While emphasizing the unity of fundamental concepts in biology, the master of science (M.S.) curriculum provides an opportunity for developing a concentration in cell and molecular biology, ecology, neurobiology, or physiology. An emerging focus for interdisciplinary research on the Camden Campus is the study of information processing in complex biological systems. A research thesis may be pursued in any of these areas.
The M.S. biology program has been in existence since 1971. Many students have completed the M.S. program at Camden and have gone on to Ph.D. programs in the biological sciences; professional schools; research institutions; and positions of responsibility in industry, education, and environmental management. Most members of the graduate faculty at Camden also are affiliated with Ph.D. programs at Rutgers in New Brunswick or at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford. A number of students receiving advanced degrees at Camden have continued their doctoral work with one of the Camden faculty through enrollment in one of these programs.
An electron microscope facility, a tissue culture laboratory, and a variety of modern molecular biological and electrophysiological instruments are available for research and instruction at the Camden Campus. In addition, there are opportunities for fieldwork at the Pinelands Field Station in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Through arrangements with appropriate Camden faculty, ecological research also can be performed at the Tuckerton Marine Field Station.
Students also have opportunities to participate in the research of the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, an interdisciplinary research center that promotes collaborations among biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics faculty.
Although fully capable of meeting the requirements of the full-time student, the design of the M.S. program, with classes offered in the late afternoon, evening, and on Saturday, has appealed to those students whose outside obligations limit their hours of attendance or the number of courses that can be completed each semester.
