In many professions, the master’s degree is now the minimum requirement for either employment or advancement. To meet this need, Chatham has developed two options for the MS biology program. The non-thesis option can be completed in one calendar year, and different tracks are available focusing on different areas of biology. The thesis option includes a research component and typically takes one and a half to two years.

Non-Thesis Option:
The MS Biology non-thesis track is flexible program that allows student to pursue interests in varied biological disciplines. Scientific inquiry is an essential component of this program, but not at the level of research required for a thesis. Students will complete a total of thirteen courses (36-40 credits) in their degree plan.

Thesis Option:
The MS Biology thesis track is flexible program that allows student to pursue interests in varied biological disciplines. Scientific research is an essential component of this program, which students can expect will require two years to complete. Students complete thirteen courses (36-40 credits) in their degree plan.

The focal point of the program is human biology. This program is designed primarily for students who wish to improve their credentials and/or complete requirements for advanced programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, etc.

Important Program Information:
In the MS Biology graduate program, you must be registered for a minimum of 9 credits per long semester (i.e. fall & spring) to achieve full-time status. 6 credits is generally sufficient to qualify for financial aid during the summer semester; please check with the financial aid office to confirm the requirements of your funder. Thesis track students cannot register for an independent study intended for research, in addition to thesis credits.

You may count one internship or independent study course (2-3 credits) as an elective in this program. Internships require 40 hours of on-site activity per credit, as well as additional academic responsibilities. It is the student’s responsibility to identify the site and the internship supervisor. Chatham’s Career Services department and your academic advisor will provide assistance and complete details on academic internship rules and responsibilities.

All BIO classes at the 500- and 600-levels not designated as core courses in the program may serve as approved program electives. Graduate level courses in other academic programs may also be accepted as program electives. A list of pre-approved courses is provided below. Other courses may be approved on an individual basis if they are consistent with the structure of the biology program, and well suited to the specific aims of the student. Full-time students may cross-register for ONE course per semester at nearby institutions including Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne. Cross-registration is not permitted in the summer. These courses are not automatically accepted, so please consult with your program director when pursuing this option.

Admission Requirements

Learning Outcomes

• Goal 1 Enhances students' intellectual growth and development of practical and transferable skills.
  • PSLO 1 Students demonstrate knowledge and skills in human biology.
• Goal 2 Create a venue for students to gain transferable scientific skills to assist them in their future career endeavors.
  • PSLO 2 Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in research principles, research ethics, and scientific writing.
  • PSLO 3 Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in analysis of biological data.
• Goal 3 Enhance the transferable skills of students along specific intra-discipline lines, including research and biomedical training.
  • PSLO 4 Thesis track students demonstrate mastery of the scientific method
  • PSLO 5 Thesis track students demonstrate skill in oral communication of scientific research
  • PSLO 6 Medical track students demonstrate interdisciplinary skill in the Medical College Admissions Test

Curriculum

+MS Biology Thesis Requirements

The MS Biology thesis track is a flexible program that allows student to pursue interests in varied biological disciplines. Scientific research is an essential component of this program, which students can expect will require two years to complete. Students complete thirteen courses (36-40 credits) in their degree plan.

BIO532	Biostatistics The study and application of biostatistics and probability distributions in biology, for students who already have a working knowledge of statistics and want to understand the place and application of biostatistical methods in science. Topics include hypothesis testing, analysis of variance for one and many variables, and linear and nonlinear regression. Three hours of class per week.	3
BIO630	Biological Research Principles This course provides students with a foundation in biological research principles, covering ethics, professional development, writing, research design, data analysis, and research proposal development. These are essential scientific components for any graduate student in the biological sciences.	3
BIO650	Research Proposal In conjunction with BIO623 Methods of Biological Research, this course provides the tools for writing a valid proposal to do basic or applied research. Students complete a research proposal for approval of scientific inquiry project, as part of their degree requirements. In this course, students will take the steps to clearly outline a research project for BIO693 Independent Study (non-thesis track) or BIO698 Thesis I (thesis track), which requires program approval. This course is taken subsequent to BIO623 Methods of Biological Research. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BIO630 Biological Research Principles	1
BIO698	Biology Thesis I Research in an area of biology. This is the first of two courses that result in a thesis approved by a committee of three faculty members. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BIO650 Research Proposal	3
BIO699	Biology Thesis II Research in an area of biology. This is the second of two courses that result in a thesis approved by a committee of three faculty members. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BIO698 Biology Thesis I	3
4 courses from the following:
BIO512	Advanced Human Gross Anatomy An in-depth study of both regional gross human anatomic structures & cellular level tissue. The course is clinically oriented with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, urinary & reproductive systems. Regional study of the head/neck, trunk, and upper/lower extremities, is accomplished through human cadaver dissection.	3
BIO512L	Advanced Human Gross Anatomy Lab The laboratory compliment to BIO512, this course uses human cadavers to facilitate a deeper appreciation for regional gross human anatomic structures. The course is clinically oriented with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, urinary and reproductive systems, via regional study of the head/neck, trunk, and upper/lower extremities. Co-requisites BIO512 Advanced Human Gross Anatomy	2
BIO514	Advanced Human Physiology An in-depth study of the mechanisms of human body function, emphasizing cells, genetic control of protein synthesis, transport across membranes, contraction and excitation of muscles, the physiology of cardiac muscle, and rhythmical excitation of the normal heart.	3
BIO516	Advanced Neuroscience A study of the structure and function of the human central and peripheral nervous system, including vascular components and special senses. The course emphasizes nervous system control of movement.	3
BIO516L	Advanced Neuroscience Lab This lab complements the lectures in BIO516, using hands-on laboratory and data collection exercises. It examines nervous system function, emphasizing excitability, synaptic transmission and neuron-target interactions. It also includes a study of integrative neural function in sensory, motor, learning, memory and limbic systems. Two hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisites BIO516 Advanced Neuroscience	2
BIO517	Genetics A study of the modern concepts of the gene. Lectures stress theory and experimental evidence relating to the structure of the gene, heritability of characteristics, and the behavior of genes in populations.	3
BIO519	Immunology This course covers fundamental principles of immunology with emphasis on molecular and cellular immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, complement, major histocompatibility complexes, and the cellular basis for the immune response.	3
BIO538	Biochemistry I This course offers the structure and function of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are also taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy are also discussed.	3
BIO539	Biochemistry II This course offers the structure and function of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are also taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy are also discussed.	3
BIO558	Histology A microscopic analysis of human and animal tissue and organ function at the cellular level. Material comes from textbook, lecture, images and animations in addition to practical application and identification of histological specimens. Recommended for students planning to apply to professional schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry.	3
BIO561	Pharmacology This course covers the general principles of drug action, including administration, distribution, mechanism, and excretion. Emphasis will be placed on key pharmacological concepts, basic signal transduction pathways and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacology of the nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems as well as the mechanisms of various antimicrobial agents will be considered.	3
BIO612L	Cadaver Dissection Lab This course presents an extensive overview of gross human anatomic structure, through cadaver dissection, emphasizing the thoracic and abdominal viscera, as well as the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Evident pathologies are highlighted when present. Strong emphasis is placed upon the development of excellent dissection skills and practices. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: BIO512 Advanced Human Gross Anatomy BIO512L Advanced Human Gross Anatomy Lab	3
BIO516L	Advanced Neuroscience Lab This lab complements the lectures in BIO516, using hands-on laboratory and data collection exercises. It examines nervous system function, emphasizing excitability, synaptic transmission and neuron-target interactions. It also includes a study of integrative neural function in sensory, motor, learning, memory and limbic systems. Two hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisites BIO516 Advanced Neuroscience	2
4-5 courses from the MS Biology elective pool; minimum of 11 credits.

+MS Biology Non-Thesis Requirements

The MS Biology non-thesis track is flexible program that allows student to pursue interests in varied biological disciplines. Scientific inquiry is an essential component of this program, but not at the level of research required for a thesis. Students will complete a total of thirteen courses (36-40 credits) in their degree plan.

BIO532	Biostatistics The study and application of biostatistics and probability distributions in biology, for students who already have a working knowledge of statistics and want to understand the place and application of biostatistical methods in science. Topics include hypothesis testing, analysis of variance for one and many variables, and linear and nonlinear regression. Three hours of class per week.	3
BIO630	Biological Research Principles This course provides students with a foundation in biological research principles, covering ethics, professional development, writing, research design, data analysis, and research proposal development. These are essential scientific components for any graduate student in the biological sciences.	3
BIO650	Research Proposal In conjunction with BIO623 Methods of Biological Research, this course provides the tools for writing a valid proposal to do basic or applied research. Students complete a research proposal for approval of scientific inquiry project, as part of their degree requirements. In this course, students will take the steps to clearly outline a research project for BIO693 Independent Study (non-thesis track) or BIO698 Thesis I (thesis track), which requires program approval. This course is taken subsequent to BIO623 Methods of Biological Research. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BIO630 Biological Research Principles	1
BIO693	Independent Study Independent Study Pre-requisites Complete the following course: XXX123 Permission of Instructor	3
BIO697	Scientific Dissemination This course fulfills a scientific inquiry requirement for the MS Biology program, non-thesis track. Students document and present results from their independent study project, under the guidance of their faculty mentor. The student will complete an independent study report and give a professional public seminar of the study results. Students normally register for this course in the semester following the semester they performed their required independent study project. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BIO693 Independent Study	3
4 courses from the following:
BIO512	Advanced Human Gross Anatomy An in-depth study of both regional gross human anatomic structures & cellular level tissue. The course is clinically oriented with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, urinary & reproductive systems. Regional study of the head/neck, trunk, and upper/lower extremities, is accomplished through human cadaver dissection.	3
BIO512L	Advanced Human Gross Anatomy Lab The laboratory compliment to BIO512, this course uses human cadavers to facilitate a deeper appreciation for regional gross human anatomic structures. The course is clinically oriented with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, urinary and reproductive systems, via regional study of the head/neck, trunk, and upper/lower extremities. Co-requisites BIO512 Advanced Human Gross Anatomy	2
BIO514	Advanced Human Physiology An in-depth study of the mechanisms of human body function, emphasizing cells, genetic control of protein synthesis, transport across membranes, contraction and excitation of muscles, the physiology of cardiac muscle, and rhythmical excitation of the normal heart.	3
BIO516	Advanced Neuroscience A study of the structure and function of the human central and peripheral nervous system, including vascular components and special senses. The course emphasizes nervous system control of movement.	3
BIO517	Genetics A study of the modern concepts of the gene. Lectures stress theory and experimental evidence relating to the structure of the gene, heritability of characteristics, and the behavior of genes in populations.	3
BIO519	Immunology This course covers fundamental principles of immunology with emphasis on molecular and cellular immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, complement, major histocompatibility complexes, and the cellular basis for the immune response.	3
BIO538	Biochemistry I This course offers the structure and function of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are also taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy are also discussed.	3
BIO539	Biochemistry II This course offers the structure and function of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are also taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy are also discussed.	3
BIO558	Histology A microscopic analysis of human and animal tissue and organ function at the cellular level. Material comes from textbook, lecture, images and animations in addition to practical application and identification of histological specimens. Recommended for students planning to apply to professional schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry.	3
BIO561	Pharmacology This course covers the general principles of drug action, including administration, distribution, mechanism, and excretion. Emphasis will be placed on key pharmacological concepts, basic signal transduction pathways and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacology of the nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems as well as the mechanisms of various antimicrobial agents will be considered.	3
4-5 courses from the MS Biology elective pool; minimum of 11 credits.

+MS Biology Electives Thesis and non-Thesis

BIO508	Developmental Biology A study of the embryonic and post-embryonic development of animals, with special emphasis on humans. The morphogenesis, growth and mechanisms of differentiation are stressed. Other topics include cancer, regeneration, cloning, hormones as mediators of development, and developmental genetics.	3
BIO517	Genetics A study of the modern concepts of the gene. Lectures stress theory and experimental evidence relating to the structure of the gene, heritability of characteristics, and the behavior of genes in populations.	3
BIO518	Chemical Analysis Laboratory This laboratory teaches the proper design, implementation and analysis of modern techniques in instrumental chemistry, encompassing spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separation science. In addition, several inorganic compounds are synthesized and characterized. Student-originated research projects are used extensively throughout this course. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	3
BIO519	Immunology This course covers fundamental principles of immunology with emphasis on molecular and cellular immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, complement, major histocompatibility complexes, and the cellular basis for the immune response.	3
BIO538	Biochemistry I This course offers the structure and function of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are also taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy are also discussed.	3
BIO539	Biochemistry II This course offers the structure and function of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are also taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy are also discussed.	3
BIO552	Computational Drug Design Study of computational techniques of importance in contemporary drug design. Topics include molecular docking, ligand binding free energy calculations, de novo drug design, pharmacophore elucidation, quantitative structure-activity relations, and combinatorial library design. Cross-listed as BIO 452 and CHM 452.	3
BIO553	Special Topics in Biology Lectures and/or laboratories in selected areas of contemporary biology, with a focus of recent research.	3
BIO555	Medical and Bio-ethics This course will discuss selected topics in medical ethics emphasizing methods of ethical reasoning about moral dilemmas and contributions of philosophical theories and principles to practical problems of medicine. Includes legal aspects of health care decisions.	3
BIO558	Histology A microscopic analysis of human and animal tissue and organ function at the cellular level. Material comes from textbook, lecture, images and animations in addition to practical application and identification of histological specimens. Recommended for students planning to apply to professional schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry.	3
BIO561	Pharmacology This course covers the general principles of drug action, including administration, distribution, mechanism, and excretion. Emphasis will be placed on key pharmacological concepts, basic signal transduction pathways and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacology of the nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems as well as the mechanisms of various antimicrobial agents will be considered.	3
BIO601	Professional Development in Biology This course provides students with an opportunity to receive mentorship or practical training in teaching, research, or other professional activity in biology.	1
BIO638	Internship Internship	2
BIO639	Internship Internship	3
FST512	Practical Nutrition Course provides an overview of nutrition as an evidence-based research field, focusing on groups and communities where research is conducted and then applied. Topics include science and politics of food categories; supplements and functional foods; weight and disordered eating, commercial, local, organic, and conventional foods; cuisine, culture, and diet.	3
HCI502	Healthcare Delivery Systems In this course, students will be engaged in dynamic content to gain an understanding of the role of information systems within healthcare delivery. The course provides an introduction to the use of information technology, information systems, data, and informatics in regards to health care delivery system entities and functions.	3
HCI503	Informatics Foundation and Health Care Technology This course will assist students to develop a strong foundation of knowledge in understanding the impact technology and informatics has in the delivery of care across various settings. Student will be introduced to current and emerging technologies while exploring the impact on patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.	3
HCI506	Health Policy and Informatics This course will explore health care policy and how it relates to informatics. Students will describe the history and development of health care policy while comparing U.S. health care policies to other countries. Legal, privacy, storage, and security issues will be discussed regarding healthcare and genomic data.	3
HCI631	Integrating Technology into a Healthcare Environment This course will introduce students to key factors to be considered when integrating new technology within a healthcare environment. Understanding how to successfully create change, define current process, design future processes and complete a gap analysis using the four stages of a systems life cycle to successfully integrate or change technology.	3
PSY503	Applied Biological Psychology The course addresses biological aspects of human psychology, including the biological basis of neurological deficits and mental disorders, and the use psychotropic medications for treating mental illnesses. Topics also include stress and health, mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, and contemporary issues in biological psychology.	3
PSY530	Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and intervention techniques of sport and exercise psychology. Topics covered will include motivation theory applied to sport, team dynamics, an introduction to psychological skills training, the psychology of sport injury, and issues pertinent to exercise adoption, adherence, and drop-out.	3
PSY629	Human Development across the Life Span The course explores cognitive, social, emotional and physiological development throughout the life span. While including concentration on the major theoretical approaches to life span development, an equally significant focus will be on practical application of material.	3
PSY635	Concepts of Mental Health and Illness The course provides an overview of concepts of mental health and its development, and of the etiologies of psychopathology, from a culturally sensitive perspective. Students learn to recognize the complex biological and environmental contributors to mental illness, and to evaluate effective treatment approaches for mental illness.	3
PSY663	Foundations of Health Psychology Students will explore how psychological processes influence physical health. Further, the psychological sequelae of physical illness will be examined. Students will delve into the mind-body connection with consideration given to the cultural context. The role of the counseling psychologist as a member of the healthcare team will be explored.	3
PWR616	Technical Writing This course teaches students how to prepare letter reports and technical reports about subjects that require technical explanations, diagrams, charts, and jargon understood by technical readers. In addition, this course teaches students how to present technical information to technical readers so they understand the concepts and can apply them in their work.	3
PWR632	Science and Environmental Writing This course focuses on the practice of writing about science, environment, medicine, and technology for audiences ranging from the general public to scientists and engineers. It starts with basic science writing for lay audiences, emphasizing organization and clear writing techniques and also explores problems of conveying highly complex technical information to multiple audiences, factors that influence science communication to the public, and interactions between scientists and journalists.	3