Background for Graduate
Program in Biological Sciences

"Biological sciences has an outstanding program. There's lots of interaction between faculty and graduate students. You're not just a number. That helps a lot. It's nice to have other people in your area of expertise to rely on. And the facilities are well matched for the program."

—Jason Carter
Marquette, Michigan
PhD candidate in exercise physiology

Program
There has never been a more exciting time to become a >biologist. Rapid advances in molecular biology and the mounting urgency to better understand the global ecosystem are converging to provide challenges for biologists in all disciplines.

As our knowledge advances, advanced education at the graduate level becomes more and more necessary for a career in the biological sciences in industry, government, or academia.

Our graduate program in biological sciences frequently draws upon additional expertise in the areas of forestry, chemistry, mathematical sciences, mechanical engineering, and civil and environmental engineering—making for a stimulating intellectual atmosphere that makes graduate study a special and memorable time in career development.

Majors
MS and PhD in Biological Sciences with concentrations in

• biochemistry and molecular biology
• ecology and environmental biology
  

MS in Biological Sciences with an option in clinical laboratory management (for medical technologists)

Research excellence

• Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Health and Physiology
• Microbiology, Microbial Biochemistry, and Genetics
• Ecology and Botany

• Several campus research groups study environmental microbiology for bioremediation and other applications
• The Aquatic Ecology Research Group includes the Fish Ecology Group and the Remote Sensing and Ecosystem Science Institute.
• The Lake Superior Ecosystems Research Center (LaSER) studies basic ecosystem processes within the aquatic and terrestrial portions of the Lake Superior watershed.
• The Phytotechnology Research Center focuses on biotechnology, physiology, pathology, and biochemistry of plants, using traditional approaches as well as the latest advances in genetic engineering and molecular microanalysis.
• The Environmental Engineering Center studies groundwater, soil and sediment systems, air emissions, pollution control, and waste treatment. This center has a PhD in environmental engineering and science.
• The Diesel Research Group studies diesel emissions, including the effects of emission-control devices and the use of alternate fuels.

Stature
In the Department of Biological Sciences, sixteen faculty and approximately thirty graduate students interact in a vigorous, well-funded program of graduate study and research.

The University has a large array of computer facilities, including extensive capabilities for statistical analysis and graphics. All graduate students in biological sciences have easy access to microcomputers for word processing, calculations, data management, statistical analyses, and graphics.