M.S. in Biology

Complete 36 graduate points with an average of B or better. 24 points must be taken in Biology (BIOL-GA courses), while up to 12 points of graduate-level science courses completed at NYU may be taken in departments including Biomaterials, Basic Medical Sciences, Environmental Health, and Chemistry. Students enrolling in courses in other NYU departments or other NYU schools such as Steinhardt or Stern, must obtain prior permission from the course instructor as well as the Director of Graduate Studies.

Courses numbered at the 1000-level and 2000-level are open to students in the M.S. program. At the 3000-level, Seminar, Reading, or Research courses may be taken. Curricula are based on the individual student's background, interests, and future career goals. Advisement on course selection should be sought from the department's Coordinator of Student Advisement and/or Director of Graduate Studies - Masters Program.

All entering M.S. students typically take a full-year intensive team-taught core lecture course. In the Fall semester, Bio Core I, Molecules & Cells (BIOL-GA.1001), will survey the major topics of up-to-date molecular and cellular biology starting with molecular structure and function of proteins and poly-nucleic acids, and ends with genetics, genomics and systems biology. In the Spring semester, Bio Core II, Genes, Systems & Evolution (BIOL-GA.1002), will survey the major topics of modern biology including cell division, protein trafficking, cell signalling, development, neurobiology, and environmental systems. The purpose of these courses is to insure that all Biology graduate students have a comprehensive background in modern biology.

All M.S. students enrolled in Lab in Molecular Biology III and IV (BIOL-GA.1124 & 1125) or Research (BIOL-GA.3303 or 3304) typically prepare a poster to be presented at the Spring M.S. Research Colloquium, which provides students the opportunity to discuss their research with other students and faculty members.

The research paper is to be prepared under the supervision of an approved faculty examiner. Each student must choose the faculty examiner. The student and the examiner must then agree on a topic for the paper and a schedule for the paper's preparation. The schedule should include a date for the submission of at least one preliminary draft.

Once the examiner and topic have been selected, students must file this information with the Director of Graduate Studies. A final paper on the assigned topic must be submitted to the examiner. The examiner will then evaluate and grade the paper, and notify the Director of Graduate Studies of the grade in writing. The student is required to submit a copy of the paper to the Director of Graduate Studies for inclusion in the student's file.

The grade is either "Pass", "Pass with Distinction" or "Fail". "Pass with Distinction" is typically reserved for outstanding work that is, or will be, published in a peer review journal or book. In the event that a grade of "Fail" is given, the student has ninety days to submit a revised thesis to the mentor; during this period, the student must register for MAINT-GA 4747, as GSAS requires maintenance of matriculation until the degree sought is reached. In the event that a thesis is not submitted within ninety days, or a grade of Pass is not given by the examiner, the student will be terminated from the program.

Further information on the requirements and guidelines for the Masters research paper may be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies for the Masters Program or the Coordinator of Student Advisement, or at M.S. Qualifying Research Paper Guidelines.