This page is intended to serve as a source for important information affecting current graduate students in Biological Sciences. We have also included links to many of the forms you may need throughout your time in the program as well as other helpful links. This page is a *work in progress* and we welcome your suggestions. Please send suggestions or questions that you have to the Graduate Coordinator.

    General Links   •   Financial Aid   •   Degree Requirements   •   Forms   •   Frequently Asked Questions

For general information:

• Biology Graduate Secretary: Lorraine DeVenney, 217 Life Sciences
• Biology Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Karen V. Root, 429E Life Sciences
• Graduate Catalog
• Graduate College Documents and Forms Page
• Thesis/Dissertation Handbook
• Funding your graduate education
• Biology Graduate Student Association (BGSA)

Forms

All forms should be submitted to the Graduate Secretary unless noted.

•   Tentative Degree Program (TDP)--MS & PhD

This form should be completed by the end of your first semester for MS students and no later than the end of the first year for PhD students.

•   Topic Approval--MS & PhD

MS students should complete this form for their proposal meeting, usually scheduled at the end of the first year. PhD students need to complete this form during their proposal meeting, which must be no later than 6 months after successfully completing the Prelim Exam.

•   Prelim Exam Application and Submission Form--PhD only

The top half of this form should be completed by PhD students at least 6 weeks before they wish to take their Preliminary Exam. The bottom half of this form will be completed during the Orals portion of the Prelim Exam to designate a grade on the exam.

•   Thesis/Dissertation Defense Form (ETD Form)--MS & PhD

This form is completed for the Thesis or Dissertation defense. The top half indicates the evaluation of the oral portion of the defense and the bottom half indicates the evaluation of the thesis/dissertation document.

•   Tentative Degree Program Addendum--MS & PhD

Use this form to update your TDP to reflect any changes. Complete before you apply for graduation.

•   Exit Interview Form--MS & PhD

This form should be completed by all graduating students in their last semester. Please turn in a copy of the form (or email it) along with a copy of your current CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) How do I find an advisor and how soon do I need one?

You will need to identify a faculty member to serve as your advisor for your graduate program. A good place to start is the Biology Web Site to find the research interests of the faculty. Contact a faculty member to find out if they are taking additional graduate students in their laboratory. Do not assume a particular faculty member will be your advisor until you have spoken with them first. You may also want to talk to other graduate students and faculty to gather information about the types of projects that are ongoing. You will want to have a conversation with any prospective advisor about what their expectations will be for graduate students in their laboratory.

MS students must have advisers by first month of second semester.
PhD students must have adviser by end of second semester.

(2) What is the TDP and when does it have to be completed?

The Tentative Degree Program (TDP) lists the courses that you plan to take for your graduate degree. This includes all of the courses that you are required to take (e.g. BIOL 601. Biological Documentation Techniques) and those that you identify with your advisor that are important for your degree.

This form should be completed by the end of your first semester for MS students and no later than the end of the first year for PhD students.