| George Mason University > University Catalog > College of Arts and Sciences | |
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BiologyWeb: gmu.edu/departments/Biology
FacultyProfessors: Ernst, Lawrey, Shaffer, Skog Associate professors: Adamkewicz, Andrykovitch, Baranova, Birchard, Bradley, Christensen, Cross, Cressey, Crocker, Cupo, Litchfield, Rockwood, Royt (chair), Torzilli Assistant professors: Fryxell, Grant Visiting assistant professors: Beck, Coss Graduate affiliate faculty, Biodefense Program: Alibek, Bailey, Grene, Karginov, Klotz, Popov, Radyuk, Wu Course WorkThe Biology Department offers all course work designated BIOL and MTCH in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Undergraduate ProgramsThe B.A. and B.S. in Biology provide a sound liberal education with substantial experience in quantitative and analytical thought, along with preparation for a related profession. In addition to ensuring the strong background necessary for graduate study in the many fields of biological science, the broad range of courses available at George Mason allows students to develop careers in many areas, including secondary school teaching, environmental management, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, and natural history. Alternatively, students may prepare for postgraduate studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, wildlife management, fisheries biology, or marine science. The department also offers a B.S. in Medical Technology. Additional information can be found at the Biology Department's web site at gmu.edu/departments/Biology or by contacting the Biology Department, David J. King Hall, Room 3005, (703) 993-1050. AdvisingAll biology and medical technology majors must have an advisor's permission to register each semester. See the Biology Department web site for more information. Residence Requirement for Transfer StudentsStudents majoring in biology are required to complete 16 credits in the major at the 300 and 400 levels at George Mason University. Biology, B.A.In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, candidates must complete the following. (Through the course work below, biology majors satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)
Students expecting to enter graduate or professional school are strongly urged to complete MATH 113 and 114. Organic chemistry and PHYS 243, 244, 245, and 246 are recommended. Biology, B.S.In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree, students majoring in biology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, biology majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)
Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which option best meets his/her career goals. Students who wish to take biochemistry must take BIOL 483/583 to receive credit toward the major in biology. Concentration in BiotechnologyThe biotechnology concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students seeking employment in the field or who wish to include an applied component in their undergraduate training in biology. In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree, students majoring in biology with a concentration in biotechnology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)
Policy on the Use of Organisms in Classes
Writing-Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in biology fulfill this requirement by successfully completing BIOL 307. Students not taking BIOL 307 at George Mason should consult the biology undergraduate coordinator for a course to fulfill this requirement. Honors Program in BiologyBiology majors who have completed 16 credits of math and science, including BIOL 213, with a GPA of 3.000 or higher, are eligible to enter the departmental honors program. Transfer students who have an incoming GPA of 3.100 in math and science and a B or better in BIOL 213 are also eligible. To graduate with honors in biology, a student is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.000 in math and science and to earn a GPA of at least 3.500 in at least three semesters of BIOL 494 Honors Seminar. For more information, contact the departmental honors advisor at (703) 993-1050. Minor in BiologyCandidates for the minor in biology must complete 1920 credits in biology, including BIOL 213, 303, 304, and either 307 or 311, in addition to one other 34 credit biology course at the 300, 400, or 500 level. Minor in BioinformaticsA minor in bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary program consisting of required courses in biology, computer science, and statistics. Candidates for the minor in bioinformatics must complete 19-20 credits distributed as follows:
Premedical, Predental, and Preveterinary StudentsStudents planning to enter medical, dental, or veterinary schools may choose to major in biology. These students should meet with one of the Biology Department's health sciences advisors in their second semester for assistance and information about the university's Health Sciences Advisory Committee. Because schools in the health sciences vary both in their philosophies and in their specific requirements, it is wise for students to become aware of such information well in advance of applying for admission. Although specific requirements vary, most programs do require applicants to complete at least one year of biology. Students who decide not to major in biology should take BIOL 213 and 303. Other requirements generally include organic chemistry (CHEM 313, 314, 315, and 318 or 320) and a year of physics (PHYS 243 through 246). A course in calculus is required by some and highly recommended by others. Admission requirements can generally be met by either a B.A. or a B.S. degree. Teacher LicensureStudents who wish to become teachers should consult the Professional Licensure section in the Graduate School of Education chapter and attend an information session during their sophomore year. Information Sessions for teacher licensure are offered every month. Call (703) 993-2892/4648, e-mail gseinfor@gmu.edu, or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu for more information. Biology for NonmajorsStudents who are not majoring in science or mathematics and wish to fulfill their natural science requirement with a two-semester laboratory sequence in biology should enroll in BIOL 103 and 104. With permission of the instructor, nonmajors may enroll in BIOL 213 and then take one of the following: BIOL 303, 304, or 305/306 to complete their requirement. Chemistry, physics, and mathematics majors should consult their faculty advisors to determine which biology courses to take. Medical Technology, B.S.This program requires the equivalent of three years of full-time preprofessional study at the college level preceding a senior year of professional education in an affiliated school of medical technology. All affiliated schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Responsibility for applying to schools of medical technology and gaining admission rests with the students. However, guidance is provided by the medical technology program director in the Biology Department. Admission to schools of medical technology is selective. Candidates should strive for strong academic standing. Students who fail to gain admission to a NAACLS-approved school are unable to complete the degree program. Such students may transfer to a biology major without loss of credits. Application to medical technology schools should be initiated about a year before the desired entrance date. This fact, coupled with the large number of required courses in the preprofessional curriculum, makes it imperative that students in the program consult regularly with their faculty advisors. All medical technology majors and prospective majors are urged to enroll in MTCH 200 as early as possible. This course provides information on the profession and on the educational demands placed on candidates. Students should be aware that the senior year spent off campus requires the following special interpretation of university policies. Transfer students must present at least 16 credits of 300400 level biology or chemistry taken at George Mason. Students may present no more than six credits of D grades in the biology and chemistry courses required in the three years of preprofessional study. No unsatisfactory grades may be presented for courses in the senior year of professional study. Transfer students entering with more than 45 transfer credits are often unable to complete the preprofessional phase of their program in the usual three years of full-time study. Senior students are registered at the university through special procedures. For details, consult the program director. In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree and completing MTCH 200, candidates must present the following courses in their preprofessional programs. (Through the course work below, majors satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency. Because of the extensive professional education requirements stipulated by The Commission on Allied Health and Education Accreditation (CAHEA), students majoring in medical technology are exempt from the university-wide general education requirement in the fine arts.)
Students are encouraged to elect additional basic science courses during their preprofessional years. Recommended are BIOL 380, 465, 483, 484, 485; CHEM 321; and PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246. Professional study during the senior year involves clinical education at an affiliated school of medical technology. Thirty credits of course work are required, including MTCH 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406. The distribution of credits in these courses varies with the school of medical technology. No more than 30 professional credits may be applied toward the degree. Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Articulation ProgramA special program is available for MLTs who are graduates of associate degree programs. This program provides substantial credit for the scientific and clinical aspects of the associate degree, but requires that the student meet the clinical requirement for national certifying examinations through approved work experience. For details, contact the program director. Major in Medical Technology as a Second Bachelor's DegreeWhile the standard program for medical technologists is three years on campus followed by a fourth year at a clinical affiliate (3 + 1), many students elect to complete a bachelor's degree before entering the clinical program (4 + 1). Students who have completed a B.S. in Biology or Chemistry at George Mason and then undertake a fifth year at a clinical affiliate may be eligible for a second bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology. Students wishing to receive the second degree must apply before entering their fifth year. For further information, contact a medical technology advisor. Biology Club and Premedical Honor SocietyThe Biology Club functions as both a social and informational network for all interested students. In addition, it serves the Biology Department by sponsoring a seminar program and working at university functions. Alpha Epsilon Delta Zeta Premedical Honor Society is a national student support group providing professional school tours, educational programs, and lectures on health topics and on the professional school admissions process to students interested in health-related fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, and veterinary medicine. Active membership is awarded to students who have completed at least three semesters with a minimum scholastic GPA of 3.000. Associate membership is also available. Accelerated Master's Degree in BiologyQualified undergraduates may be admitted to an accelerated master's program and obtain both a B.S. and M.S. within five years. This program is open only to those students who wish to pursue the master's degree concentrations in microbiology or molecular biology. Students admitted to this program may take graduate courses after completion of 90 undergraduate credits, and up to six credits of graduate work may be used in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree. If students earn at least a 3.0 in these classes, they are granted advanced standing in the master's program and must then complete an additional 24 credits to receive the master's degree. All other master's degree requirements must be met. Students with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for provisional acceptance to the accelerated master's program after completion of BIOL 213, 303, 304, 305/306, 307, 311; CHEM 315 and 318; or after completion of 75 undergraduate credits including BIOL 494. Three letters of recommendation, including one from a prospective thesis or project advisor, are required. After completion of 120 credits and completion of all requirements for the bachelor's degree, at which time students are awarded a bachelor's degree, accelerated master's students must submit scores on the Graduate Record General and Biology Subject Examinations in order to have the provisional qualifier removed. Ordinarily, students should receive a minimum combined score of 1100 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the general test and be at least in the 50th percentile on the subject examination. Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med CertificateGoals This program is designed to prepare for application to medical school those post-baccalaureate students whose degrees are not in the sciences. If such students begin the prescribed program in a summer session, they will be ready to take the MCAT examination the following August after earning between 24 and 37 undergraduate hours in math and science depending on their prior preparation. Admission Students must have a bachelor's degree in a non-science program. If admitted, they will be advised through the Medical Sciences Advisory Committee. Application can be made to Graduate Admissions, College of Arts and Sciences, 4400 University Drive, MS 3A3, Fairfax VA 22030. Completion of the certificate does not guarantee admission to any medical program. Course of Study
This program is not open to pre-baccalaureate students or those who have an extensive background in science, but it is assumed that students are likely to have had a year of biology and one semester of mathematics. Medical schools do require a year of math, so the one semester shown above may not be sufficient. Because student experience is varied, for students with course work within the past five years, the program director may waive requirements as shown below or suggest substitutions. In every case, the number of credits necessary to earn the certificate will be at least 24.
Students will normally take the MCAT examination in their second summer and commercial exam prep courses are available on campus if a student desires more extensive preparation. Students who find this schedule too accelerated for their needs may wish to spread the course work over an additional academic year. Admission to medical school, if granted, will normally occur in the fall one year after application. During that intervening year, students are encouraged to seek experience through employment or volunteer work in the bio-medical area and are advised by many medical schools to take biochemistry (Biology 583, 4 credits). Justification: Many people make the decision to enter medical training after their initial college education is complete. Because the science requirements for medical school are extensive, these students must return to college for additional undergraduate education in the sciences. The proposed certificate will guide their preparation and ensure that they complete their program efficiently. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate. Graduate ProgramsBiology, M.S.The master's of science in biology provides advanced training for college graduates or professionals employed in teaching and research. The program in biological sciences permits specialization in traditional areas of study such as animal behavior, botany, ecology, animal physiology, and vertebrate zoology. Concentrations in microbiology, molecular biology, or systematics and evolutionary biology are also available. An interdisciplinary concentration in bioinformatics and computational biology (BCB) is designed to accommodate biologists as well as qualified nonbiologists. Admission RequirementsApplicants must have a bachelor's degree in biology or its equivalent, except for those interested in the BCB, where competency in computer science and an undergraduate degree in any natural science, mathematics, engineering, or computer science is desirable. A GPA of 3.0 in biology or in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study is required. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation and scores on the Graduate Record General Examination. Successful applicants generally have at least 1100 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE (1200 for the BCB). Except for the BCB, scores on the GRE subject examination in biology are required. Successful applicants generally have a subscore of more than 60 (40th percentile). Degree RequirementsCandidates for the M.S. in Biology must complete at least 30 graduate credits, including BIOL 690, which is typically taken during the first semester. The concentration in bioinformatics and computational biology requires 35 credits. Students have the option to write a thesis (3 to 6 credits of 799) or a project (one to three credits of 798). The difference between the two options is the depth and sophistication of the work. Whereas a thesis normally involves original research and independent acquisition and interpretation of data, a project may be employment-related research, a comprehensive report resulting from an internship, or a publication-quality scientific paper. At the conclusion of the program, students pursuing the project option must successfully complete written and oral comprehensive examinations. Students pursuing the thesis option must defend their theses and present their results in a public seminar. Program in Biological SciencesThe program in biological sciences is for students who wish to specialize in an area not covered by the concentrations described below. Admission is contingent on acceptance by an advisor. Requirements
Concentration in MicrobiologyRequirements
Concentration in Molecular BiologyRequirements
Concentration in Systematics and Evolutionary Biology
Concentration in Bioinformatics and Computational BiologyThe interdisciplinary concentration in bioinformatics and computational biology encompasses the use of computation in biological research and hence is designed to serve students who wish to gain expertise in both computational methods and biological research. Faculty members from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Mathematical Sciences; the School of Information Technology and Engineering; and the School of Computational Sciences contribute to instructional and research components of the concentration. Prospective students are encourage to contact potential faculty advisors appropriate to their interests. Admission is contingent on acceptance by an advisor. A list of faculty with relevant interests is available through the individual departments and schools. Requirements An advisory committee and the student work together to develop a program of study that best meets the student's background and interests. At least one member of the committee must be from the Biology Department. The student must submit a program of study to the program coordinator for approval within the first 12 credits of course work and must complete a minimum of 35 graduate credits.
Biodefense, M.S.**Pending SCHEV approval The main objective of the M.S. in Biodefense program is to train students for employment in the area of biodefense within academia, industry, and government. The programs provide students with a background in the foundations of science and technology of biodefense, threat analysis of biological weapons, and the specialized areas of medical defense, including engineering defense, non-proliferation in biodefense, and counter-terrorism and law enforcement of biodefense. Admissions RequirementsApplications will be accepted for fall and spring semesters. The deadline for receipt of fall and spring applications materials is February and October, respectively. Due to finan cial aid considerations, students are encouraged to apply for the fall admittance over spring. Preparation for the M.S. in Biodefense should include a B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S., M.D., or J.D. Due to the breadth of the topic, students with a background in international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution will be eligible for the program in addition to those with a background in the sciences. Students lacking a background in the sciences will be considered for admission, but may be required to satisfy prerequisite courses prior to the required graduate courses. The program will require at a minimum a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and a minimum combined GRE score of 1350, but exceptions will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who meet these minimum criteria will be considered for admittance to the program on the basis of experience, letters of recommendation, and other relevant credentials. For a given year, actual admissions will be determined by the available funding for the program, with individual candidates selected by an admission committee. No specific set of qualifications guarantees admission to the program. Each applicant must provide the following materials by February to be considered for fall admission and by October for spring admission:
All materials should be sent to the Graduate Admission Processing Center, College of Arts and Sciences, George Mason University. Degree RequirementsThe M.S. in Biodefense degree requires completion of 30 credits. All students in the degree program are required to take the following core courses: BIOD 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, and 607. BIOD 601, 602, and 603 contain basic biological, microbiological, physical, and chemical concepts for students who do not have an appropriate science background. BIOD 601, 602, and/or 603 are considered remedial courses, and students will not receive credit for these courses to be applied toward the M.S. degree. Students are permitted to waive BIOD 601 and 602 in one of the following cases: 1) if they have had two semesters each of basic biology, physics, and chemistry; or 2) if they have an appropriate science degree. BIOD 603 may be waived if the student has had a basic lecture and laboratory course in microbiology. All students must take two seminar courses (BIOD 702 and 703), and do a thesis (3 to 6 credits of BIOL 799) or project (1 to 3 credits of BIOL 798). The difference between the two options is the depth and sophistication of the work. Whereas a thesis normally involves original research and independent acquisition and interpretation of data, a project may be employment-related research, a comprehensive report resulting from an internship, or a publication-quality scientific paper. At the conclusion of the program, students pursuing the project option must successfully complete written and oral comprehensive examinations. Students pursuing the thesis option must defend their theses and present their results in a public seminar. ConcentrationsThe M.S. in Biodefense has four concentrations: 1) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis and Medical Biodefense; 2) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis, and Engineering Defense and Countermeasures; 3) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis and Non-proliferation; and 4) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis, and Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement. Students must take elective credits to fulfill the 30 credit hour requirement. Elective credits for each concentration are as follows:
Biodefense, Ph.D.The main objective of the Ph.D. in Biodefense is to train students for employment in the area of biodefense in academia, industry, and government. The program integrates knowledge of potential pathogenic agents used in biological warfare with medical defense to such agents. Other areas of biodefense, including non-proliferation, counter-terrorism and law enforcement, and engineering defense, are integral parts of the program. Admissions RequirementsApplications will be accepted for fall and spring semesters. The deadline for receipt of fall and spring applications materials is February and October, respectively. Due to financial aid considerations, students are encouraged to apply for the fall admittance over spring. Preparation for the Ph.D. in Biodefense program should include a B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S., M.D., or J.D. Due to the breadth of the topic, students with a background in international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution will be eligible for the program in addition to those with a background in the sciences. Students lacking a background in the sciences will be considered for admission, but may be required to satisfy prerequisite courses prior to the required graduate courses. The program normally requires at a minimum a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and a minimum combined GRE score of 1350, but exceptions will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who meet these minimum criteria will be considered for admittance to the program on the basis of experience, letters of recommendation, and other relevant credentials. For a given year, actual admissions will be determined by the available funding for the program, with in dividual candidates selected by an admission committee. No specific set of qualifications guarantees admission to the program. Each applicant must provide the following materials by February to be considered for fall admission and by October for spring admission:
All materials should be sent to the Graduate Admission Processing Center, College of Arts and Sciences, George Mason University. Degree RequirementsThe Ph.D. program has a set of biodefense core courses and four areas of concentration: 1) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis and Medical Defense; 2) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis, and Engineering Defense and Countermeasure; 3) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis and Non-Proliferation; 4) Biological Weapons Threat Analysis, and Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement. All students are required to choose a concentration, take 72 credit hours of course work (at least 3 hours from each concentration), and conduct dissertation research in the chosen concentration for successfully completing the program requirements. For students entering the doctoral program with a M.S. or other graduate work, the number of total credits required may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits, depending on the field of the M.S. or other graduate work. All students are required to complete the minimum requirements: core requirements or the equivalent; requirements of one concentration, one course in each of the other 3 concentrations; two credits of seminar; and a dissertation. All students are required to take the following core courses: BIOD 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, and 607. BIOD 601, 602, and 603 contain basic biological, microbiological, physical, and chemical concepts for students who do not have an appropriate science background. BIOD 601, 602, and/or 603 are considered remedial courses, and students will not receive credit for these course to be applied toward the Ph.D. Students are permitted to waive BIOD 601 and 602 in one of the following cases: 1) if they have had two semesters each of basic biology, physics, and chemistry; or 2) if they have an appropriate science degree. BIOD 603 may be waived if the student has had a basic lecture and laboratory course in microbiology. All students must take BIOD 702 and 703 at least one time. Students may use dissertation credits for carrying out original and independent research projects in biodefense. A student may take up to 24 graduate credits under BIOD 998 and 999 for dissertation work. Students must present dissertation research results to their graduate committee and in a seminar. Successful completion of dissertation is contingent upon approval by majority of their graduate committee. The dissertation needs to be written in the format specified by College of Arts and Sciences Dean's office. Required courses for each concentration in the biodefense program are as follows:
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