Undergraduate
The Department of Biological Sciences offers majors leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Microbiology, and a double major program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science. The Department also offers minors in Biology and Microbiology, and participates in interdisciplinary minors in Natural Resources Management and Evolutionary Studies.
Information about these degree programs:
Minor in Biology and Microbiology
Minor in Natural Resources Management
University Scholars
Master’s degrees can also be accomplished by enrolling in either Plan I or Plan II through the University Scholars Program. The University Scholars Program is a closely integrated undergraduate and graduate program in which qualified undergraduate students begin graduate study in their senior year; such a program may lead to the simultaneous or sequential completion of requirements for both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees. The University Scholars Program is for highly motivated candidates for the B.S. degree in biology, microbiology, or marine science.
More information regarding the University Scholars Program can be found here.
Graduate
The department offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Master of Science in Marine Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degrees. In Fall 2019 students may also enroll in a coursework only Master of Arts in Biological Sciences degree program. The graduate program is designed to provide broad training in the Biological Sciences, with specialization in the fields of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) or Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (EES). Research foci within MCB include disease model systems; evolutionary and developmental genetics; microbiology and immunology; genomics; and protein biochemistry. Research foci within EES include population, community, and ecosystem ecology; microbial ecology; evolutionary biology; conservation genetics; marine biology; animal behavior and physiology; and systematics, with a special emphasis on aquatic systems.
There are four graduate degree programs in the Department of Biological Sciences:
- Master of Arts in Biological Sciences (M.A.)
- Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences (M.S.)
- Master of Science degree in Marine Science (M.S.)
- Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences (Ph.D.)
Each of the M.S. degrees can be accomplished either by enrolling in Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis).
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biological Sciences is a course-work only degree designed for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge of foundational concepts in Biological Sciences and gain practical hands-on training in controlled laboratory exercises, data analysis and presentation as well as scientific pedagogical practices. This degree does not require the traditional intensive commitment to data-driven research that is the hallmark of the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biology.
Course catalog descriptions for all graduate degree programs, including required credits, may be viewed on the Graduate School catalog page here: https://catalog.ua.edu/graduate/arts-sciences/biological-sciences/.