Biological Sciences (Ph.D.)

Supporting Course Work

Supporting course work is selected by the student in consultation with the student’s advisory committee and must include a research tool, such as computer science or statistics. Previously completed graduate hours (maximum of 30 hours from a Master’s degree) may count towards the total number of credit hours subject to the approval of the advisory committee.

Dissertation Research

The area of concentration for this degree may be selected from the various biological specialties (e.g., ecology, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, evolution, neuroscience, physiology). Completion of the degree requires a demonstrated ability to conduct original and independent research. Each doctoral student is required to take a comprehensive oral examination before the beginning of the third year, after completion of most of the coursework. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree present a departmental seminar and take a final oral examination that addresses the dissertation as well as evaluates the student’s knowledge of broader aspects of biology. See http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/graduate.cfm for a description of the advisory committee, the annual progress report, the comprehensive oral examination, the dissertation proposal, and recommended timetable for completion of the degree.

Neuroscience Specialization (15 hours Optional)

 A Neuroscience Specialization is available if the dissertation topic is in the neuroscience area. The course requirements are as follows:

Select a minimum of 15 hours from the courses listed below, or courses approved by advisor/committee.

• ANAT 732 - ADVANCED NEUROANATOMY 5 cr hrs
• BIOL 730 - NEUROBIOLOGY 3 cr hrs
• BIOL 732 - BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 3 cr hrs
• NSCI 710 - NEUROPHARMACOLOGY 3 cr hrs
• NSCI 720 - NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE 4 cr hrs
• NSCI 731 - MEDICAL NEUROSCIENCE 3 cr hrs
• NSCI 792 - TOPICS (C) 1 to 4 cr hrs