COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Introduction Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Science Departments: Biological Sciences Chemistry Geological Sciences Mathematical Sciences Physics Dr. Thomas E. Brady, Dean Dr. Larry P. Jones, Associate Dean Dr. Jorge A. Lopez, Assistant Dean Bell Hall, Room 100 Phone: (915) 747-5536 Fax: (915) 747-6807 E-mail: science@utep.edu		Biological Sciences Web site at: http://www.utep.edu/biology/ 1.- Master of Science in Biological Sciences 2.- PhD in Biological Sciences 3.- Biology (BIOL) Courses 4.- Botany (BOT) Courses 5.- Microbiology (MICR) Courses 6.- Zoology (ZOOL) Courses 7.- Biology (BIOL) Courses (Graduate only) 8.- Biology (BIOL) Courses (Doctoral only) 2.- PhD in Biological Sciences The educational objective of the doctoral program in Biological Sciences is to prepare students for research on the pressing pathobiological problems of the region, with an emphasis on (1) the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, (2) the toxic and carcinogenic effects of environmental pollutants, and (3) neurological and metabolic disorders. Requirements for Admission Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent education in a foreign institution Undergraduate degree in biology or a related field and successful completion of: two semesters of organic chemistry with lab one semester of calculus course work in physiology, ecology, evolutionary theory, microbiology, cell biology biochemistry, and genetics Satisfactory score on the general GRE Personal statement of research and professional interests Three letters of recommendation indicating unqualified endorsement of the applicant for doctoral study TOEFL score of 550 or higher for international applicants whose first language is not English or who have not completed a university degree in the U.S. or other English-speaking institution Requirements for Ph.D. Degree in Biological Sciences: A minimum of 72 semester hours beyond the Bachelor's degree to include: 36 semester hours of course work and seminars 30 semester hours of research 6 semester hours of dissertation (BIOL 6398 and BIOL 6399) Students entering the program with a Master's degree may count up to 24 semester hours of graduate course work as advanced standing toward the Ph.D. degree. Students with deficiencies in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, genetics, ecology, or evolutionary theory will be required to take additional course work to remove the deficiencies. Ph.D. Curriculum Required course work (16 semester hours) BIOL 5328 Numerical Methods in Biology BIOL 5340 Structure and Function of Macromolecules BIOL 6301 Environmental Pathobiology BIOL 6310 Advanced Research Techniques BIOL 5130 Biological Sciences Seminar (taken 3 times) BIOL 5131 Ethical, Social, and Political Dimensions of Science Additional requirements include two of the following, one of which must be at the doctoral (6000) level (6-7 semester hours) BIOL 5326 Advances in Immunological Concepts BIOL 5346 Ecosystem Toxicology BIOL 5360 Limnology BIOL 6303 Gene Regulation BIOL 6304 Physiological Regulatory Mechanisms ESE 6404 Environmental Biology Electives Additional course work to total a minimum of 36 semester hours Research (30 semester hours minimum) Options include: BIOL 6390 Independent Research BIOL 6490 Independent Research BIOL 6590 Independent Research BIOL 6690 Independent Research Dissertation (6 semester hours) BIOL 6398 BIOL 6399 Admission to Candidacy The student must pass a qualifying oral examination in order to advance to candidacy for the doctorate. This exam will be designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the core courses as well as the candidate's ability to rationally discuss the design, implementation, and analysis of a research problem of the student's and the committee's choosing. The Preliminary Examination Committee will determine whether the student displays sufficient breadth of knowledge and understanding of basic principles to undertake original research. Dissertation A dissertation demonstrating both the ability to do original independent research and competence in scholarly exposition will be required of all students. The dissertation must present original research and should provide the basis for one or more publishable contributions to the research literature. The dissertation will be supervised by the Dissertation Advisor, in consultation with a Dissertation Committee consisting of at least three additional members, at least one of whom must be a graduate faculty member from outside the Department of Biological Sciences. The candidate will present a dissertation proposal for approval by the Dissertation Committee. Final Oral Examination Upon completion of the dissertation, the student must defend, in public, his or her work. The Dissertation Committee will be responsible for administering the final public oral defense and will have the responsibility of determining whether the written dissertation and its oral presentation and defense are acceptable.

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