A. Core Requirements.............................................................................................................................................2
B. Degree Options...................................................................................................................................................2

C Plan I (Coursework).............................................................................................................................2
C Plan II (Research Paper)......................................................................................................................3
C Plan III (Thesis)....................................................................................................................................3

C. Retention Requirements 4

The department of biology at Austin Peay State University (APSU) has a graduate program leading to the master of science in biology. A master of education with a major in biology also is offered at APSU. The graduate program in biology provides: experiences in graduate level coursework; a foundation course in research methodology (technical writing, statistics, computer technology); a spring seminar series; and research experience (Plans II and III) with three different options (I - Coursework, II - Research Paper and III - Thesis) directed by a graduate committee (major professor and two other graduate faculty). The research experience culminates in an oral presentation to the students and faculty of the department of biology at APSU and a written document (see details below) approved by the student's graduate committee and the Graduate College. During the last semester of residence, students are required to take an oral examination.

The Center of Excellence for Field Biology was established in 1986, as part of the governor’s program to improve all levels of education in Tennessee. The Center for Field Biology brings together scholars and students from various biological disciplines to conduct research on such topics as biotic inventories, community structure, toxicology, biology and ecology of rare, threatened and endangered species and environmental assessment. The Center provides research assistantships for undergraduate and graduate students to acquire hands-on experience in field biology under the mentorship of Center principal investigators.

A. Credentials Required for Admittance to the Graduate College

I. Two copies of official transcripts from an acceptably accredited college showing: 

a. possession of the bachelor's degree
b. undergraduate preparation appropriate to the graduate curriculum elected by the applicant
c. minimum overall grade-point average of 2.50 (where B=3.0) on all courses attempted, excluding repeated courses.

II. Satisfactory scores on the GRE (minimum 350 verbal and 350 quantitative) that are no more than five years old.

III. Two favorable recommendations for graduate study by the student's undergraduate major adviser (if a recent graduate) and/or other persons familiar with the student's academic qualifications.

IV. A graduate student must have met all admission requirements upon completion of nine hours (see APSU Graduate Bulletin).

B. Credentials Required for Admittance to the Department of Biology Graduate Program:

I. Admission to the Graduate College.

II. Submit a completed Summary Application Form (all graduate students) and

Graduate Assistantship Application (only if you are applying for an assistantship) directly to the department of biology.

A. Core Requirements - Major: Biology (33-37 hours)

Required: 

BIOL 5000 - Methods of Biological Research (4)
BIOL 591A - Seminar in Biology (1)

Four hours chosen with committee approval from each of the following areas: botany; zoology; cellular or molecular biology for a total of 12 hours

TOTAL 17 hours

All students seeking a master’s degree must register for the appropriate research foundations course (BIOL 5000) the first time it is offered after they are admitted to the Graduate College. Students selecting Plan I will submit a paper¹ approved by the student’s Graduate Committee chair, to the Graduate Office for acceptance and final approval. Students following Plan II, after completing the research foundations course and being admitted to candidacy, may register for BIOL 5950, Research Paper, with the approval of their major professor. Students following Plan III may register for BIOL 5990 (Thesis) with the approval of their major professor after (1) completing the research foundations course, (2) being admitted to candidacy and filing a program of study and (3) completing a thesis proposal.

C Plan I - Coursework Option - 17 hours as listed above (17)

*Elect 20 hours listed in department offerings (20)

TOTAL 37

1Students electing Plan I (coursework option) for a master’s degree in biology will be required to complete an independent research project designed and executed by the student. This project will be administered and approved by the student’s major professor. The student will submit a paper approved by the student's Graduate Committee chair to the Graduate Office for acceptance and final approval. A written report of this project will be placed on file in the Graduate Office and the student will present an oral report to students and faculty of the department of biology.

C Plan II - Research Paper Option - 17 hours as listed above (17)

*Elect 16 hours listed in departmental offerings (16)

BIOL 5950 - Research Paper²  (2)

TOTAL 35

2This title refers specifically to the paper written in connection with BIOL 5950 and has no reference to other papers that may be required in regular courses or problems courses. The format and style of the research paper must conform to regulations for research paper writing approved by the Graduate Council and must contain the signature of the student's Graduate Committee chair. The use of the Tennessee Conference of the Graduate School's Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations and current literary and/or research style manuals are expected. The research paper must be submitted to the Graduate College for acceptance and final approval.

C Plan III - Thesis Option - 17 hours as listed above 17

*Elect 10 hours listed in departmental offerings 10

BIOL 5990 - Thesis³ 6

TOTAL 33

3The candidate for the degree must file with the Graduate College a thesis proposal, PRIOR to the registration for BIOL 5990. The thesis proposal must be approved by all three members of the student's advisory committee, and it must follow the outline* developed by the department of biology. The format and style of the thesis must conform to regulations for thesis writing approved by the Graduate Council and must contain the signatures of all three members of the student's advisory committee. The use of the Tennessee Conference of Graduate School's Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations and current literary and/or research style manuals are expected.

*Thesis Proposal Outline

I. Title Page
II. Introduction
III. Objectives - concise statement of objectives
IV. Research Plan and Methods - this section should show literacy and proficiency of the proposal; should include design and proposed statistical analysis of data;
V. Preliminary Data - if available;
VI. Significance of Research;
VII. Literature Cited;

The format of the Thesis Proposal should be written in accordance with the Tennessee Conference of Graduate School's Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations.

*Electives:

Selected from graduate biology courses in consultation with committee.

 

Graduate instruction assumes on the part of the student professional interest and ability to do independent study of satisfactory quality. In meeting the requirements for the degree, the candidate must maintain a minimum scholastic average of "B" (3.0) on all work attempted. For more information about general regulations, see the Austin Peay State University Graduate Bulletin.

A. Application for Admittance to the Graduate College

December -- Last day for accepting application by new or readmitted students for the spring semester.

May -- Last day for accepting application by new or readmitted students for the summer semester.

July -- Last day for accepting application by new or readmitted students for the fall semester.

For specific dates, see the University Calendar in the Schedule of Classes. Late applications for admission or readmission to the Graduate College for any given semester will be processed if they are received by the Graduate Office within two days after regular registration for that semester. Applicants after deadlines will be required to register late. A late registration fee of $10 will be assessed. In addition, new applicants must pay a $5 application fee.

B. Committee Selection

Upon entering the Graduate Program, the coordinator of the Graduate Program will serve as an adviser to all graduate students if a major professor has not been selected. A major professor should be chosen by the end of the first semester in residence. The duties of a major professor include assisting the student in choosing members of his/her Graduate Committee (major professor and two other graduate faculty), guiding the composition of a thesis proposal and supervising the thesis research. The role of the Graduate Committee is to: approve the program of study, make recommendations on the thesis proposal, approve the thesis proposal and administer the oral examination. The form for committee selection can be obtained from the Graduate Office.

C. Application for Candidacy

Students admitted to the Graduate College in a degree seeking status must become candidates for their respective degrees before they complete 15 degree credits.

One may apply for candidacy if he/she has completed the following:

1. Earned a minimum of nine hours credit, with an average of "B" (3.0) or better.

2. Submitted a program of study approved by the student's graduate committee.

In connection with the application for CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE, a PROGRAM OF STUDY form must be completed. This form requires one to list the courses you have already completed, courses now enrolled in, and the courses to be completed in the program of study.

D. Comprehensive Examination

During the last semester in residence, the candidate must pass a comprehensive oral examination on all work used to meet the requirements for the degree. The examination is a test of the candidate's ability to integrate knowledge of his/her major and related fields, including material in the thesis or research paper. In case the performance is unsatisfactory, the candidate may be re-examined after a minimum of three months and before a maximum of 12 months, unless otherwise approved by the graduate dean. The result of the second examination will be final. Unanimous agreement by the student's committee is necessary for passing the examination.

E. Application for Graduation

Spring semester Jan 31 - May Commencement

Summer semester Jun 1 - December Commencement

Fall semester Sept 1 December Commencement

Graduation Fee - $35 (includes commencement regalia)

A student must make an appointment with the graduate dean for a final checkout during the next to the last semester in which he/she expects to complete requirements for a degree. Application forms for graduation may be obtained from the Graduate Office.

Students selecting Plan I (non-thesis or non-research paper) will be required to complete an independent research project designed and executed by the student. This project will be administered and approved by the student’s major professor. The student will submit a paper approved by the student's Graduate Committee chair to the Graduate Office for acceptance and final approval. A written report of this project will be placed on file in the graduate office and the student will present an oral report to students and faculty of the department of biology.

Penultimate drafts of papers (Plan I), research papers (Plan II) and theses (Plan III) must be submitted to the graduate dean for review and approval at least three weeks before the end of the semester in which the student expects to complete degree requirements. The use of the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations and current literary or research style manuals is expected. Four copies of the final document must be submitted at least three days before the semester's end.

A. Graduate Laboratory Teaching Assistantship

The department of biology provides several graduate assistantships for work in the following courses: BIOL 1010/1020 General Biology and BIOL 2010/2020 Human Anatomy and Physiology. Stipends of at least $6,900 per academic year (nine months) are available. Limited numbers of summer graduate assistantships may be available. For further information, contact the chair of the department of biology.

B. Graduate Research Assistantship

The Center for Field Biology provides research assistantships ($1,000 - up to $9,000) for undergraduate and graduate students wishing to develop their research skills in field biology under the tutorship of a center principal investigator (Dr. E. Wayne Chester, Dr. Steven W. Hamilton, Dr. Mack T. Finley or Dr. A. Floyd Scott). Duties and responsibilities of a graduate research assistant will be determined by the principal investigator and the Director of the Center for Field Biology. For further information contact the Director of the Center for Field Biology.

C. Graduate Laboratory Assistant Job Description

A GA assigned to a position as a graduate laboratory assistant performs duties that primarily are related to undergraduate laboratory courses. Under supervision of a faculty member, these duties concern the organization, direction and evaluation of laboratory activities in biology. To a lesser extent, however, the GA also may function as a teaching assistant in responding to student needs. Instructional activities may include presenting a brief introduction of the laboratory activities to the general biology students or conducting tutoring sessions as needed by students. In addition to instructional activities, the GA must bear in mind the responsibility for the proper use and safety of valuable and sensitive laboratory equipment. More important is the necessity for the GA to safeguard the students regarding exposure to potentially dangerous equipment and materials. These latter two areas of responsibility warrant establishing a policy of regular consultation with the faculty supervisor.

 

The following represents a partial listing of laboratory-related duties for which the GA may be held responsible:

1. To meet weekly with the coordinator of General Biology or the coordinator of Human Anatomy and Physiology concerning the preparation and execution of upcoming labs;

2. To bring together materials needed in various laboratory exercises being carried out;

3. To assist in conducting the laboratory class as scheduled;

4. To approve collected data and assist in the cleaning and sorting of equipment and supplies;

5. To collect, grade and return laboratory reports and exercises;

6. To repair existing and experimental apparatuses;

7. To be available to drive University vehicles used in the execution of class and/or departmental activities;

8. To have a thorough knowledge of the content of each laboratory to an extent of being able to teach the laboratory if necessary;

9. To keep roll if the professor so desires;

10. To set up demonstrations as needed;

11. To prepare displays, bulletin boards or exhibits in the biology corridor;

12. To keep preparation room clean, materials organized and properly stored. To notify supervisor when any material is in short supply or outdated;

13. To sit in on one freshman class (one semester) if new GA;

14. To proctor tests as needed; and

15. To provide tutoring assistance to academically deficient students who have been identified by the instructor.

Graduate Laboratory Assistants must be PUNCTUAL, PREPARED, PROFESSIONAL and PLEASANT as you carry out duties. A GA is expected to devote approximately 17.5 hours per week toward fulfilling laboratory duties. A suggested time budget for the laboratory assistant may be patterned somewhat after the example below:

Contact and preparation 12.0 hours

Student and supervisor time 3.0 hours

Other duties 5.0 hours

TOTAL 20.0 hours per week

Keep in mind that the labs vary considerably in the difficulty of preparation and therefore the GA’s time investment will vary from week to week. The above time budget should be considered an average only. The GA’s chief goal must be the production of a quality laboratory experience for the undergraduate students.

D. Cost of Study

Out-of-state tuition fees are waived for out-of-state students receiving a departmental assistantship. All graduate assistants are required to pay in-state tuition.

Check with a current Austin Peay State University Graduate Bulletin for fees.

Keith E. Belcher, Ph. D, Chair Microbiology, Microbial Pathogenesis Medical College of Georgia	Steven W. Hamilton, Ph. D Entomology, Aquatic Biology Principal Investigator, CFB Clemson University	Benjamin P. Stone, Ph. D Director, Center for Field Biology Plant Physiology, Radiation Biology University of Tennessee
Carol J. Baskauf, Ph. D Plant Ecology, Population Genetics Vanderbilt University	Jefferson G. Lebkuecher, Ph. D Plant Morphology, Plant Physiology Vanderbilt University	Cindy L. Taylor, Ph. D Amphibian Biology, Vertebrate Zoology Mississippi State University
Daniel W. Bath, Ph. D Genetics Scanning Electron Microscope Curator University of Mississippi	Sarah Lundin-Schiller, Ph. D Endocrinology, Cell Physiology University of California-San Diego	James F. Thompson, Ph. D Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee
Willodean D. Burton, Ph. D Ecology, Aquatic Toxicology University of Tennessee	Mary M. Mayo, Ph. D Director of Medical Technology Program Clinical Laboratory Science University of Michigan	David H. Snyder, Ph. D Vertebrate Zoology, Ethology Curator of Bird and Mammal Collections University of Notre Dame
John L. Butler, Ph. D Aquatic Ecology President's Emerging Leaders Oklahoma State University	Ralph H. McCoy, Ph. D Microbiology, Immunology Oregon State University
Edward W. Chester, Ph. D Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology Herbarium Curator Principal Investigator, CFB University of Tennessee	Sallie Noel, M.S. Coordinator of General Biology Science Education Austin Peay State University
Don C. Dailey, Ph. D Coordinator of Graduate Program Microbiology, Molecular Biology Indiana University	Robert D. Robison, Ph. D Medical Technology, Hematology Vanderbilt University
William H. Ellis, Ph. D, Emeritus Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology University of Tennessee	Joseph R. Schiller, Ph. D Coordinator of Human Anatomy and Physiology Ecology and Field Biology University of Tennessee
Mack T. Finley, Ph. D Aquatic Pollution Biology Tri-Beta Advisor Principal Investigator, CFB Mississippi State University	A. Floyd Scott, Ph. D Herpetology and Ecology Curator of Herpetology Collection Principal Investigator, CFB Auburn University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2001	Spring 2002
5000-Methods of Biological Research	5320-Plant Growth and Development
5030-Plant Taxonomy	5450-Recombinant DNA Technology (4450)
5330-Aquatic Biology	5620-Ornithology
5440-Cell & Molecular Biology (4440)	5910-Seminar in Biology
Fall 2002	Spring 2003
5000-Methods of Biological Research	5100-Biostatistics
5410-Organ Systems in Physiology	570A-Topics in Biology (Electron Microscopy)
5540-Plant Ecology	5560-Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (4560)
531A-Advanced Microbiology (Virology)	5610-Herpetology
	5910-Seminar in Biology
Fall 2003	Spring 2004
5000-Methods of Biological Research	5320-Plant Growth and Development
5030-Plant Taxonomy	5450-Recombinant DNA Technology (4450)
5330-Aquatic Biology	5620-Ornithology
5440-Cell & Molecular Biology (4440)	5910-Seminar in Biology
Fall 2004	Spring 2005
5000-Methods of Biological Research	5100-Biostatistics
5410-Organ Systems in Physiology	570A-Topics in Biology (Electron Microscopy)
5540-Plant Ecology	5560-Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (4560)
531C-Advanced Microbiology (Micro.Pathogenesis)	5610-Herpetology
	5910-Seminar in Biology
Fall 2005	Spring 2006
5000-Methods of Biological Research	5320-Plant Growth and Development
5030-Plant Taxonomy	5450-Recombinant DNA Technology (4450)
5330-Aquatic Biology	5620-Ornithology
5440-Cell & Molecular Biology (4440)