University of New England

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Sciences

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Biological Sciences

Contact: A. Christine Brown, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005
(207)602- 2462 or sbrown@une.edu

Overview
The Master of Science: Biological Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics.  The classroom curriculum features a broad-based  exposure to advanced topics in biological  subjects including physiology, ecology, molecular biology and microbiology. The program also focuses on the research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected by consultation with our faculty.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences at University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. 

The mission of the Master of Science:  Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology , and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences.  

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through high quality research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations.

Requirements

1. Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate or higher degree program.
2. Grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
3. 16 credits of Biology with labs.
4. 12 credits of Chemistry.
5. 8 credits of Physics.
6. 4 credits of Calculus.
7. Successful completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test.

Applicants from outside the United States should submit their applications together with a financial affidavit and TOEFL scores (if their primary language is not English) at an early date because additional time is required to process these applications.

Procedures and Policies
It is the applicant's responsibility to complete the application file, which must include all of the following items:

1. Master of Science:  Biological Sciences Application form.
2. Personal Statement.
3. Official Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study. These transcripts must be mailed directly from the issuing institution to the Admissions Office.
4. Two educational/professional references. (Note: pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974, applicants should notify referee, that no material can be held confidential, but the applicant may choose to waive this right).
5. Application fee of $40.00.

When all materials are received, the applicant is notified that the application file is complete. If notification is not received from the University within a reasonable time, the applicant should assume that his or her application is not complete and follow-up accordingly.



When a student is accepted to the Master of Science: Biological Sciences program prior to the completion of his or her bachelor's degree, the admission is contingent upon the University's receipt of evidence of graduation and the supplemental transcript of any undergraduate or graduate work in progress at the time of acceptance.

Other
Prior to or during the admissions process, students are advised to communicate with faculty with whom they want to work.

Transfer Credit
Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits at UNE, therefore, transfer of credit is not accepted.

Program Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress
To remain in the MS: Biological Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA, evaluated at the end of the academic year, must be a minimum of 3.0.   Students who receive a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation and subject to the remedial decisions of the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Programs Committee.

Program Completion Timeline
Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements.  After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of three Thesis credit hours per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal
A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0 or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit, is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-.  Any student who fails to meet these criteria will be considered for dismissal by the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Committee and the Dean of CAS.

Academic Policy

Course Withdrawal
In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. 

Incomplete Grades
A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussing this with the instructor and completing a Request for Incomplete Form. At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This form must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment
After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except his/her thesis will be required to pay for a minimum of three Thesis credit hours plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program. 

Other Expenses
Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student.  Currently there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the University Campus. Call 207-283-0170, extension 2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website.  Information on  tuition remission, Research Assistantships  and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the Department of Biological Sciences  graduate programs website : /cas/biological/graduate/.

Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete and defend publicly an approved research thesis.