1. Be able to use the scientific method to ask testable questions and to design and conduct laboratory, field, or theoretical investigations to address these questions.

2. Understand and apply fundamental biological principles from the major areas of biology (ecology, physiology, genetics, evolution, cell and molecular biology, and organismal biology).

3. Understand and appreciate the use of mathematical and computational skills in the biological sciences.

4. Have developed critical thinking and communication skills, both oral and written, for purposes of conveying biological information to both professional scientists and the lay public.

5. Have developed intellectual independence, understand the importance of scientific ethics, demonstrate scientific literacy by distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources of information, and possess an appreciation for the connections between biological science and society.

Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences will be able to

1. Be able to demonstrate knowledge in areas of biology relevant to selected research interests.

2. Be able to effectively locate, acquire and critically evaluate primary literature

3. Actively participate in discussions about current topics in selected research areas.

4. Develop specific hypotheses/aims pertaining to a research problem and design a study or experiment to accomplish this goal.

5. Quantitatively analyze and interpret their research data.

6. Demonstrate effective scientific oral and written communication skills.