WCSU Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity

Theodora Pinou, Graduate Coordinator, SB 242 (203) 837-8793
pinout@wcsu.edu
Eliamar Gonzalez, Department Secretary, SB 220 (203) 837-8791
gonzalezel@wcsu.edu
Fax: (203) 837-8769

 

Participating WCSU Faculty  D. Christopher; N. Connally; J. Cordeira; K. Giamanco; R. Krell; M. Monette; T. Pinou: H. Reynolds; C. Santibanez-Lopes; E. Wong. 

 

Program Overview and Mission

The Master of Science (MS) degree in Integrative Biological Diversity blends the biological and environmental sciences with current social issues in order to train students to assess, manage, and think critically about biodiversity issues. The Integrative Biological Diversity degree combines graduate courses with faculty expertise across the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) System, specifically with the Department of Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences at SCSU. Students have opportunities to collaborate with partnering organizations to engage in real-world practice. This program is suitable for secondary education teachers, current environmental science professionals, and others who are interested in a graduate-level biology degree that focuses on the ecological, physiological, and natural history of biological organisms.

Learning Goals

The MS in Integrative Biological Diversity develops environmentally-responsible stewards that can apply scientific thinking to conserve biological resources, manage biodiversity, and address the concerns of stakeholders.

Objectives

Students in the MS in Integrative Biological Diversity program will:

  1. Apply the use of technologies (e.g. molecular methods or use of geographic information systems) to assess biological diversity and/or environmental health.
  2. examine, quantify and describe organismal diversity across temporal and spatial scales (e.g. using geographic or phylogenetic analysis)
  3. communicate with stakeholders about critical issues surrounding biodiversity (e.g., climate change, sustainability, emerging infectious diseases).

Learning Outcomes:

The MS in Integrative Biological Diversity will produce professionals who

  1. can define diversity and explain the interconnections of organisms that are the result of millions of years of coexistence and adaptation,
  2. are able to measure and monitor biodiversity using fundamental ecological techniques as well as in spatial and temporal dimensions,
  3. understand the adaptive relationship between form and function and mechanisms that control this relationship, and
  4. strive to maintain biodiversity through policy, sustainable development, and stewardship.

Admission Requirements

A student wishing to obtain a MS in Integrated Biological Diversity must hold a baccalaureate degree in biology, environmental science, or related program. The program welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds (including non-science majors) who have experience or have completed previous coursework in biodiversity. The applicant should have an undergraduate cumulative average of at least 3.0 on a GPA scale of 1 –­ 4 or a recommendation from the graduate program coordinator. Prospective students should submit all undergraduate transcripts and a 500 word essay explaining why they would like to join the program. Students can enroll full-time or part-time, but full-time students who successfully complete the stewardship seminar will be given funding priority for Graduate Assistantships (GA), Teaching Assistant Fellowships (TAF) and/or grant-funded training fellowships. The deadline to submit an application for Fall admission is March 15th, but applications will be accepted afterwards on a case-by-case basis.

For more information and a TAF application: Teaching Assistant Fellowship

All admission materials should be forwarded to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Western Connecticut State university, 181 White Street, Danbury CT 06897 or sent as an attachment to graduateadmissions@wcsu.edu.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit MS Integrative Biological Diversity

Application

To complete an application: Graduate Application

International Students: Instructions for International Students

Degree Requirements

MS in Integrative Biological Diversity requires the completion of a total of 30 credits in one of two options.

Option 1: 27 credits of coursework, and 3 credits of stewardship.

Option 2: 21 credits of coursework, 3 credits of stewardship, 6 credits of thesis.

Students also must take courses from a minimum of two CSUS campuses and present at a scientific conference.

Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity

Required courses  9 SH
Hybrid Stewardship Seminar  1 SH
Applied Stewardship  2 SH
Climate Change (BIO 559 – SCSU course)  3 SH
Technology Course (several options)  3 SH
    *
Electives courses 21 SH
Thesis Track 15 SH
Thesis Research (for thesis track only)   6 SH
or
Non-Thesis Track 21 SH
    *
Total Credits 30 SH
   
All students will participate in an annual stewardship conference
 
Available WCSU Courses unless otherwise noted:
A designation of “T” indicates technology course.
BIO 505   Stewardship Seminar 1 SH
BIO 506   Applied Stewardship 2 SH
BIO 504   Limnology 3 SH
BIO 507   Biodiversity of Fungi 3 SH
BIO 508   Public Policy for Biodiversity 3 SH
BIO 509   GIS for Biological and Environmental Sciences 4 SH
BIO 516   Current Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology 3 SH
BIO 522   Ecosystems and Environmental Concerns (SCSU course) 3 SH
BIO 527   Analytical Technology / Instrumentation (SCSU course) 6 SH
BIO 530   Population Genetics (T) 3 SH
BIO 534   Molecular Evolution 3 SH
BIO 535   Advanced Molecular Biology 4 SH
BIO 536   Molecular Oncology 3 SH
BIO 537   Molecular Endocrinology 3 SH
BIO 538   Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Development (T) 3 SH
BIO 539   Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes (T) 3 SH
BIO 540   Aquatic Vascular Plants 4 SH
BIO 542   Long Island Sound (SCSU course) 3 SH
BIO 543   Stream Ecology  4 SH
BIO 544   Readings and Research in Environmental Concerns (SCSU course) 3 SH
BIO 545   Advanced Systematic Biology (T) 3 SH
BIO 550   Environmental Design (SCSU course) 3 SH
BIO 551   Soil Ecology 3 SH
BIO 552   Microbial Ecology 3 SH
BIO 555   Conservation Physiology   3 SH
BIO 556   Herpetology 4 SH
BIO 559   Energy Use and Global Climate Change (SCSU course) 3 SH
BIO 560   Behavioral Ecology 3 SH
BIO 565   Topics in Animal Behavior 3 SH
BIO 592   Independent Thesis Research  1-6 SH
BIO 598   Faculty-Developed Study 1-4 SH
BIO 599   Student-Developed Study 1-6 SH
BIO 600   Continuing Integrated Biological Diversity Thesis Research 3 SH