GUIDE FOR STUDENTS ADMITTED TO M.S. DEGREE PROGRAM IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

I. THE FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY GRADUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

II. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

M.S. degrees at FAU require at least 30 semester credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. The following are requirements for the M.S. degrees with Thesis and Non-Thesis options in Biomedical Science.

Thesis Option

1. Coursework (to be decided under the direction of the student's Faculty Advisor or Advisory Committee)
• A minimum of 15 credits of course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher with the following requirements:
  • 2 credits (2 semesters, 1 credit per semester) in Biomedical Science graduate seminar courses will constitute the core courses.
  • The remaining of the 13 credits will be made up of elective courses that support the student’s research plan. The student’s major advisor or advisory committee must approve all elective courses.
• The elective courses must be 5000, 6000, or 7000 level courses in biomedical science, biology, chemistry, or approved cognates
• Up to 3 credits can be obtained from specific upper division 4000 level courses, but at least one-half of the total credits must be designated as 6000-level courses.
• Courses designated as proficiency or remedial may not be used to satisfy the course requirement.
• A maximum of 9 DIS credits can count towards the graduation requirements
• Students in good standing can apply to transfer from the M.S. program to the Integrative Biology Ph.D. program. If this transfer is approved, up to 30 credits from their M.S. studies can count towards the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.
2. A minimum of 6 credits of master’s thesis.
3. Presentation of the thesis research to the Thesis committee. Following the presentation, the defense of the thesis will be held.

Non-Thesis Option

1. Coursework (to be decided under the direction of their designated faculty advisor).

• A minimum of 30 credits of course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher with the following requirements:
  • The student’s major advisor must approve all courses.
  • The approved courses must be 5000, 6000, or 7000 level courses in biomedical science, biology, chemistry, or approved cognates. At least one-half of the credits must be designated as 6000-level courses or above and at least 15 credits must be in biomedical science courses.
  • Up to 3 credits can be obtained from specific upper division 4000 level courses.
  • A maximum of 6 DIS credits can be used towards graduation requirements.
  • Courses designated as proficiency or remedial may not be used to satisfy the course requirement.

III. SCHEDULE

The following is a sample timeline to assist students in making satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree. Each student's progress to completion of degree requirements will be unique and is usually dependent on the length of time needed to complete courses and other preliminary requirements and the thesis. Students should try to complete course requirements, apart from thesis credits, within two years of matriculation. See also the general guidelines of Conditions and Timetable for Graduation in the Graduate Policies and Procedures Manual

Year 1

• All students should discuss a program of courses with their advisor in the first semester. Elective courses should be chosen to strengthen your background in your selected field of study.
• Thesis students: Choose your Thesis Committee in consultation with your advisor.
  • A minimum of three members (including your advisor) two of whom must be members of the Biomedical Science Graduate Faculty.
  • File a plan of research work with Graduate Studies committee.
• Begin preliminary research.
• All students should file their candidacy form (at least one semester prior to planned graduation) and no later than the first semester in which they enroll for thesis credits.

Year 2

• Non thesis students should complete their coursework and, with advice from their advisor, select three faculty to set questions for their Comprehensive Examinations. These exams must be taken and passed prior to graduation.
• Thesis students: Continue preliminary research.
• Thesis students: Complete courses, with the exception of thesis research.
• Generally in semester one of Year 2, plan to write, present and successfully defend your thesis.

Year 3 and beyond

• Submit final copies of your thesis to the Office of Graduate Studies

A list of the courses which may be used for both the thesis and non-thesis master's degree can be found at: http://med.fau.edu/biomedical/biomedical_programs/graduate.html. The list includes courses offered in the College of Biomedical Science as well as courses from other colleges/departments which have been approved. Please consult this list and your advisor when planning your master's degree program.