Biological Sciences, (PhD)

University of Memphis

Program objectives are: (1) understand biological principles, concepts, and theories, and in-depth knowledge in a chosen specialty (2) develop expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and oral and written presentation of research results and (3) become competitive for professional positions in the biological sciences.Program RequirementsA minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree is required. For a full-time student, the typical time to complete the program is 5 years. A student entering the PhD program with a MS degree may be awarded 30 semester hours toward the 72 hours requirement. A minimum of 42 semester hours must be taken in residence.A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained. A student whose grade point average drops below 3.0 will have one semester to raise his or her GPA to 3.0 or better. Continuation of a student who fails to reach a 3.0 overall GPA during two consecutive semesters while in the graduate program is at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee (in consultation with the student’s Advisory Committee).Mandatory courses include BIOL 8000 (Orientation to Graduate Studies), BIOL 8004 (College Biology Teaching), BIOL 8004, BIOL 8092, BIOL 8103, BIOL 8200, BIOL 8600, and BIOL 9000. BIOL 8000 must be completed during the first year of residence. Attendance at departmental seminars is mandatory. Up to nine hours of BIOL 8092, and five hours of BIOL 8200 can be counted toward the degree requirements. Eighteen credit hours of BIOL 9000 must be completed during the program no more than 18 hours will be counted toward the degree.

College of Arts and Sciences