Biological Sciences

Description

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This is a cooperative program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Animal Science, Biology and Microbiology, Dairy Science, Health and Nutrition Science, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, at South Dakota State University.

Biological Sciences Program ObjectivesGraduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences will:

* Have a thorough understanding and knowledge of biological principles related to the chosen discipline
* Demonstrate the ability to conduct innovative research to create new knowledge
* Demonstrate the ability to write grant proposals to secure research funding
* Utilize appropriate statistical methods to make inferences from research
* Write a coherent dissertation and submit one or more manuscripts to a scientific journal
* Understand and articulate the potential applications of basic research
* Demonstrate the ability to use ethics in decision making and planning
* Demonstrate information literacy for science-based decision making and lifetime learning
* Be prepared to enter into careers related to research and development or academic institutions.
* Contribute to the advancement of science in the discipline

Course DeliveryBiological Sciences courses are delivered face-to-face and enhanced with web-based instruction. Online delivery may be offered for specific courses.

Contents

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the students Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study.

* XXX 790 or 890 Seminar Credit: 1 - Selected with advisory committee approval
* GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credit: 1
* Minimum of 3 credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
* XXX 898D Dissertation Credits: 30-40 - Students are required to present a seminar on their dissertation

A variety of outstanding laboratories, green houses, McCrory Gardens and Arboretum, livestock units, and field stations are available for education and research. Many Biological Sciences faculty hold appointments in the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.

Requirements

The application file must be complete with the application form, application fee, all post-secondary transcripts, degree certificates, letters of reference, and other materials as required by specific programs before processing of the application will begin.

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, 60-credit plan, will usually have a Masters degree. This degree must be awarded from an approved, accredited institution. In those cases where applicants do not have a Masters degree, departmental requirements will apply, either requiring completion of a Masters degree or permitting an individual to move directly into a doctoral program, 90-credit plan.

English Language Requirements

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Accreditation

South Dakota State University has been granted the full, ten-year reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. An accreditation team of representatives from peer institutions commended SDSU for:
* Dedicated faculty and staff
* Quality new facilities
* Excellent student leadership
* Shared governance
* Partnerships with local community
* Robust and Integrated assessment program
* Successful transition to NCAA Division I Athletics