Doctor of Philosophy
Students who select biology as their major subject, in addition to meeting the regular University requirements, must have a general knowledge of related sciences, such as chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and a comprehensive knowledge of the various aspects of biology, as attested by the completion of prescribed courses and examinations. The department’s additional requirements include the successful completion of a minimum of 20 credits of graduate-level-lecture or laboratory course work. These requirements are subject to change from year to year, but a current list may be obtained from the biology department. The completion of residence requirements and class work does not guarantee a degree to any student; the preeminent qualifications are thoroughness in work, resourcefulness, initiative, creative ability, and intellectual drive.
Master of Arts and Master of Science
The minimum residence requirement is one session and one full summer at this University, or three full summers. A master’s degree candidate must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credits of course work at the graduate level, exclusive of 800-level and 900-level research courses.
Master of Arts in Conservation Biology
Students in Environmental and Biological Conservation (EBC) in the Biology Department are expected to have advanced undergraduate or graduate experience in ecology, evolution, and genetics. The core requirements for this degree include one course in Ecology, two courses in Evolutionary genetics, one course in Conservation Methods, and one seminar in Environmental and Conservation Biology. Additional conservation-orientated classes may be taken with approval from the EBC graduate committee to meet the requirement of 16 total credits of graduate coursework. In addition to the above coursework, 12 credits of independent study, on an approved topic related to Conservation Biology, must be taken for a total of 30 credits.
Mountain Lake
Additional graduate courses are offered during the summer session at the Mountain Lake Biological Station. There is also a Mountain Lake Master’s Degree Program. Further information may be obtained from the Director, Mountain Lake Biological Station, Department of Biology, Gilmer Hall, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400327, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4327, http://uvaadmin.acalog.com/programs/www.mlbs.org, or from the Director of the Summer Session, 238 Garrett Hall, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161.
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