The graduate programs in Biology provide the student with a strong background needed to pursue a career in college or university research and teaching, in government and industrial research, state agencies, or in other related areas. The graduate program is specialized to fit the individual needs and plans of each student. Specific objectives of the Biology Graduate Program are: - To provide the student with experience in directed research. Original research and the writing of the thesis or dissertation is considered by the members of the department to be the single most important requirement leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. - To provide the student with specialized or in-depth training in their chosen areas--cell and molecular biology, microbiology, physiology, and/or ecology and evolution. - To provide the students with professional experience in teaching, grant application writing, and in research presentations.