Masters of Science in Biological Sciences

Nova Southeastern University’s Biological Sciences master’s degree provides you with a strong foundation, so you can prepare for professional careers in biology and in health care fields. This program offers opportunities for you to specialize in your interests and conduct original research in areas such as genetics, cell biology, ecology, chemistry, endocrinology, biochemistry, and more.

As a graduate student at NSU’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, you’ll get hands-on training in well-equipped laboratory and computer facilities, using the same advanced tools you’d encounter in the real world. Faculty provide specialized, one-on-one attention to help you pursue your research goals. Many of your professors are actively engaged in research, investigating questions related to shark population genetics, bioinformatics, brain structure and function, fish reproductive cycles, and more. Their passion for advancing the biological sciences guides their teaching methods.

Choose from two concentrations in NSU’s M.S. in Biological Sciences program. They are designed to give you a competitive advantage in your career: Health Studies or Research.

Master’s in Biological Sciences Research

NSU’s Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Research gives you the opportunity to pursue your research interests in a specific aspect of genomics, microbiology, evolution, ecology, parasitology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. As a graduate of NSU’s Biological Sciences master’s program, you can enter a multitude of careers in all fields of biology or continue your educational journey in a Ph.D. or professional medical program.

You have two options for completing this concentration: a 24-month thesis or 21-month capstone project. Both options provide you with plenty of course time to conduct research in various capacities. In your research, you’ll tackle significant questions in biology and gain a superior understanding of the scientific method, applying it to your specific research goals and projects.

Biological Sciences Research Curriculum

Core Courses - 12 Credit Hours

BCOR 5000 Graduate Seminar
BCOR 5585 Genomics
BCOR 5150 Immunobiology
BCOR 5350 Principles of Epidemiology

There are 2 required courses (6 credit hours) for both the thesis and capstone path which are:

BCOR 5585 Scientific Methods and Experimental Design
BCOR 5570 Biostatistics

Biological Science Electives - 3 Credit Hours (Thesis Path) or 9 Credit Hours (Capstone Path)

Students can choose from any of the electives listed below, as well as those listed in the MSMS program

BCOR 5560 Biodiversity/Biogeography
BMHS 5200 Pathophysiology
BMHS 5300 Pharmacodynamics
BMHS 5400 Advanced Regional Anatomy/Lab
BMHS 5500 Advanced Biochemistry
BMHS 5250 Systems Neuroscience
BMME 5500 Molecular Evolution
BMME 5600 Training in Standard Molecular Biology Methods
BMME 5701 Ecosystems Applications
BMME5750 Stable Isotopes
BMME 6000 GIS and Environmental Remote Sensing
BMME 6001 Laboratory q-PCR and Culture Techniques
BMME 6600 External Biology/Biotechnology Internship
BMME 6650 Molecular Forensics
BMME 6700 Advanced Molecular Genetics Laboratory Methods
BMME 6750 External/Biology/Biotechnology Internship II
BMME 6770 Bacterial Evolutionary Genetics
BMME 8050 Programming Data Structure/Algorithm
BMME 8051 Database Management and Applications
BMME 8052 Data Visualization
BMME 8053 Introduction to Bioinformatics
BMME 8054 Data Mining
BMME 8058 Ichthyology
MSMS 5060 Scientific Communication
MSMS 6209 Biodiversity

Research Courses - 9 Credit Hours (Capstone Path) or 15 Credit Hours (Thesis Path)

BMME 7030 Thesis (3 credits x 5 = 15 total hours)
BMME 7040 Capstone (3 credits x 3 = 9 total hours)

Master’s in Health Studies

The demand for better health care workers is at an all-time high. Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals are highly sought after and lead rewarding and successful careers. A master of science (M.S.) in Health Studies is designed to better prepare you for entrance into highly competitive, health-related professional schools.

In this 12-month (30-credit) program, you’ll be exposed to rigorous coursework to develop in-depth knowledge of science as it relates to the human body. You’ll learn about current advances in medical research and practice critical thinking skills. You’ll also get hands-on experience in labs as you work with high-grade instrumentation to help further your skills and prepare you for medical school admissions exams (MCAT, PCAT, DAT, OAT).

Health Studies Curriculum

Masters in Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Health Studies: CURRICULUM

SUMMER 1 (6 credits)

BCOR 5000 Graduate Seminar (3 credits)
BMHS 5105 Physical Diagnostics Skills (3 credits)

FALL 1 (12 credits)

BMHS 5200 Pathophysiology (3 credits)
BMHS 5300 Pharmacodynamics (3 credits)
BMHS 5400 Advanced Regional Anatomy/Lab (3 credits)
BMHS 5500 Advanced Biochemistry (3 credits)

WINTER 1 (12 credits)

BCOR 5450 Integrated Systems in Health Studies (3 credits)
BCOR 5150 Immunobiology (3 credits)
BMHS 5250 Systems Neuroscience (3 credits)
BCOR 5350 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)

Comprehensive Exam (in the style of a standardized exam) – 2 attempts possible

The Health Studies Concentration begins in the Summer 2020 semester ONLY.

Why Choose NSU?

You’ll have opportunities to conduct research, one-on-one with faculty at the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, a $50 million, environmentally friendly facility with multiple laboratories.
Your professors are renowned experts in their fields. All have published articles in peer-reviewed literature, many are called upon for advice by local governing agencies and institutes, and some have even appeared on TV.
You’ll be challenged to solve real-world problems affecting our environment. Depending on your choice, you’ll graduate with a strong portfolio (emphasizing research or applied knowledge in the field) that you can use to advance your career or start fresh.
Your classes have flexibility, with many on-campus or online courses, allowing you to balance work and family needs.
You’ll use state-of-the-art software to develop your skills and gain a competitive advantage in the workforce.