The Department of Biology offers programs of study leading to the Ph.D., M.S. in biology, M.S. in bioinformatics and M.S. in biotechnology. The Ph.D. and M.S. programs seek to provide both a broad background knowledge base and an in-depth study of a specialized area of biology. The programs emphasize close interaction between graduate students and faculty members in developing the intellectual and experimental skills required for creative, independent research.