College of Science, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics
Office of the Dean
110 Life Sciences Building Kennedy S. Wekesa, Dean (334) 229-4196 (334)229-4316
In cooperation with the College of Science, Mathematicsand Technology, the following degrees are offered:
Doctor of Philosophy in microbiology, Master of Science inbiology,Master of Science in mathematics, and the Master of Sciencein forensic science. Graduate coursework to support the Master of Education and AA certification in secondary education is also offered by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Mathematics and Computer Science.
Degree | Required Admission Test |
---|---|
M.S., Biology | GRE revised Generaland Subject |
M.S., Mathematics | GRE revised General and Subject |
M.S. Forensic Science | GRErevised General |
Ph.D., Microbiology | GRE General and Subject |
Biology
Master of Science (M.S.) DegreeTotal Credit Hours: 35 semester hours minimum required
Required Core Courses (19 Semester Hours)
BIO 500 | Graduate Seminar in Biology | |
BIO 517 | Cell and Molecular Biology | |
BIO 521 | Biological Techniques and Instrumentation | |
BIO 619 | Molecular Genetics | |
BIO 660 | Research and Thesis |
Major Elective Courses (16 Semester Hours)
4
BIO 503 | Advanced Ecology | |
BIO 504 | Nonvascular Plants | |
BIO 505 | Vascular Plants | |
BIO 506 | Mammalian Physiology | |
BIO 508 | Advanced Parasitology | |
BIO 510 | Advanced Microbiology | |
BIO 515 | Cytogenetics | |
BIO 607 | Endocrinology | |
BIO 609 | Protozoology | |
BIO 611 | Physiological Chemistry | |
BIO 612 | Advanced Plant Physiology | |
BIO 614 | Applied Microbiology | |
BIO 618 | Virology | |
BST 500 | Biostatistics |
In addition to satisfying the general admission requirements of The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School at Alabama State University, all students admitted to the Master of Science in biology degree program are expected to have the bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field and a minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale. Prerequisite courses include general physics (eight semester hours); general chemistry (eight semester hours); organic chemistry (eight semester hours); and cell biology or biochemistry (four semester hours) Scores on the Graduate Record Examination revised General and Subject tests are required.
Conditional graduate status may be granted an applicant who has a cumulative grade point average of less than 3.0 but at least 2.5, and/or who has not more than 12 semester hours of undergraduate course deficiencies. Full graduate status may be attained by a conditional graduate student after the completion of 16 hours, provided the student receives a grade of at least B in all courses taken and he or she has removed all admission deficiencies.
Each student enrolling in this program is expected to complete 35 semester hours, which include the core requirement courses: BIO 500, Graduate Seminar in Biology; BIO 517, Cell and Molecular Biology; BIO 521, Biological Techniques and Instrumentation; BIO 619, Molecular Genetics, Biology 660, Research and Thesis. Other courses will be selected by the student in consultation with his or her thesis advisor. The thesis advisorand thesis advisory committee will be assigned by the department chair according to established departmental guidelines.
In addition to the completion and oral defense of the thesis, each student is required to perform satisfactorily on a written comprehensive examination and to demonstrate competent reading knowledge of a foreign language, preferably French or German. Upon recommendation of the department, a substitute language may be offered. Six semester hours of an acceptable foreign language in which a cumulative average of at least B is earned may be presented in lieu of the language examination.
Master of Science in biology students may elect to substitute in lieu of the foreign language six semester hours of acceptable computer language coursework in which a cumulative average of at least a B is earned. Acceptable computer language courses will be determined by the chair of the department.
Forensic Science
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree42 credithours minimum required
Required Course (16 semester hours)
FRS 642 | Principles of Forensic Toxicology | |
FRS 643 | Forensic Biology | |
FRS 644 | Forensic Chemistry | |
FRS 645 | Forensic Analysis, Crime SceneInvestigation,Ethics and Professional Responsibilities |
Support Courses (17 semester hours)
FRS 550 | Forensic Science Seminar (1 SH/semester –Must attend 3 semester) | |
FRS 560 | Research Proposal Presentation | |
FRS 565 | Thesis Research (10 SH minimum –May substitute Laboratory Internshipfor 3 SH of ThesisResearch) | |
FRS 669 | Forensic Analysis, Crime SceneInvestigation,Ethics and Professional Responsibilities | |
FRS 570 | Ethics & Professional Responsibilities | |
Elective Courses (9 semester hours)
FRS 566 | Forensic Science Internship | |
FRS 644 | Advanced Forensic Toxicology | |
FRS 650 | Forensic Serology & DNA Analysis | |
FRS 651 | Forensic Serology & DNA Analysis(Lab) | |
FRS 655 | Expert Testimony in Forensic Science | |
FRS 661 | Analysis of Pattern Evidence (lecture/laboratory) | |
FRS 662 | Firearms & Toolmark Identification(lab) | |
FRS 672 | Chemistry and Analysis of Drugs | |
FRS 673 | Chemistry and Analysis of Arson and Explosives Evidence | |
FRS 676 | Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis (lecture/laboratory) | |
FRS 677 | Population Genetics | |
FRS 681 | Analysis of Fire Debris & Explosives (lecture/laboratory) | |
FRS 682 | Forensic Analysis of Paint & Polymers (lecture/laboratory) | |
FRS 683 | Microbial Forensics | |
FRS 692 | Forensic Science Special Topics | |
FRS 693 | Quality Assurance in Forensic Science | |
FRS 694 | Firearm & Tool mark IdentificationLecture | |
FRS 695 | Forensic Evidence & CriminalProcedure | |
FRS 696 | Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry | |
FRS 697 | Forensic Microscopy | |
FRS 698 | Forensic Microscopy Lab |
FBI Quality Assurance Standards Courses for DNA Analysis Specialization Analysis
BIO 336 | Principles of Genetics | |
BIO 340 | Biostatistics | |
BIO 420 | Molecular Biologyand Genetics | |
CHE 420 | Biochemistry | |
BIO 501 | Biostatistics | |
BIO 515 | Cytogenetics | |
BIO 517 | Molecular Biology | |
BIO 611 | Physiological Chemistry | |
BIO 619 | Molecular Genetics |
In addition to satisfying the general admission requirements of TheMurphyGraduate School at Alabama State University, all students admitted to the Master of Science degree program in forensic science are expected to have the bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field and a minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Prerequisite courses include general physics (two semesters); general chemistry organic chemistry (two semesters); biochemistry (one semester) and biology course 300 level or higher (4 semester hours). A GRE score on verbal and quantitative of at least 300 (≈950 old GRE score).
Conditional graduate status may be granted an applicant who has a cumulative grade point average of less than 3.0 but at least 2.5, and/or who has not more than 12 semester hours of undergraduate course deficiencies. Full graduate status may be attained by a conditional graduate student after the completion of 16 hours, provided the student receives a grade of at leastaB in all courses taken and he or she has removed all admission deficiencies.
Each student enrolling in this program is expected to complete 42 semester hours, which include the core requirement courses:
FRS 642, Principles of Forensic Toxicology; FRS 663, Forensic Biology; FRS 664, Forensic Chemistry; FRS 665, Forensic Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Ethics and Professional Responsibilities; FRS 550, Forensic Science Seminar; FRS 560, Research Proposal Presentation; FRS 565, Thesis Research; FRS 699, Thesis Defense; and FRS 570, Ethics & Professional Responsibilities. Other courses will be selected by the student in consultation with his or her thesis advisor. The thesis advisor and thesis advisory committee will be assigned by the department chair according to established departmental guidelines.
In addition to the completion and oral defense of the thesis, each student is required to perform satisfactorily on a written comprehensive examination. It it desirable thatthe studentand todemonstrate competent reading knowledge of a foreign language, preferably French or German. Upon recommendation of the department, a substitute language may be offered. Six semester hours of an acceptable foreign language in which a cumulative average of at least a B is earned may be presented in lieu of the language examination.
Master of Science students in forensic science may elect to substitute in lieu of the foreign language six semester hours of acceptable computer language coursework in which a cumulative average of at least a B is earned. Acceptable computer language courses will be determined by the chair of the department.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology
Total Credit Hours: 37 -53 Credit Hours*
* Students with earned M.S. degree in related field(s) are required to complete a minimum 37 semester credit hours of program coursework.
FBI Quality Assurance Standards Courses for DNA Analysis Specialization Analysis
BIO 710 | Scientific Communication | |
BIO 720 | Microbial Genetics and Genomics | |
BIO 730 | Microbial Physiology and Diversity | |
CHE 740.01 | Environmental Microbiology OR | |
BIO 740.02 | Microbiology of Food Systems OR | |
BIO 740.03 | Microbiology of Water Systems |
Major Support Courses (13 CreditHours)
CHE 700 | Biochemistry | |
BST 700.01 | Biostatistics | |
BIO 700 | Laboratory Research Rotation | |
BIO 750 | Microbial Risk Assessment and Management | |
BIO 875 | Seminar in Microbiology |
Major Elective Courses (12 CreditHours)
CHE 705 | Environmental Chemistry | |
BIO 805 | Microbial Ecology | |
BIO 815 | Microbial Pathogenesis | |
BIO 825 | Microbiology of Food Sanitation | |
BIO 835 | Microbial Water Quality | up to 3 |
BIO 845 | Microbial Bioterrorism and Safety | |
BIO 855 | Microbial Biotechnology | |
BIO 865 | Special Topics in Microbiology |
Required Doctoral Research And DissertationMinimum 4 Semester Hours
BIO 799 | Doctoral Research | Variable |
BIO 899 | Doctoral Dissertation |
Electives(12Semester Hours)
4
BIO 701 | Advanced Microbiology | |
BIO 702 | Applied Microbiology | |
BIO 703 | Virology | |
BIO 704 | Molecular Genetics |
* Students with earned M.S. degree in related field(s) are required to complete a minimum 37 semester credit hours of program coursework.
The Ph.D. in microbiology curriculum consistsof 37 semester hours of graduate coursework, excluding doctoral research credits. Additionally, students admitted to the Ph.D. program with the earned B.S. degree must complete the 16-hour core curriculum of the M.S. in biology program prior to completing the 37 semester-hour doctoral course curriculum. A twelve semester hour core curriculum consists of foundation content courses (microbial genetics and genomics, and microbial physiology and diversity), the foundation track course (environmental microbiology OR microbiology of food/water systems), and adoctoral skills course (scientific communication), through which students learn to develop a functional research proposal, leading ultimately to the formal dissertation proposal. Thirteen semester hours of major-related courses are required, including research skills courses (biostatistics) and a major support course (biochemistry), a predictive risk modeling skills course (microbial risk assessment and research laboratory rotation. Twelve semester hours of major elective courses are completed from a roster of specialty courses. Major electives are planned by the student and his or her advisory committee in a customized manner, based upon criteria such as the student's selected area of concentration, dissertation research and professional interests.
Applicants with the earned B.S. degree will be required to complete a substantial 16 semester credit hour pre-curriculum [the 12 hour M.S. in biology core curriculum plus one additional four semester credit hour 500-or 600-level relevant science course, and other courses as recommended upon admission] that will ensure an appropriate and equitable level of didactic training that is comparable to the master's level of biological study. A minimum of 53 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (16 M.S. semester credit hours and 37 doctoral-level course hours, excluding doctoral research), will be required for completion of the Ph.D. in microbiology at ASU.
Mathematics
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree
Total Number Credits: 36 semester hours minimum required
Credit Required Courses (27 semester hours)
3
MAT 500 | Set Theory | |
BIO 501 | Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics | |
BIO 510 | Abstract Algebra I | |
BIO 620 | Real Analysis I | |
BIO 622 | Complex Analysis I | |
BIO 640 | General Topology I | |
BIO 690 | Seminar | |
BIO 529 | Research and Thesis |
Major Elective Courses (9 semester hours required)
3
MAT 505 | Introduction to Computer Science | |
MAT 512 | Linear Systems | |
MAT 513 | Number Theory | |
MAT 550 | Combinatorics | |
MAT 560-61 | Operations Research | |
MAT 623 | Complex Analysis II | |
MAT 641 | Topology II | |
MAT 655 | Numerical Analysis | |
MAT 660 | Applied Mathematics | |
MAT 670 | Mathematics Statistics I | |
MAT 671 | Mathematics Statistics II |
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements for a master’s degree at Alabama State University, the following special requirements must be satisfied by students who seek the Master of Science degree in mathematics:
- The student will be required to demonstrate competent reading knowledge of a foreign language, preferably French or German. Upon the recommendation of the department, a substitute language may be offered. The language examination shall be written and shall consist of the translation into English of selections from texts and articles related to the area of concentration. Passing of the examination shall be valid for a period not exceeding eight years;
- Six semester hours of an acceptable foreign language in which a cumulative average of at least B was earned may be presented in lieu of the language examination;
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field; and
- Competitive scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination and advanced test in the area of mathematics are required. Additionally, a competitive undergraduate GPA is required.
Candidates for the Master of Science degree in mathematics should present for admission (1) at least one year of calculus, and (2) at least 15 credits of acceptable junior and senior mathematics courses. Graduate students may enroll in undergraduate courses to remove any deficiencies, but they cannot receive graduate credit. All deficiencies must be removed before a student may be admitted to candidacy.
In addition to the completion and oral defense of the thesis, each candidate enrolling in this program is expected to complete 36 semester hours of mathematics at the 500 level or above, and the successful completion of a written comprehensive examination. Other courses will be selected by the student with the assistance of the supervisory committee.