Biological Sciences

Program Overview - Ph.D.

Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences at WMU offers a unique combination of traditional rigorous research experience, breadth of course work, and training in effective communication of scientific concepts. This program is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue careers in the biological sciences that require excellence in both teaching and research. The communication requirement also provides excellent training for careers in government and industry. Additional information may be obtained from the Departmental Graduate Advisor.

Research specializations

Our Doctoral programs allow students to specialize in the following areas:

Cellular Biology
Molecular Biology
Virology and Immunology
Microbial Genetics
Biological Imaging
Chemical Ecology
Plant Pathology
Global Change Biology
Plant Physiology
Entomology
Ecology and Evolution
Microbial Ecology
Genetics
Neuroscience
Cellular Physiology

Very unique program

The Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University is unique in that it combines the traditional research experience associated with a degree in biology with the breadth of course work and the pedagogical experience so vital to careers involving the effective communication of scientific concepts. This program is specifically designed for those students who wish to pursue teaching or teaching and research careers in the biological sciences in colleges or universities. However, the pedagogy requirements should also provide an excellent background for careers in government and industry, where the role of a Ph.D. is to organize and effectively communicate information. The program consists of three components: breadth of knowledge of modern biological sciences, teaching, and research. The breadth required to teach college level biology successfully and to perform meaningful research in cellular and molecular aspects of biology is provided through course work and laboratory rotations. Communication of information has long been a major function of Ph.D. scientists, and organization and dissemination of knowledge are critically important to all scientists. Therefore, an integrated part of the program is an emphasis on the training of doctoral candidates for their central role as communicators and teachers. This will be accomplished through course work focused on teaching and supervised practical experience under the guidance of a Teaching Advisory Committee. Original research under the guidance of a Dissertation Committee culminating in the doctoral dissertation on a selected aspect of biology, completes the triad and gives the student a focused view of one aspect of biology to complement the breadth found elsewhere in the program. The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences will be a tripartite program with emphasis on course breadth, formal training in teaching, and research experience. The program, designed to be completed in four to six years, will prepare Ph.D.-level biologists with an appreciation of the interdisciplinary and didactic nature of biology and an ability to effectively convey this knowledge.

Questions?

Biological Sciences faculty member: To speak with a current faculty member call (269) 387-5600, or visit our faculty page for a list of e-mail addresses. Current graduate student: To speak with a graduate student call (269) 387-5600, or click on the e-mail addresses of our Ph.D. candidate or students listed above. Recent graduate from our department: Please click on the e-mail addresses of our recent graduates from our program. General questions about Admissions & Selection processes see our Graduate Advisor:

Dr. John Spitsbergen
Phone: (269) 387-2739
Fax: (269) 387-5609
Contact Now the graduate advisor

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