Students seeking to enter a Master's program to teach biology in the public school system or at community colleges will usually take a Master's in General Biology. This program will cover the general topics in cell biology and biochemistry, the ecology of plants and animals, physiology of plants and animals, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and development and microbiology and immunology. Students will complete the degree by writing a thesis on a topic related to teaching biology.
Students who intend on conducting research in molecular or cellular biology, with the intention of continuing study at the doctoral level will often get a Master's in molecular or cellular biology. The focus of this program is for students to learn the foundational principles of biochemistry and cell/molecular biology. Students will learn what drives research in in biology, the best methods for conducting research and how to best communicate findings to the general public and colleagues alike. Students will complete the program with a research-based thesis and in many programs will have to defend that thesis before a committee.
Students wanting to specialize in plant biology will need to enter a Master's in Plant Biology program. Students will either enter into research positions with corporations or governments upon graduation or continue study at the doctorate level. Students will mainly take courses in biological research and plant sciences. Students will learn about the anatomy and chemistry of a wide variety of plants, cytology, cytotaxonomy, plant genetics, paleobotany, plant physiology, phytopathology and plant virology. Students will also complete a research-based thesis to earn the degree upon completion of all required courses.
Students wanting a career in research or studying animals will often pursue a Master's in Animal Biology. Students in this program will take a variety of courses in animal sciences and animal biology to include zoology, animal pathology, entomology and parasitology. Students will also take course in animals genetics and animal physiology. Students will complete the degree by writing a research-based thesis and completing an oral defense of that thesis.
The objective of conservation biology at the Master's level is to prepare students to plan and implement effective strategies for biodiversity and sustainable living. Students will take a variety of courses related to plant and animal biology, courses in sustainable biodiversity while studying in impact of social and economic development on nature. The program will culminate in a scientific thesis that addresses a conservation issue and demonstrates an effective strategy to solve that issue.
Students interested in oral biology will have to attend a program at a dental school. To enter the program, students will usually need to have a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Students will take course in histology, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, oral immunology, microbiology, oral neurophysiology, oral histology and embryology.
Biotechnology refers to the molecular biology research as applied to industrial processes for the manufacturing of biological products. Students will take courses in advanced mathematics, general chemistry, cell and molecular biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, information technology, microbiology and molecular genetics. Students will complete the program with a research-based theses on a biotechnology topic that will require defense before a committee.