Questions in the examination will evaluate the candidate's understanding of the basic principles of biology and specific aspects of the designated discipline. Questions on research and thesis may relate to points of clarification, analytical procedures, basic biology and systematics of the species studied, possibilities for future research and publication, and areas where research could be improved.

The student's Graduate Advisory Committee will meet to evaluate the student once each year. A student is expected to maintain a grade point average of B or better throughout the course work for the M.S. degree, and to make significant progress in research each semester. No more than 6 credit hours of course work with a grade of C may be used toward the M.S. requirements. Accumulation of more than 6 credit hours of graduate course work with a C grade or below will result in the termination of the student's M.S. program regardless of the grade point average. A terminated student may petition the Graduate Council for readmission based on their individual circumstances.

Required Courses

 Elective Courses in the Program:

Mid-tier Courses (8 credit hours)

Remaining Electives (take remaining electives from this list)

Based on the thesis, the thesis defense, and the oral examination, the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee will determine satisfactory mastery by an individual student. The committee must include the student's major adviser, at least one other faculty member from the integrative genomics program, and a third member, which could include another faculty from the Integrative Genomics program or another appropriate faculty member from another academic institution, such as SDSMT, or department.