Master of Science in Complex Biological Systems

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Modern societal challenges in biological sciences are complex and transcend scale; they also rapidly evolve. Solutions to complex biological problems require multi level understanding, from molecular and atomic levels to populations and ecosystems, technologies that operate across these scales, and teams that cover all scales. The Complex Biological Systems M.S. program is use-oriented, problem-focused, and emphasizes the scales of societal problems (from molecules to ecological systems) and the connections between these scales. This program brings together interdisciplinary faculty mentors with overlapping big-picture goals and complementary skill sets, providing students with diverse cutting-edge research and educational experiences. The Thesis Track M.S. will allow students an opportunity for focused laboratory research with supportive coursework.

Tracks

The program includes two tracks. Each has different course and graduation exit requirements which are outlined below.

Thesis Track: The thesis track is for students who desire to perform research as part of their graduate education. Thesis Track students enroll in 18 s.h. of core courses, a minimum of 9 s.h. of research courses, and 3 s.h. of restricted electives.
Non-Thesis Track: Non-Thesis Track students enroll in 18 s.h. of core courses and 12 s.h. of restricted electives.

Program Requirements

Core Courses: 18 s.h.

CBS 01510 - Molecular Foundations of Biological Systems Credits: 3
CBS 01520 - Cellular Foundations of Biological Systems Credits: 3
CBS 01530 - Organismal Foundations of Biological Systems Credits: 3
CBS 01540 - Biological Networks and Systems Credits: 3
CBS 01570 - Computational Methods and Data Analysis in Biological Systems Credits: 3
CBS 01580 - Integrative Analysis of Biological Problems Credits: 3

Restricted Electives: 3 - 12 s.h.

Thesis Track students choose 3 s.h. from the following list
Non-Thesis Track students choose 12 s.h. from the following list

CBS XXXXX - Any 500-level or higher course*

Note:

*Courses must be pre-approved by Graduate Program Coordinator.

Thesis-Track Thesis/Dissertation Courses: 9 s.h.

CBS 01550 - Thesis Research Credits: 1 to 9

Total Required Credits for the Program: 30 s.h.

Graduation/Exit, Benchmark, and/or Thesis Requirements

Thesis Track: Conferral of the Master’s degree will occur only after submission of a Master’s thesis and approval by the candidate’s Thesis Committee of the written thesis and oral defense. This process and all forms are regulated by Rowan University’s School of Graduate Studies and outlined in the Thesis & Dissertation Manual.
Non-Thesis Track: Conferral of the Master’s degree will occur after successful completion of all required courses and a suitable number of restricted elective credits.

Minimum Required Grades and Cumulative GPA

The Master of Science in Complex Biological Systems is a Category 2 program.

For details regarding satisfactory academic progress and graduation requirements, please visit Academic Program Policy Categories

Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor
Nathaniel Nucci
SCI 101E 856.256. 4396
nucci@rowan.edu