Biology
The
Master of Science degree in Biology program is a multi-disciplinary program that
allows students advanced study in several traditional and non-traditional areas
of biology. Students have the option of a general M.S. degree in biology or may
obtain an M.S. degree in biology with a formal concentration in aquatic science,
cellular and molecular biology, clinical microbiology, microbiology, nurse
anesthesia, or physiology. Admission to the program is based, in part, on scores
on the GRE general exam, undergraduate grade point average (GPA), letters of
recommendation, and on individually prescribed undergraduate course work to meet
prerequisite requirements for each concentration. Each student will choose a
major adviser and an advisory committee during the first semester of residence.
This committee will assist the student in drafting the student’s plan of
study, which will dictate the student’s curriculum for the ensuing semesters.
All students complete a capstone experience. Students obtaining the M.S. in
Biology or M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Clinical Microbiology complete a
thesis or seminar paper. Students obtaining the M.S. in Biology: Concentration
in Aquatic Science, Concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Concentration in Microbiology, or Concentration in Physiology complete a thesis.
Students obtaining the M.S. Biology: Concentration in Nurse Anesthesia complete
extensive clinical training.
Biology
Graduate Student Requirements
All
graduate students in biology must meet the following requirements:
1.
Prior to registration each semester, the student must consult with the
major adviser.
2.
Submit a written thesis or seminar paper proposal to the advisory
committee prior to the midterm of the second semester of residence. CRNA
students are exempt from this requirement and are not required to complete a
thesis or seminar paper as part of the degree program.
3.
Enroll in BIO 751 or MIC 751, Graduate Seminar, during the first four
semesters of residence. Two of the semesters must be taken for one credit each;
the other two semesters will be taken on an audit (no credit) basis. CRNA
students are exempt from this requirement.
4.
Students who are on campus, utilizing university staff and/or facilities
must enroll for a minimum of two credit hours per term, including fall or spring
semester, and summer sessions.
5.
Students are encouraged to complete an appropriate graduate course
(numbers 500 and above) from
outside the Department of Biology and Department of Microbiology. Upon approval
of a student’s advisory committee, a student may be permitted to take a
maximum of 10 graduate credits in other departments.
6.
Graduate assistants are required to enroll as full-time students during
the first two semesters of residence.
7.
Pass a preliminary oral examination covering the student’s area of
specialty and advanced course work.
8.
Complete at least 15 credits of 700-level course work.
9.
Consult this catalog and the department’s graduate student guidelines
for additional policies pertaining to graduate students in a biology program.
M.S. BIOLOGY
This traditional master’s degree program is designed to
provide the most beneficial learning opportunities based on career goals and the
student’s area of focus. It is intended for students who do not plan to obtain
one of the formal concentrations within the M.S. Biology program. Students are
required to (1) complete a thesis
or seminar paper in an area of biology, (2) pass an oral comprehensive exam, and
(3) complete 30 credits selected by the student and the advisory committee.
AQUATIC SCIENCE CONCENTRATION
This concentration requires (1) completion of a research
thesis in an area of aquatic science, (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam,
and (3) completion of 30 credits with at least 15 credits from the following
list; remaining credits are to be selected by the student and the advisory
committee.
Credits
BIO
505 Aquatic
and Wet Land
2
Vascular Plants
BIO
514 Freshwater
Invertebrate
3
Zoology
BIO
519 Quantitative
Methods in
3
Ecology
BIO
522 Ichthyology
3
BIO
523 Fisheries
Management
3
MIC 534
Aquatic Microbial Ecology
3
BIO
538 Physics
and Chemistry of
Surface Ground Water
3
BIO
547 Standard
Methods and
3
Quality Assurance of
Water
Analyses
BIO
548 Aquatic
Toxicology
4
BIO
563 Aquatic
Animal Health
3
BIO 564
Stream Ecology
3
BIO
711 Aquatic
Contaminants
2
BIO 799
Research: Master’s Thesis
1-6
Total
Credits
30
With the approval of the student’s advisory
committee, other courses may be substituted for those listed.
CELLULAR AND
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION
This concentration requires (1) completion of a research
thesis in an area of cellular or molecular biology, (2) passing an oral
comprehensive exam, and (3) completion of 30 credits with at least 15 credits
from the following list; remaining credits are to be selected by the student and
the advisory committee.
Credits
MIC 516
Microbial Genetics
5
BIO
532 Biology
of Cancer
2
BIO
535 Molecular
Biology
3
BIO
536 Molecular
Biology Lab
1
BIO
537 Plant
Growth and Development
3
BIO
543 Molecular
Mechanisms of Disease
3
BIO
563 Aquatic
Animal Health
3
BIO
714 Advanced
Genetics
3
BIO
799 Research:
Master’s Thesis
1-6
Total Credits
30
With the approval of the student’s advisory committee,
other courses may be substituted for those listed.
CLINICAL
MICROBIOLOGY CONCENTRATION
This concentration is offered by the department of biology
and department of microbiology, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Marshfield
Laboratories/St. Joseph’s Hospital/Marshfield Clinic, and the Wisconsin State
Laboratory of Hygiene. This program involves on-campus course work and clinical
rotations at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Marshfield Laboratories/St.
Joseph’s Hospital/Marshfield Clinic, and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of
Hygiene. Students who complete the Concentration in Clinical Microbiology are
eligible to secure Specialist Microbiologist (SM-AAM) certification of the
American Academy of Microbiology. The combination of classroom education,
clinical rotation, and research experience will prepare students for a variety
of employment opportunities including: 1) supervisory positions in medical
centers and public health and private reference laboratories, 2) research and
development positions in academia, government agencies, or industry, 3)
infectious control positions in clinical settings, 4) public health and
epidemiology, 5) marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology
industries, and 6) teaching at community or technical colleges. This
concentration requires (1) completion of a research thesis (Plan A) or seminar
paper (Plan B) in an area of clinical microbiology (including an oral defense of
the thesis or seminar paper), (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam, and (3)
completion of the core curriculum of a minimum of 32 credits.
Admission Requirements
1.
Individuals accepted into the Clinical Microbiology program must hold a
Bachelor of science degree or equivalent in microbiology, biology, or a related
field with competency in microbiology. Graduates with a medical technology
degree from a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical
Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) are also eligible.
Minimum prerequisites for admission to the program are MIC 230
(Fundamentals of Microbiology), MIC 406/506 (Immunology), MIC 407/507
(Pathogenic Bacteriology), or equivalent courses. A strong chemistry background
including biochemistry is strongly recommended. Students lacking prerequisites
may be conditionally admitted to the concentration contingent on remediation of
prerequisites. Remediated prerequisite courses do not count toward the M.S.
degree.
2.
Cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of not less than 2.85.
3.
Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A score of 1000 for
the total general test scores for verbal and qualitative sections is strongly
recommended.
4.
Students must complete an “Application for Admission to Graduate
Study” form. Students requesting financial aid must also complete the
“Application for Graduate Assistantship” form.
5.
Three current letters of recommendation (forms provided with admission
application).
6.
An application letter which details:
--
academic and professional goals
--
previous relevant experiences
--
reasons for selecting program
--
intent to pursue thesis or non-thesis
track or undecided
7.
Completed application forms, letters of recommendation, and applicant
letter must be returned to the Admissions Office by January 20. Early
applications can be considered prior to the deadline. A review committee will
assess all submitted materials and a letter of decision will be sent to the
applicant by February 15. An interview may be required in some instances.
Acceptance or non-acceptance is based upon a comprehensive review of all
elements of the completed application. Late applications will be considered if
enrollment objectives have not been satisfied.
Core Curriculum
Plan A -- Thesis
Credits
MIC 500
Orientation to Clinical
2
Microbiology
MIC 554
Mechanisms of Microbial
2
Pathogenicity
MIC 751
Graduate Seminar
2
MIC 753
Epidemiology of Infectious
2
Diseases
MIC 755
Advanced Immunology
2
MIC 770
Clinical Microbiology-
5
Practicum I
MIC 780
Clinical Microbiology-
4
Practicum II
MIC 790
Clinical Microbiology-
2
Practicum III
MIC 799
Research: Masters Thesis
6
Minimum elective credits
5
Total
Credits
32
Core Curriculum
Plan B -- Non-thesis
Credits
MIC 500
Orientation to Clinical
2
Microbiology
MIC 554
Mechanisms of Microbial
2
Pathogenicity
MIC 751
Graduate Seminar
2
MIC 753
Epidemiology of Infectious
2
Diseases
MIC 755
Advanced Immunology
2
MIC 761
Research Paper and Seminar
2
in Microbiology
MIC 770
Clinical Microbiology-
5
Practicum I
MIC 780
Clinical Microbiology-
4
Practicum II
MIC 790
Clinical Microbiology-
2
Practicum III
Minimum elective credits
9
Total
Credits 32
Electives
Elective courses to complement the career goals of the
student or to make up academic deficiencies will be agreed upon by the student
and the student’s advisory committee. Students may be required to take
additional elective courses based on recommendations of their committee.
Credits
MIC 516
Microbial Genetics
5
MIC 520
Virology
3
MIC 521
Virology Lab
2
MIC 525
Bacterial Physiology
5
MIC 526
Food Microbiology
4
MIC 540
Bioinformatics
2
MIC 555
Methods in Vector Borne and
3
Zoonotic
Disease Research
MIC 721
Directed Studies
1-2
BIO 506
Parasitology
4
BIO 512
Mycology
3
BIO 513
Medical Mycology
3
BIO 535
Molecular Biology
3
BIO 536
Molecular Biology
1
Laboratory
BIO 701
Communication in the
4
Biological Sciences
CHM 517
Biochemistry I
3
CHM 518
Biochemistry II
3
HED 755
Epidemiology and Public
3
Health Issues
MICROBIOLOGY
CONCENTRATION
Admission to the microbiology concentration requires a
minimum of one introductory microbiology course -(MIC 230, Fundamentals of
Microbiology or equivalent). Students lacking an introductory microbiology
course may be conditionally admitted to the concentration contingent on
remediation of this prerequisite. This concentration requires completion of a
research thesis (MIC 799, 2-6 credits) in an area of microbiology (including an
oral defense of the thesis), passing an oral comprehensive exam, and completion
of 30 credits of graduate course work with at least 20 from the following list.
The remaining credits are selected by the student and the advisory committee.
Credits
MIC 506
Immunology
4
MIC 507
Pathogenic Bacteriology
4
BIO 506
Parasitology
4
BIO 512
Mycology
4
BIO 513
Medical Mycology
3
MIC 516
Microbial Genetics
5
MIC 520
Introductory Virology
3
MIC 521
Virology Lab
2
MIC 525
Bacterial Physiology
5
MIC 526
Food Microbiology
4
MIC 527
Industrial and Fermentation
3
Microbiology
MIC 528
Fermentation Microbiology
2
Laboratory
MIC 534
Aquatic Microbial Ecology
3
BIO 535
Molecular Biology
3
BIO 536
Molecular Biology
1
Laboratory
MIC 540
Bioinformatics
2
MIC 542
Plant Microbe Interactions
3
MIC 554
Mechanisms of Microbial
2
Pathogenicity
MIC 555
Methods in Vector-Borne and 3
Zoonotic Disease Research
BIO 563
Aquatic Animal Health
3
MIC 714
Advanced Genetics
3
MIC 721
Directed Studies
1-2
MIC 730
Biodegradation and
2
Bioremediation
MIC 753
Epidemiology of Infectious
2
Diseases
MIC 755
Advanced Immunology
2
MIC 799
Research: Master’s Thesis
1-6
Total
Credits
30
NURSE
ANESTHESIA CONCENTRATION
This concentration is jointly offered by the department of
biology and Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse, Wis.
Students simultaneously complete requirements for the Master of Science
degree in biology and educational requirements to become a Certified Registered
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Candidates for this concentration must apply
separately and be accepted into the Franciscan Skemp Healthcare School of
Anesthesia. This concentration requires
(1) passing an oral comprehensive exam and (2) completion of the core
curriculum of 30 credits.
CRNA
Core Curriculum
Credits
BIO
501 Human
Gross Anatomy
7
BIO
524 Endocrinology
3
BIO
713 Physiology
of Drug Action
2
BIO
715 Pathophysiology
I
3
BIO
717 Pathophysiology
II
3
BIO
718 Advanced
Human
4
Physiology I
BIO
719 Advanced
Human
4
Physiology II
CHM 530
Chemistry in Health Sciences
4
Total
Credits
30
PHYSIOLOGY CONCENTRATION
This concentration requires (1) completion of a research
thesis in an area of animal physiology, (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam,
and (3) completion of 30 credits with at least 15 credits from the following
list; remaining credits are to be selected by the student and the advisory
committee.
Credits
BIO
517 Animal
Physiology
4
BIO
524 Endocrinology
3
BIO
528 Animal
Metabolism,
3
Nutrition and Disease
BIO
532 Biology
of Cancer
2
BIO
535 Molecular
Biology 3
BIO
536 Molecular
Biology Laboratory 1
BIO
565 Neurophysiology
4
BIO
718 Advanced
Human
4
Physiology I
BIO
719 Advance
Human
4
Physiology II
BIO
799 Research:
Master’s Thesis
1-6
Total Credits
30
With the approval of the student’s advisory committee,
other courses may be substituted for those listed.
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
The College of Business Administration is a professional
college that is dedicated to the development of its students. The college’s
Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides students with an
integrated business education preparing them for successful careers. The program
is accredited by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business. AACSB
International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for
business schools worldwide.
The
overall objective of the program is to prepare graduates for positions of
leadership in business and public administration.
The program also prepares students for entry into doctoral level study.
The curriculum challenges students to think critically about business issues and
problems and is organized around three themes: changing technological
environments, globalization, and social and environmental responsibility.
The program has been designed to enhance students’ critical and
analytical problem solving and decision-making capabilities.
The
evening program is suitable both for part-time and full-time students and is
open to all qualified students regardless of undergraduate areas of study.
The program consists of two phases: a foundation phase and the MBA phase.
Students who do not possess an undergraduate business degree may be required to
complete all or part of the foundation phase as part of their program of study.
Foundation courses are available on campus or through an accelerated format via
the Internet. Students who are not required to complete foundation courses will
be enrolled directly in the MBA phase. In addition to the on-campus required and
elective course offerings, electives also are available via the Internet. The
entire program of study generally can be completed within one to two years.
More
information can be obtained at the college’s Web site: www.uwlax.edu/ba
ADMISSION
Applicants for admission to the program must apply through
the University Admissions Office. In order to be admitted in good standing,
applicants must meet the University requirements including a minimum grade point
average (GPA) of 2.85 (or 3.00 for the last half of undergraduate work) on a
4.00 scale and demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the MBA program.
Performance on the GMAT and prior academic work will be used as indicators of
ability. International students are required to take the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit their scores for evaluation. Applicants who
meet the minimum standards may be denied admission because of enrollment
limitations.
THE PROGRAM
Foundation Phase
The MBA program has two phases for qualified applicants with
foundation course deficiencies. Such applicants will be admitted to the program
while they complete their remaining foundation course work.
Foundation Courses
ECO
110 and 120
or
ECO
703 and 704
ACC
221 and 222
or
ACC
703 and 704
MKT
309 or 700
FIN
355 or 701
MGT
393 or 702
MGT
308 or 703
MGT
205
I-S
220
MTH
145 or BUS 710
(A minimum grade of “C” is required in all foundation
courses completed pre- or post-baccalaureate.) 700 level courses are delivered
by the Internet.
Students
completing foundation courses must achieve a minimum grade point average of
3.00. Students who earn less than a “C” grade in any foundation course will
be dropped from the program.
Some
courses are offered via the Internet in an accelerated format that may allow
completion of the foundation program in one calendar year. Credit by exam (test
out) is available for some foundation courses. Information should be obtained
from the program director.
MBA Phase
Qualified applicants who have completed the foundation
courses are admitted to the graduate degree requirement phase. Course
requirements for the degree are listed below:
Masters Degree Requirements
Credits
BUS
730 Decision
Framing and
3
Decision Making in Complex
Environments
BUS
731 Decision
Making in Complex
3
Environments
BUS
735 Business
Decision Making and 4
Research Methodology
BUS
750 Managing
in an
3
Environmentally and Socially
Conscious World
BUS
755 Managing
in a Changing
3
Technological Environment
BUS
760 Managing
in a Global
4
Environment
BUS
790 Assessment
1
Electives* 9
Minimum Credits
30
*Elective credits must be selected from course work approved
by the MBA program director. Several options are available for students to
complete the elective credit requirement. These options include:
-
MBA elective course work from UW-