About This Program

The Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences - Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology is the study of a broad range of topics, including endocrinology, neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology and other regulatory systems. Students have access to resources for physiological research, including a vivarium, tissue culture facility, confocal microscope/visualization facility, laser capture microscope, genomics and proteomics facilities.

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator:Oscar Rocha|bscigrad@kent.edu| 330-672-2297
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor:U.S. Student|International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics'Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit thegraduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit theinternational admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the natural sciences
• Strong background in biology and related subjects such as chemistry and mathematics¹
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be submitted for initial review of application
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Personal statement that clearly explains why the applicant wishes to pursue an advanced degree and describes research experience and interest; statement must include a list of potential faculty mentors
• Three letters of recommendation that comment on chance of success in an advanced degree program, with minimum one from someone who can comment on research aptitude
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 82 MELAB score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 Duolingo English test score

¹

螺柱ent deficiencies in these areas at the time of admission shall be rectified during the first year of graduate study.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 1
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
BSCI 70104	BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS1	4
BSCI 70184	RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH AND TEACHING-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES2	2
BSCI 70191	SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (taken 2-4 times)	2-4
Additional Electives3		20-22
螺柱ent Seminar Presentation4
Culminating Requirement
BSCI 80199	DISSERTATION I5	30
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students		90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students		60

¹

螺柱ents may substitute a different graduate-level statistics course forBSCI 70104,如果认为合适的学生顾问/ guidance committee.

²

螺柱ents are required to takeBSCI 70184their first semester (or the following fall semester for those starting their studies in the spring semester).

³

螺柱ents are to select courses in consultation with their academic faculty advisor. It is recommended that students enroll inBSCI 70142andBSCI 70195for selected current topics. Additional coursework should provide the necessary skills and/or knowledge base to aid in the completion of the student's research project and be beneficial for their professional development.

⁴

螺柱ents are required to present at least one departmental seminar about their work.

⁵

Doctoral candidates, upon admission to candidacy, must register forBSCI 80199for a total of 30 hours. It is expected that doctoral candidates will continuously register forBSCI 80199, and thereafterBSCI 80299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. It is expected that candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, at which the dissertation will be presented and defended before the dissertation committee, with not more than one negative vote, in order to be recommended to the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Graduation Requirements

螺柱ents entering the program with a bachelor's degree must complete a minimum 20 credit hours of graduate courses beyondBSCI 80198toward their degree. Students entering the program with a master's degree should consult with their guidance committee to determine how many courses are required.

Candidacy for the Degree

完成所需的课程之后,学生complete the doctoral program by being admitted to candidacy, by proposing a research project to the faculty and by completing and defending that research with a written dissertation before a faculty committee.

Candidacy Exams:螺柱ents are admitted to doctoral candidacy following successful completion of both written and oral candidacy examinations. These exams are based on prior coursework and coursework taken in this graduate program as determined by students' academic Guidance Committee, which must consist of at least three eligible faculty members. The advisor(s) and a majority of members of the Guidance Committee must be members of the appropriate graduate program. This committee is responsible for determining the student's academic curriculum and for administering the candidacy exams. Following successful completion of candidacy exams, students register for dissertation -BSCI 80199for two semesters and, thereafter, forBSCI 80299continually until complete.

Prospectus:Following completion of the candidacy exam, students must successfully prepare, present and defend a formal prospectus of the research project before their dissertation committee.

Dissertation and Final Defense:博士候选人必须完成一篇论文。It is expected that candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, during which they will present and defend before the dissertation committee, with not more than one negative vote, in order to be recommended to the department and College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.