Program Overview
The Integrated Biology at The University of Iowa is a MSc programme in United States. This programme provides advanced academic training at postgraduate level.
Key Program Features
- Degree: MSc
- Language: English
- Duration:
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Integrated Biology programme are prepared for diverse careers in their chosen field. A MSc from The University of Iowa opens doors to roles in academia, industry, and public sector.
Program Curriculum
- Both the Graduate College and the Integrated Biology Graduate Program have requirements that must be met to receive a PhD degree from the University of Iowa. The Graduate College (and iBio) requires registration for a total of 72 hours. These credit hours can be earned by taking formal courses or by registering for research credit based on laboratory work done under the supervision of a faculty member.
- Each PhD student is required to pass a qualifying examination (QE) in the summer following the first year. A set of topics covering the four major research foci of the department (cell and developmental biology, evolution and ecology, genetics, and neurobiology) will be handed out to students in May. Each topic will include a review article that summarizes recent research on the topic and an article from the primary literature that focuses on one portion of the field. Students spend two months during the summer studying these articles as well as any supplementary literature that may provide context and/or additional detail about the topic. Students may discuss the QE topics with fellow first-year students. The actual exam takes place in July and will consist of a multi-part question based on each of the topics handed out to students. Students must answer four out of eight questions taking one hour to write each answer, typically one to two pages. No notes or written materials will be allowed. The QE is administered by the Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC) and will be graded by GAC members. Students who pass will automatically continue on in the PhD program. In the event that QE performance is unsatisfactory, students may be asked to rewrite some answers as short papers, or they may be dismissed from the program with or without the option to finish an MS degree.
- Each PhD student is required to pass a comprehensive exam at the end of their second year. The written portion involves preparing a research grant proposal directly related to the student’s thesis research. In the spring semester of the student’s second year as part of the seminar course “Writing in the Natural Sciences” (BIOL:6488), the student begins to prepare an NIH/NSF/AHA style predoctoral grant proposal based on the student’s own projected research. During the summer (between June 1 and the start of the fall semester), the student continues writing and eventually finalizes the proposal. This proposal is then presented orally. The thesis committee will question the student about the proposal to ascertain that the student understands the background to the proposed research, has formulated solid aims with clear expected outcomes and alternate strategies, and has a sufficient grasp of the experimental methodology to perform the planned work. The thesis committee is assembled by the student in consultation with the thesis adviser no later than early February of the student’s second year in residence and consists of the student’s adviser plus four other faculty mem
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
The Master of Science in integrated biology requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit with thesis or 34 s.h. of graduate credit without thesis. Entering students are admitted only to the thesis program; the nonthesis degree is an exit program.
All M.S. students take a seminar (2 s.h.) with a substantial writing and oral presentation requirement and two advanced lecture-based courses in biology (or courses approved by the Graduate AffairsCommittee). Students receive academic credit for courses required for an M.S. or Ph.D. but not for courses taken to remedy undergraduate deficiencies.
Thesis students may count a maximum of 9 s.h. of research credit toward the 30 s.h. required for the master\'s degree with thesis. Remaining course work is tailored to the student\'s background and career goals and is selected in consultation with the student\'s advisory committee. The thesis is based on original research. After the thesis is accepted by the student\'s supervisor and advisory committee, the student must pass an oral examination based on the thesis research and on related subjects.
Nonthesis students must write a library research report for a maximum of 4 s.h. of credit. They may apply up to 8 s.h. of research credit toward the 34 s.h. required for the master\'s degree without thesis.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 27890 (International); USD 8104.0 (National)
USD 27890 (International); USD 8104.0 (National)
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The University of Iowa directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information.
About University of Iowa
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States
University of Iowa is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English