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Program directors
Program directors
Program description
Program description
In the biology and society concentration of the MS program in biology, students examine topics in which biology intersects with society.
The concentration tailors individual plans of study to individual needs and interests, with a solid grounding in the life and related sciences and with a rigorous analytical and interdisciplinary education. The program offers suggested courses for those wishing to focus on these areas: bioethics, policy and law; biology education research; ecology, economics and ethics of the environment; and history and philosophy of science.
Bioethics, policy and law --- Students are trained in the pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by the biosciences and biomedicine and in the disciplinary methods necessary to address these issues.
Biology education research --- This focuses on using education research to identify ways to improve undergraduate biology education broadly.
Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment --- This area trains students in the theory and empirical methods for understanding, analyzing and shaping policy for coupled human-natural systems.
History and philosophy of science --- Students are trained in the conceptual foundations of science, especially the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science and its progress.
Degree requirements
Degree requirements
The current degree requirements are below. Remember you are required to fulfill the requirements from the academic year you were admitted. Please refer to the handbook from your year of admission as needed.
Total: 30 credit hours, including a thesis
General Coursework Section (1 credit hour)
(1) BIO 610 - Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences
OR
(1) BIO 611- Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences
Concentration Coursework Section (2 credit hours)
(1) BIO 615 - Biology and Society Lab 2x*
*Take two times total
Track Coursework Section (9 credit hours)
Choose one of the following tracks, and refer to the BIOS MS Course Offering Guide below for an extensive list of course options that fit into each area.
A. Bioethics, Policy, and Law Track
(3) Ethics Area - as related to life science
(3) Science Policy Area
(3) Law Area - as related to science or technology
B. Biology Education Research Track
(3) Quantitative Methods or Statistics Area
(3) Learning, Educational or Psychological Theory Area
(3) Discipline-Based Education Research Area
C. Ecology, Economics, and Ethics of the Environment Track
(3) Ecology Area
(3) Environmental or Natural Resource Economics
(3) Environmental Ethics or Environmental Policy Area
D. History and Philosophy of Science Track
(3) History of Science Area
(3) Philosophy of Science Area
(3) History of Science or Philosophy of Science Area
Electives Section (6 credit hours)
*Students should discuss elective course selection with their faculty advisor(s) to best support your research project.
SOLS course prefixes to choose from: ANB, BIO, ELS, EVO, HPS, MCB, MIC, NEU, & PLB - 500-level or above OR any courses taught by biology and society graduate faculty members.
*Up to 6 credits maximum can be 400-level
Refer to the BIOS MS Course Offering Guide below for an extensive list of approved elective options.
Research Section (6 credit hours)
(6 minimum) BIO 592 - Research
Culminating Experience Section (6 credit hours)
(6 exactly) BIO 599 - Thesis
*Note: it is very important you do exactly 6 thesis credit hours. These 6 can be divided and taken over multiple semesters, but they must sum 6 credits exactly (no more, no less) to avoid issues when graduating.
*According to Graduate College policy beginning for new students in Fall 2025, no more than 50% of the total credits applied in iPOS can be graded on a Z/Y scale (typically research and thesis). Please plan your coursework accordingly.
Course offering guide
Course offering guide
Use the live Google Sheet below to narrow down your course search each semester and ensure that the courses you are selecting align with the appropriate degree requirements.
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