Department of Biology
175 The Science Complex North
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2538
Department of Biology
Dr. Chandler, Chairperson
Dr. Casotti, Assistant Chairperson
Dr. Turner, Graduate Coordinator
All applicants to one of West Chester University’s graduate programs will be held to the graduate admissions requirements. When applicable, additional requirements for admission into specific department program(s) may be listed below.
Admission Requirements for the M.S. in Biology
Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to degree study at West Chester University. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation as part of their application to graduate study. Applicants must include a one-page written statement that outlines their reasons for pursuing graduate study in biology and the specific area of biology in which they are interested. Applicants must fill out a supplemental application for graduate study in biology by the end of their first semester of study, available from the biology coordinator, in which they identify their preferred advisor and indicate whether they intend to pursue the regular program or the thesis option, and whether they intend to be a full-time or part-time student.
Minimum academic prerequisites for admission include two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, one semester of physics, one semester of calculus, one course in statistics, and 17 semester credits of coursework in the biological sciences. Because of space and personnel limitations, admission of academically qualified applicants is contingent upon the availability of laboratory space, the advisor whom they identify, and the appropriateness of the student's background to the chosen area of concentration.
The M.S. in Biology may be completed under either the regular program or the thesis option. Switching between the two options is possible early in the program, but will require the student to organize a new advisory committee, take additional courses, and spend additional time completing the program.
The supplemental application form will not be required to be admitted into the graduate program. Instead, students (thesis and regular program) will have until the end of their first semester to choose an advisor and a committee. Continued enrollment in the program is contingent upon the student finding a faculty member who is willing to act as their advisor.
Deadline Dates for Applications
For all students wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships, the deadlines are as follows:
- April 15 for the fall semester
- October 15 for the spring semester
Students who do not wish to apply for an assistantship can apply throughout the year to enter the program.
All graduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the graduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.
General Information and Restrictions on Electives
With the prior consent of their advising committee, a thesis student may take a maximum of six semester hours at the graduate level in allied disciplines and a maximum of six biology semester hours at the 400 level. A student in the regular program may take a maximum of nine semester hours at the graduate level in allied disciplines and a maximum of six biology semester hours at the 400 level, where no 500-level component is available.
With the consent of their advising committee, any student also may transfer in six semester hours of graduate-level work from another university.
BIO 593 may not be counted towards the 30 semester hours required for graduation.
BIO 609 and BIO 610 may not be counted towards the 30 semester hours required for graduation unless a student is pursuing the thesis option.
Undergraduate Courses for Graduate Credit
The following courses are senior-level undergraduate courses that are acceptable for graduate students. Graduate students should expect to be graded by the same standards as the undergraduate students. Selection of these courses must be done with the approval of the student's advisor. (Maximum six credits for both thesis students and students in the regular program)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 412 | Organic Evolution | 3 |
| BIO 414 | Applied and Industrial Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 421 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIO 428 | Animal Histology | 3 |
| BIO 435 | Course Topics in Biology | 1-3 |
| BIO 436 | Course Topics in Biology | 1-3 |
| BIO 437 | Course Topics in Biology | 1-3 |
| BIO 448 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIO 440 | Human Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 443 | Introduction to Gene Expression Methodology | 3 |
| BIO 452 | Parasitology | 3 |
| BIO 453 | Marine Mammals | 3 |
| BIO 454 | Mycology | 3 |
| BIO 456 | Virology | 3 |
| BIO 457 | Functional Animal Morphology | 3 |
| BIO 468 | Comparative Vertebrate Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 473 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| BIO 474 | Microbial Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 478 | Plant Evolution | 3 |
| BIO 485 | Systematic Botany | 3 |
Professors
Sharon Began (1992)
B.S., Kutztown University; M.S., East Tennessee State University; Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Stefanie Anne Boettger (2008)
B.S., Aberdeen University (Scotland); Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Giovanni Casotti (1996)
Assistant Chairperson, Biology
B.S., Hons, Ph.D., Murdoch University (Australia)
Frank E. Fish (1980)
B.A., State University of New York at Oswego; M.S., Ph.D., Michigan State University
Oné R. Pagán (2005)
B.S., M.S., University of Puerto Rico; Ph.D., Cornell University
Jessica Schedlbauer (2010)
B.A., Hartwick College; M.S., University of Maine; Ph.D., University of Idaho/Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza
Harry Tiebout (1992)
B.A., University of Illinois; Ph.D., University of Florida
Gregory Turner (2004)
Graduate Coordinator, Biology
B.S., Virginia Commonwealth University; M.A., Hunter College; M.Ed., Columbia University; Ph.D., Fordham University
Associate Professors
Teresa Donze-Reiner (2015)
Director, Pre-Medical Program
Graduate Coordinator, Pre-Medical Program
B.S., University of Nebraska; Ph.D., Molecular Biology and Microbiology University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jennifer L. Maresh (2016)
B.S., West Chester University; M.S., Duke University; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz
John M. Pisciotta (2012)
B.A., Eckerd College; M.S., University of South Florida; Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
Jessica Sullivan-Brown (2014)
B.S., James Madison University; Ph.D., Princeton University
Assistant Professors
Sean W Buskirk (2019)
B.S., Pennsylvania State University; Ph.D., University of Georgia
Benjamin S Chambers (2020)
B.S., The Pennsylvania State University; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Jennifer Chandler (2017)
Chairperson, Biology
B.A., Transylvania University; B.S., Northern Kentucky University; Ph.D., West Virginia University
Megan Fork (2021)
B.S., University of Wisconsin; M.S., Florida International University; Ph.D., Duke University
Erin Gestl (2007)
B.S., Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Michael V Rosario (2018)
B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Ph.D., Duke University
Jessica N. Sowa (2019)
B.S., University of Rochester; Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine
Eric S. Sweet (2016)
B.S. Virginia Tech; Ph.D. Rutgers University
BIO
BIO 510. Graduate Seminar in Biology. 3 Credits.
This course provides students with an overview and development of skills needed by professional biologists to communicate with scientific and non-scientific audiences. Skills include effectively accessing and using scientific information, preparing and presenting poster or slide presentations, understanding the publication process, and writing research papers or proposals in a scientific context.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 511. Experimental Design and Analysis. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the design and analysis of biological research. An independently conducted research project is a required part of the course. Lab BIL 511.
Typically offered in Spring.
BIO 513. Research Techniques in Bio Sci I. 3 Credits.
Techniques course covering current techniques in ecology, evolution or organismal biology.
Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit.
BIO 514. Research Techniques in Bio Sci II. 3 Credits.
Introduces students to current laboratory research skills and methods/techniques in the fields of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics research.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
BIO 515. Research Techniques in Bio Sci III. 3 Credits.
Introduces students to current laboratory research skills and methods/techniques in the fields of physiology, developmental and cell biology.
Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit.
BIO 520. Topics and Research Methods in Cellular, Microbial, and Molecular Biology. 3 Credits.
This course exposes students to key content and current topics in the fields of cellular, microbial, and molecular biology, as well as an introduction to current research methods and techniques in these fields so that students can demonstrate competency in understanding the content and using the techniques to gain a wholistic preparation for the field of biological science. Specific content and methods covered depends on the faculty member teaching the course.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 521. Topics and Research Methods in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. 3 Credits.
This course exposes students to key content and current topics in the fields of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology, as well as providing an introduction to current research methods and techniques in these fields so that students can demonstrate competency in understanding the content and using the techniques to gain a wholistic preparation for the field of biological science. Specific content and methods covered depends on the faculty member teaching the course.
Typically offered in Spring.
BIO 531. Molecular Genetics. 3 Credits.
This course exposes graduate students interested in gene manipulation to up-to-date information in procaryotic and eukaryotic genetics.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 535. Course Topics in Biology I. 3 Credits.
Lecture/seminar course on the latest topics in ecology, evolution, or organismal biology. Specific content varies depending on faculty involved. Offered in rotation with BIO 536 and 537. May be repeated for credit if a different topic is presented.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
BIO 536. Course Topics in Biology II. 2-3 Credits.
Lecture/seminar course on the latest topics in microbiology, immunology, or molecular genetics. Specific content varies depending on faculty involved. Offered in rotation with BIO 535 and 537. May be repeated for credit if a different topic is presented.
Repeatable for Credit.
BIO 537. Course Topics in Biology III. 3 Credits.
Lecture/seminar course on the latest topics in cell biology, physiology, or development. Specific content varies depending on faculty involved. Offered in rotation with BIO 535 and 536. May be repeated for credit if a different topic is presented.
Distance education offering may be available.
Repeatable for Credit.
BIO 564. Microbial Physiology. 3 Credits.
Physiology and biochemical variations are studied in the prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes. Lab BIL 564.
Typically offered in Spring.
BIO 565. Immunology. 4 Credits.
Immunoglobin structure and function, nature of antigens, cell-mediated immunity, hypersensitivity, regulation of immunity, and immunological diseases. Laboratory experience in immunological techniques. Lab BIL 565.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 566. Plant Physiological Ecology. 3 Credits.
Mechanistic exploration of how plants respond to their environments, with central focus on carbon, water, and nutrient cycling. Global environmental change is used as a backdrop to examine physiological processes from the cell to whole-plant scale.
Typically offered in Spring.
Cross listed courses BIO 466, BIO 566.
BIO 567. Endocrinology. 3 Credits.
An integrative look at the physiology of the mammalian endocrine system in the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis. The pathology associated with hormone imbalance will be included.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 571. Wetlands. 3 Credits.
A course designed to provide practical experience in wetlands classification, delineation, regulation, management, and mitigation practices. The abiotic and biotic characteristics of inland and coastal wetlands are emphasized. Lab BIL 571.
Typically offered in Summer.
BIO 575. Plant Communities. 3 Credits.
A survey of ecological, morphological, and physiological strategies of plants from seed through adult stages. The integration of these strategies to explain the major plant communities of North America will be covered. Lab BIL 575.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 576. Freshwater Ecology. 3 Credits.
The environmental and biological characteristics of freshwater. Emphasis is placed on field methods, water quality evaluation based on the interpretation of comprehensive datasets, and management strategies for lakes, ponds and streams. Lab BIL 576.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 580. Light Microscopy and the Living Cell. 3 Credits.
Theory and practical techniques of all types of light microscopy and their uses in investigating living cells. Also includes techniques such as microinjection, cell electrophysiology, and others. Strong emphasis on 'hands-on' work with equipment.
Typically offered in Spring.
BIO 584. Epidemiology. 3 Credits.
A general study of the epidemiology of both infectious and environmentally related health problems. Methods of interviewing and data collecting also are included.
Typically offered in Fall.
BIO 590. Directed Study in Biology. 3 Credits.
In depth directed study of a specific topic in biology, under the direction of a faculty member of the Biology Department and requiring prior approval by the graduate committee. Field or laboratory work may be part of the course, but a research project is not required.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
BIO 591. Directed Research in Biology. 3 Credits.
To be taken when the student begins the capstone research project. Can include a research project, an in-depth literature review, or development of a specialized technique(s), each under the facilitation of a faculty advisor. The course should be preceded by the acceptance of a project proposal by an appropriate faculty committee and culminate in a project presentation as a seminar. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to critically access and synthesize relevant scientific information in order to integrate it for communicating and presenting results of research.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
BIO 593. Directed Research III. 1-3 Credits.
A continuation of the research proposed and initiated in BIO 591. To be taken for credit only with the approval of the graduate coordinator. (Does not count towards 30 credits required for graduation.)
BIO 608. Thesis Proposal. 3 Credits.
To be taken when the student begins his/her thesis research. Includes a comprehensive literature search and development of specialized techniques. This course should culminate in the acceptance of the thesis proposal by an appropriate committee of faculty and is required for degree candidacy. To be taken for credit only with the approval of the graduate coordinator. Thesis track only.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
BIO 609. Thesis Research. 3 Credits.
Completion of the research proposed in BIO 608. To be taken for credit only with the approval of the graduate coordinator. Thesis track only.
Pre / Co requisites: BIO 609 requires a prerequisite of BIO 608.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
BIO 610. Thesis and Defense. 3 Credits.
A culmination of thesis research by production of a written thesis and a successful public oral defense of the research proposed in BIO 608 and conducted in BIO 609. Public defense must be advertised department wide 14 days in advance. In addition to the thesis committee, the graduate coordinator or a designee of the graduate coordinator must be in attendance at the public defense. To be taken for credit only with the approval of the graduate coordinator. Thesis track only.
Pre / Co requisites: BIO 610 requires a prerequisite of BIO 609.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
