bachelor’s degree;
2. have completed, with a minimum grade–point average of 3.0, sufficient credits in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences to indicate probable success in the program;
3. have a dissertation project related to toxicology;
4. at least two guidance committee members affiliated with the Institute for Integrative Toxicology.

1. The topic of the doctoral dissertation research must be in the broad area of environmental and integrative toxicological sciences and be acceptable to the environmental and integrative toxicological sciences faculty.
2. The student must complete the requirements for one of the three tracks with a grade–point average of at least 3.0.
3. The student must attend and participate in at least 12 EITS approved seminars in toxicological sciences.

The primary purpose of the Master of Science in Genetics and Genome Sciences is to train students for a variety of careers in areas of genetics and genomics.

Admission

Applicants will be considered for admission by the Genetics and Genome Sciences Executive Committee. The criteria for admission include an undergraduate major in the biological sciences, acceptable grade-point average, a statement of objectives and three letters of recommendation. The Genetics and Genome Sciences Executive Committee will also consider requests for students to transfer from the Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics and Genome Sciences to this program.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Genetics and Genome Sciences

The Master of Science degree in Genetics and Genome Sciences is available under Plan A (with thesis). Students must earn at least 30 credits, of which a minimum of 20 credits must consist of course work and must include the following:

The interdepartmental Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in genetics and genome sciences is administered by the College of Natural Science. The objectives of the program are (1) to prepare the student for independent research and teaching, (2) to help the student to understand the nature and significance of genetics as a whole and to gain strength in related sciences, such as molecular biology and biochemistry, and (3) to enable the student to keep in the forefront of this continuously changing field.

Students may specialize in one area of genetics and genome sciences, but are required to familiarize themselves with all major areas of the discipline. Students may elect to complete the requirements for a second major, in addition to the requirements for the doctoral degree in genetics and genome sciences.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below. 

Admission

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in genetics and genome sciences is through the BioMolecular Science Gateway – First Year (BMS). The BMS does not establish minimum cut-off values from any indices, however, the successful applicant will typically have: a bachelor’s degree (four-year or equivalent) or Master of Science degree that includes course work that demonstrates proficiency in math and science; a grade point average of 3.5 or above; significant research experience (equivalent to a minimum of one full-time summer research experience or four semesters of part-time research experience); and strong letters of reference. The GRE is not required to apply to the BMS. Students admitted through the BMS typically perform three research rotations during their first two semesters before they choose their Ph.D. laboratory, and join the Ph.D. program of their choice during the spring semester of their first year in the BMS.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Genetics and Genome Sciences

The program of study is planned by the student in consultation with the major professor and a guidance committee. Specific courses in genetics, as well as courses in other areas considered relevant to the student's interests and chosen research area, are included in the program.

The student must:

Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the Ph.D. program through the BioMolecular Science Gateway – First Year, where students choose a doctoral major from any of six Ph.D. programs: biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics and genome sciences, microbiology and molecular genetics, pharmacology and toxicology, or physiology. For additional information refer to the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.

The Graduate Certificate in Medical Neuroscience is aimed at students who are currently working in the pharmaceutical or medical device industries and students interested in applying to graduate or professional school. It provides post-baccalaureate credentials and career development for students seeking to improve their academic profile or employment qualifications meeting the needs of both working professionals and full-time students. The certificate is available online only.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Medical Neuroscience, students must:

1. have a bachelor’s degree in a biological science background or a bachelor's degree in another area with equivalent work experience.
2. have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 2.5 or a graduate grade-point average of 3.0.
3. write a reflective essay describing how the certificate will enhance their professional and personal development.

The interdepartmental dual major in molecular plant sciences is administered by the College of Natural Science.  The dual major is available only to those students who plan to complete a Ph.D. degree program that involves plant molecular biology and who have a graduate major at Michigan State University.  The student does not have the option of completing a dual major in plant molecular biology alone.

The educational objectives of the interdepartmental program are to prepare students to:

1. function as independent scientists able to develop new knowledge and understanding about the molecular processes driving plant energy status, metabolism, growth, development, gene regulation, evolution, plant stress tolerance, and environmental interactions;
2. devise and test informative hypotheses and apply key molecular and omics approaches to problems in these areas, and;
3. engage in planning, performing, and management of independent and collaborative research and teaching.

1. The course requirements will be specified in a graduate handbook in consultation with the student’s major professor and guidance committee.
2. Three graduate seminar courses in subjects relevant to molecular plant sciences.
3. Twenty-four credits in Doctoral Dissertation Research (course number 999) from the student's departmental major.
4. Pass a comprehensive examination that will be defined by the requirements of the student's major department and that will include a written examination in which the student demonstrates a knowledge of molecular plant sciences as determined by the guidance committee.
5. Submit and defend a dissertation that, in the judgment of the student’s guidance committee, shows original treatment of an important scientific question.

The Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and the Law is designed to provide individuals working in law or social sciences fields with the scientific knowledge necessary to effectively, accurately, and ethically use neuroscientific evidence in a professional setting. The certificate will meet the needs of both working professionals and full-time students.  The certificate is available online only.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and the Law, students must:

1. have a bachelor’s degree.
2. have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 2.25.
3. write a reflective essay describing how the certificate will enhance their professional and personal development.

Several colleges and departments within Michigan State University cooperate in offering the interdepartmental Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in neuroscience, which is administered by the College of Natural Science.  Students may elect to complete the requirements for a second major, in addition to the requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree in neuroscience.

Students who are enrolled in the master’s or doctoral degree program with a major in Neuroscience may also elect an Interdepartmental Specialization in Cognitive Science. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Cognitive Science in the College of Social Science section of this catalog. For additional information, contact the College of Natural Science.

The major objective of the M.S. program is to provide sufficient theoretical and practical training in neuroscience to allow students to obtain professional level positions in academic, industrial, or governmental institutions.

Admission

Admission to graduate study in neuroscience is primarily to the doctoral program. Students are generally accepted for graduate study in neuroscience only if judged by a program committee to be qualified to complete the doctoral degree. However, under certain circumstances, the program may consider applications for admission to the Master of Science in Neuroscience from students who wish to earn a master’s degree in preparation for the doctoral degree. For consultation, contact the program director.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Neuroscience an applicant should:

1. have taken a broad spectrum of basic science courses.
2. have a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in science and mathematics courses.

To be eligible for regular admission to the Master of Science degree in Neuroscience, an applicant must:

1. have completed an undergraduate degree in a biological or physical science or a related discipline.
2. have earned an overall grade-point average of 3.0.

Laboratory research experience is recommended, but not required. Applicants with deficiencies in academic preparation may be admitted provisionally, with the requirement that they complete collateral science courses during the first year of study; these collateral courses will not count toward the degree.

Admission decisions are made by the Neuroscience Program Graduate Affairs Committee.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Neuroscience

The program is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s guidance committee. The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Additional Requirements for Plan A

Successful completion and defense of a thesis based on original research on an important problem in neuroscience in a seminar-based public forum.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

Successful completion and presentation of a research-based paper.

The program provides an opportunity for doctoral students to acquire both a broad and in-depth knowledge of the function of the nervous system.  The program is designed to:

1. Make it possible for a doctoral student to obtain a comprehensive and contemporary academic experience in the field of neuroscience.
2. Prepare students for their future professional obligations and responsibilities as scholars.
3. Develop an intellectual environment that will foster the growth of research and teaching in the area of neuroscience.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in neuroscience, an applicant should have:

1. Completed a broad spectrum of basic science courses.
2. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 in science and mathematics courses.
3. Experience in laboratory research.

To be eligible for regular admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in neuroscience, an applicant must have:

1. Completed an undergraduate degree in a biological, psychological, or physical science or in a related discipline.
2. An overall grade-point average of at least 3.0.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Neuroscience

The student must:

A detailed description of the Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in neuroscience and of the research interests of participating faculty may be obtained upon request from the Neuroscience Program Administrative Office, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, or by visiting the Web site at  http://www.neuroscience.msu.edu.

The interdepartmental dual major in quantitative biology is administered by the College of Natural Science. The dual major is available only to those students who plan to complete a Ph.D. degree program that involves a research project and course work in quantitative biology and a major in one of the following departments that are affiliated with the interdepartmental program: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Epidemiology, Genetics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Physics and Astronomy, Physiology, Plant Biology, Statistics and Probability, and Zoology. The student does not have the option of completing a major in quantitative biology alone.

The educational objectives of the interdepartmental program are to:

1. provide an opportunity for doctoral students to obtain an interdisciplinary and contemporary academic experience in the field of quantitative biology.
2. stimulate doctoral students with an interest in biological sciences to develop skills in chemical/physical or mathematical/computational approaches while encouraging doctoral students in the chemical, physical, mathematical, and computational sciences to apply their skills to solve biological problems.
3. develop an intellectual environment that will foster the growth of research and teaching in the area of quantitative biology.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the department and college in which the student is enrolled, the student must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

In order to enroll in the dual major in quantitative biology a student must also have been admitted to a major in one of the affiliated departments. A minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 and undergraduate mathematics through calculus are required for admission to the dual major. Students may apply  to the quantitative biology program at any time prior to their preliminary exam.

Admission to the quantitative biology dual major is by approval of the quantitative biology recruiting committee and the graduate program director. In special cases, an applicant who has deficiencies in background courses may be admitted to the dual major on a provisional basis.

Guidance Committee

The student must select two mentors, typically one from a biological discipline and one from a chemical, physical, mathematical, computational, or engineering discipline. Both of these mentors will serve on the guidance committee.  At least two members of the student’s guidance committee must be members of the quantitative biology faculty. At least one member of the committee must be from a department or disciplinary program other than the one that administers the student’s disciplinary major. The student’s program of study will be planned in accordance with the statement on Dual Major Doctoral Degrees in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Requirements for the Dual Major in Quantitative Biology