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grad_com An electronic newsletter from the
BSU School of Graduate Studies |
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Vol. 3, No. 4 |
September 2006 |
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New Information! Web Updates: The
Graduate Studies website is currently undergoing changes for your
convenience. We will inform you when
they have been completed. Take a look
and see what is new! URGENT information on Tuition Fee Due Dates: Due
to changes in MnSCU policy, there is an important guideline of which all
students must be aware: Effective Fall Semester, All
tuition and fees should be paid in full no later than five business days
after each term’s first day of class session or the student will be dropped from all classes. A
student will not be dropped only
if they meet one of the following criteria: 1: The student has applied for
financial aid and the university has received the FAFSA results from the Dept. of Education. 2: The student has made a minimum
down payment to tuition and fees of 15% or $300, whichever is less, and has
an active payment plan contract. 3: Student
has a scholarship or third party award that meets the minimum down payment
rule. 4: Student is enrolled in PSEO
program. 5: Student’s tuition and fees are
deferred for special hardship cases such as sudden illness, a death in the
family, or natural disaster. |
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This
month . . . ·
Ins and Outs:
Investigating Grad Programs This month: The Biology Program · Graduate Timeline, Expectations, and Details from the Biology department · Q&A: Straight from the Biology Department… |
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Ins and
Outs of the Biology Department |
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The
degree… Master of Sciences degree in Biology – this
degree reflects the range and depth of biology sub-disciplines and broadens
students’ horizons through coursework and original research. Preparation This degree requires an undergraduate
major in biology or a minimum of 24 undergraduate semester credits in the
field of biology. A GRE general exam is required for enrollment in this
program, and a minimum GPA of 3.00 (“B”) in the sciences and mathematics is
strongly suggested. Students must also submit a one-page letter of intent, stating
research interests and future career goals.
Prospective students should contact Biology department faculty to
ensure that a faculty member with an appropriate research interest is
available to act as their graduate advisor.
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Competency Requirements Students must have a working knowledge of applied
statistics, which can be satisfied by successfully completing SCI 6350
Advanced Computer Applications in Statistics or an equivalent.
The Thesis/Research
Paper… There are
two (2) options for a Thesis in Biology: ·
Laboratory
Projects and Thesis – Students work on developing a laboratory research plan
and carrying it out under the supervision of a faculty advisor in preparation
for completing a thesis. ·
Field
Projects and Thesis – Students work on developing a field research plan and
carrying it out under the supervision of a faculty advisor in preparation for
completing a thesis. Note: Sometimes, students are unable to
complete their graduate work within the suggested time schedule. The Biology
Graduate program may be extended depending upon the thesis project. |
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Q&A: Question of the month? Straight from the Biology Department Q: What are the deadlines for completing the Biology program
on time and where can I find them? A: A
general timeline for completion deadlines is included on the “Graduate
Student Expectations and Timelines” sheet, which can be found in the Biology
department. Some of the deadlines are tentative; it is
best to check with your advisor for any changes and to make sure that you do
not miss deadlines. Great Advice from the Department Chair: At its best, a graduate education
is a great experience for the student and the graduate student's
advisor. Ideally, during your graduate
studies, you will evolve from being a student to being a colleague for both
other students and faculty. I
encourage you to work hard, learn absolutely as much as you can, and share
your new-found knowledge as widely as possible. ~Dr. Patrick Guifoile If you have any questions, please
feel free to contact either the School of Graduate
Studies Dr. Patrick Guilfoile Chair, Biology Department 218-755-2800 Dr. Debbie Guelda Graduate Director, Biology Department 218-755- 2786 |
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Graduate Expectations /Program Layout /Additional Details
of the Biology Program |
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Graduate Program Layout First Semester ·
Graduate
Students should start selecting members and organizing their Graduate
committee within the first semester of their first year. ·
Students
should plan their Graduate curriculum and have it approved by their Graduate
committee. ·
Student
should obtain the following from the 1.
2. Handbook for the Preparation of the Thesis or Research Paper ·
Students
should prepare their research proposal and present it to their committee. Second
Semester ·
Students
should begin their research (this may be ongoing through the summer). Third
Semester ·
Students
must complete the written examination in their sub-discipline. ·
Students
will continue their research and begin writing their thesis. ·
Students
should complete the Admission to Candidacy form for the ·
Students
should complete the Graduate Research Paper/Thesis Proposal Form. Fourth
Semester ·
Students
need to file their application for Graduation and Curriculum Vita Sheet
during the first week of the semester if they intend to graduate at the end
of the semester. ·
Students
should complete their research and thesis. ·
Students
should hand in thesis draft for review by their advisor. (Typically, several
revisions are required.) ·
After
the advisor approves the thesis, it should be given to the student’s Graduate
committee. ·
After
the committee approves the thesis, it should be given to the ·
Each
student’s oral defense should be scheduled and conducted. ·
Final
revisions should be made and signatures collected from every member of the
Graduate committee. ·
One
original and one copy of the thesis must be submitted to the |
Graduate Expectations Graduates
are expected to: 1.
Maintain
a minimum GPA of 3.00 (“B”) 2.
Plan
a curriculum and have it approved by their selected committee 3.
Complete
the approved curriculum 4.
Complete
and present their proposal of research to their committee 5.
Complete
the written exam 6.
Complete
the oral defense of their thesis and collect all committee signatures 7.
Turn
in final copies of their thesis to the
Additional Details The Biology department faculty has a broad range of
research interests and work closely with students on their research projects.
Students are not accepted into the Biology program unless
an advisor had agreed to work with them, so the program is relatively small. Faculty Advisors often need grants to fund student
research. Research projects and course requirements are tailored to
each student. There are few required courses because the focus is on
the student’s research and thesis. Many students publish – and are encouraged to publish –
during or soon after the completion of their degree; they do so in peer
review journals. There are four (4) Graduate Assistantship positions
available for teaching Freshman Biology labs.
Graduate Assistantship positions in research may be
available, but faculty advisors often need grants in order to fund these
positions. |
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For current
information on the Department of Biology, contact Dr. Patrick Guilfoile at
218-755-2800 ( pguilfoile@bemidjistate.edu ), Dr. Debbie
Guelda at 218-755-2786 (dguelda@bemidjistate.edu),
the Biology Department at 218-755-2920, or visit the Biology Department website. |
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We want to
make grad_com useful for you. Let us know what you would like to
see on these pages by contacting the School of Graduate Studies, Decker Hall
110, 218-755-2027 (toll-free: 1-888-386-8464), Grad@bemidjistate.edu |
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