Kent State University Catalog 2010 - 2011

Biological Sciences - Physiology - M.S. and Ph.D.

COLLEGE:	College of Arts and Sciences
DEPARTMENT:	Department of Biological Sciences 256 Cunningham Hall Tel: 330-672-3613 Fax: 330-672-3713 Web: http://www.kent.edu/cas/biology/

DESCRIPTION:	The Master of Science in Biological Sciences–Physiology faculty and student researchers in this reproductive physiology/endocrinology group conduct projects investigating physiological processes that range from the cellular/molecular level to the integrative/organismal level. Research interests include topics with clear relevance to human health, such as elucidation of aberrant signaling pathways in polycystic ovarian syndrome, prostate and ovarian cancer and biochemical regulation of sperm motility and egg activation/fertilization. Another area of active investigation focuses on the adverse effects of environmental pollutants in a variety of animal models. Basic questions regarding the underlying regulation of gonadal function, such as steroidogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, are also under investigation. Researchers have access to resources for physiological research—including a vivarium, tissue culture facility, confocal microscope/visualization facility, laser capture microscope, genomics and proteomics facilities—located within the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Biomedical Sciences. In the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences–Physiology, faculty and student researchers conduct projects investigating physiological processes that range from the cellular/molecular level to the integrative/organismal level. Research interests include topics with clear relevance to human health, such as elucidation of aberrant signaling pathways in polycystic ovarian syndrome, prostate and ovarian cancer, and biochemical regulation of sperm motility and egg activation/fertilization. Another area of active investigation focuses on the adverse effects of environmental pollutants in a variety of animal models. Basic questions regarding the underlying regulation of gonadal function, such as steroidogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, are also under investigation. Researchers have access to excellent resources for physiological research, including a vivarium, tissue culture facility, confocal microscope/visualization facility, laser capture microscope, genomics and proteomics facilities.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	Admission into the M.S.: Admission into the M.S.: official transcript(s); 3.0 GPA; GRE (general test); goal statement; three letters of recommendation; acceptance of the student by a faculty advisor; list of up to five potential faculty advisors; and undergraduate coursework roughly equivalent to a Biology minor. Admission into the Ph.D.: Admission into the Ph.D.: official transcript(s); GRE; goal statement; three letters of recommendation; list of up to five potential faculty advisors; baccalaureate in the natural sciences with a strong background in biology and related subjects such as chemistry and math. Deficiencies at the time of admission shall be rectified during the first year of graduate study. Before admission can be completed, a prospective student must be accepted by a faculty member in the program who will act as adviser.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	M.S.: Minimum 32 total credit hours. Ph.D.: Minimum 60 total credit hours.
THESIS/ DISSERTATION:	M.S.: A thesis and final oral examination is required of candidates. Ph.D.: Dissertation and final defense is required.
PROGRAM FEE:	None