A master’s thesis in biology is a form of independent study. The purpose of a master’s thesis is to provide a capstone or final project in which the student can use the knowledge and methodology obtained in previous courses for the investigation of some problem in depth. Master’s theses involve six units of independent study, generally taken in two consecutive semesters (i.e. fall/spring), during the first of which the student carries out research, and during the second of which the student writes up the project. A thesis can become a meaningful way to bring to a conclusion a student’s work for the Master’s degree.

In general, all the procedures outlined for Independent Study apply to setting up and carrying out a thesis investigation. Like Independent Study, most master’s theses are based on a literature survey, rather than a laboratory investigation. For many students, the problems of setting up and carrying out a successful laboratory project often make this approach impractical. Laboratory-based thesis projects are possible, however, under certain circumstances, as outlined below.

Organization and Scope of a Thesis Project

To carry out a thesis project the student must secure an advisor with whom to work, define the project, and fill out the necessary forms to be signed by the advisor, student, and Departmental Graduate Program Coordinator. Advisors (mentors) can come from the university or, with approval, from an outside institution or organization. The Biology program coordinator will assist the student in selecting an advisor. The advisor works closely with the student at all stages of the project. A thesis project is expected to encompass a larger range of issues or a more in-depth investigation than an individual independent study. Theses can be anywhere from 40-50 pages minimum, depending on the topic and type of thesis.

Laboratory-Based Thesis Projects

The problem with laboratory-based thesis projects lies in the practicality of getting set up in a new laboratory and learning techniques and methods used in studying that lab’s particular area of research. In most cases, laboratory projects work best when carried out in a laboratory where the student is already working. In most cases, this has involved students who work in a laboratory at one of the local medical schools, or biotechnology laboratories. The student’s PI, supervisor, or a Post-Doc in the lab with appropriate credentials, can serve as the mentor. If a student carries out a M.A. project in their workplace laboratory, the topic must be something they are independently investigating, and cannot be part of their regular paid job assignment.

Thesis Evaluations

When completed, an M.A. thesis will be evaluated by a committee consisting of the mentor, the Biology Department program coordinator, and one other faculty member from the Biology Department or Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences who is a specialist in the area on which the thesis focuses. The program coordinator can assist the student in selecting the additional faculty member.

Procedures and Timeline

It is important to adhere closely to requirements and deadlines associated with the final project in order to ensure timely completion of the project and fulfillment of program requirements. Please read the following documents carefully for detailed information about procedures, requirements, forms, and deadlines:

• Title, Scope, and Procedure Form
• Intent to Graduate
• Master’s Thesis Guide
• Master’s Thesis Template

Independent Study

Students enrolled in the MA Program in Biology may receive up to six (6) credits of advanced work toward their degree. Independent study involves work carried with a mentor on a designated project which is approved in advance of the semester in which the work is done. Independent study may be arranged for 1, 2 or 3 credits per semester, up to a total of six. Most independent study projects involve writing a paper describing the student’s work/project at the end of the semester.

Topics

Topics may focus on any aspect of biology deemed appropriate by the mentor and the Program Coordinator from the Biology Department. Most independent study projects involve literature search and review, though some hands-on laboratory projects are possible (see above for discussion of the MA Thesis). The student would work with their mentor to find appropriate journal articles or other literature on the subject, and then pursue a question or controversy within that literature. Students are expected to come up with their own ideas as a result of reading through the literature, and not merely present a summary of material they have read.

Choosing A Mentor

Mentors are usually instructors from whom the student has already taken a course. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out a mentor and discuss with them the possibility of carrying out an independent study project. The mentor has the responsibility not only of helping the student set up the project but also to meet with the student periodically during the semester, and to read and evaluate the student’s paper at the completion of the work.

Credits

Credit assignment is based on the extent of the project, which usually translates into a final paper of a certain length. Although there are no hard-and-fast rules on paper length, the following guidelines are helpful in establishing the credit for independent study: 1 credit (5-7 pages); 2 credits (8-12 pages), and 3 credits (15+) pages.

Application

Students wishing to carry out an independent study project should consult with the Departmental Graduate Program Coordinator and their intended mentor. Upon approval, students can register for the Independent Study work course.