Charles E. Schmidt
College of Science
Link to Course Descriptions for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science offers baccalaureate programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Geosciences, Health Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience and Behavior, Physics, Psychology, Urban Design, and Urban and Regional Planning. The degrees awarded are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S), Bachelor of Urban Design (B.U.D.) and Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (B.U.R.P.). Refer to the department sections for which degrees are awarded in each major.
The Bachelor of Arts programs are offered in the liberal arts tradition. They permit greater elective breadth with less specialization than the Bachelor of Science programs. B.A. programs are available for the preparation of secondary school science and mathematics teachers, for preprofessional programs such as dentistry and medicine and for graduate school preparation in certain interdisciplinary fields.
The Bachelor of Science programs meet the requirements of professional associations and provide the more intensive training required for admission to graduate work. They are normally elected by students intending to pursue careers in these fields.
Honors programs for undergraduates are available through most College of Science departments. Additionally, eligible College of Science majors in Biology, Psychology, and Neuroscience and Behavior bachelor's programs may apply to participate in the FAU Max Planck Honors Program (MPHP). Established by the Jupiter Life Science Initiative, the College of Science and the Wilkes Honors College, working in partnership with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, the MPHP is a Jupiter-specific honors program for undergraduates. The program provides participants with exclusive enrichment opportunities. Students who maintain all standards and fulfill all requirements of the MPHP receive a designation of “FAU Max Planck Honors” on their final transcript. Details of the MPHP are listed here. Visit the MPHP website to apply.
Programs leading to the master's degree are available in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Geosciences, Mathematics, Physic, Psychology and Urban and Regional Planning. Degrees awarded are Professional Science Master (P.S.M.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.), Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.). Refer to the department sections for which degrees are awarded in each major.
Doctoral programs (Ph.D.) are offered in Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics and Psychology. Complex Systems and Brain Sciences is being phased out and is no longer accepting students.
Bachelor's Degree Program Information
General Studies Degree Program
The University offers a Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) degree program that allows students to design a plan of study to meet their personal interests and career goals. The 120-credit program includes 15 credits of upper-division coursework in one discipline, which students select in consultation with an advisor. For more B.G.S. details and degree requirements, please refer to the Degree Programs section of this catalog.
Admission Requirements and Recommendations
The undergraduate applicant for admission to the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science must meet the general freshman or transfer admission requirements of the University. In addition, the student should consider the list of science and mathematics courses required and recommended by the major department of choice in planning the lower-division program. In general, transfer students should not take more work in their proposed major field than is recommended in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog under Lower-Division College and Department Requirements and Recommended Courses. Freshmen should review the core curriculum also in the Degree Requirements section.
Degree Requirements
All candidates for a baccalaureate degree from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science must satisfy:
- All of the general baccalaureate degree requirements of the University (see the Degree Requirements section).
- The foreign language requirement as outlined in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
- All of the special requirements for the degree as specified by the department in which the program is offered; these requirements are listed in this section.
- All the requirements of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Requirements
-
Department major:
Credits in the major field as designated for each student by the major department. In order to graduate, a student must maintain a "C" average in departmental major courses unless otherwise specified by the department. Any coursework in the major field transferred from another institution must be approved by the major department.
- Cognate work: Supporting work in departments related to the major as specified by the student's advisor.
-
Transient Work policy: After matriculation into the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, transient work is not permitted except in unusual circumstances. In these cases, an academic petition showing justification is required.
Cooperative Education Program
The College's Cooperative Education Program enables interested students from all departments in the College to take advantage of the opportunity to alternate periods of academic study with periods of paid work experience. The program is available on an optional basis to all students in accordance with the description shown in the Student Services and Activities section of this catalog. In addition, students in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science must meet the following requirements:
- Students wishing to participate in the co-op plan in the College of Science should contact their major department to determine which of the co-op plans is available to them.
- The maximum amount of credit that may be earned is 10 credits, a portion of which may be part of the degree program (non-additive) and a portion of which may be in addition to the requirements of the degree program (additive) as outlined below:
Subject Non-additive Additive Biological Sciences 4 6 Chemistry 10 0 Geology 4 6 Mathematics 4 6 Physics 3 7 Psychology 8 2 - The following reflects the minimum credits per work period that may be allowed. Students should contact their major department to determine which plan is available to them:
Alternating Plan (40 hr./wk.) 2-4 credits
Parallel Plan (20 hr./wk.) 1-2 credits
Special Plan (40 hr./wk.) 2-4 credits
- The student will be evaluated as follows:
- Technical report
- Employer's evaluation
- Final co-op report
- Student will be graded as satisfactory/ unsatisfactory.
- A student's participation in the program must be approved by all of the following:
- The department;
- The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science;
- The director of Cooperative Education.
- A job related to the student's major must be available.
- The student must accept the job.
- The employer must accept the student.
Pre-Health Professional Programs
The University provides curricular sequences that satisfy the requirements for preprofessional students aspiring to the practice of medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, etc.
New students in this category are urged to seek advisement from the Pre-Health Professions Office prior to registration and to start a special file at this time. The office may be reached at 561-297-3307.
The Pre-Health Professions Office provides continual guidance and helps students realize their maximum potential for success in applying for admission to professional schools. The office serves the Pre-Health Professions Committee of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, which has functioned for many years with ever-increasing success in helping qualified applicants enter the professional school of their choice. The office maintains a preprofessional discussion group, Premed-L.
Combined Degree Program Information
The College of Science offers four combined B.S./M.S. programs in the following areas: Biological Sciences,
Exercise Science and Health Promotion,
Geosciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Biological Sciences/Environmental Science. A
B.A. in Heath Science combined with an M.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion,
a
B.A./M.A. in Psychology, and a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavior with an M.A. in Psychology are other offerings. The College also offers a combined B.S. in Physics with a Professional Science Master (P.S.M) in Medical Physics.
For the Biological Sciences B.S./M.S. program, a Molecular Biology and Biotechnology path of study prepares students to enter the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Integrative Biology. Both B.S. and M.S. degrees can be completed in five years. The B.S. in Biological Sciences/M.S. in Environmental Science provides hands-on training for a career in environmental science and also prepares students for the Integrative Biology Ph.D. and the Geosciences Ph.D. For detailed information about both combined programs, see the Biological Sciences section of the catalog.
The accelerated tracks, B.A. to M.S. and
B.S. to M.S., in Exercise Science and Health Promotion assist students in obtaining a master's degree, whch may be a requirement in their chosen career paths.
In the Mathematics discipline, students may also complete a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in five years. The program is designed to prepare students for the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Mathematics. See the Mathematics and Statistics section of this catalog for admission and degree requirements.
A combined program
in Mathematics is offered jointly by the Wilkes Honors College and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. This five-year program leads to bachelor's and master's degrees in Mathematics. Details of the undergraduate portion of the program can be found here.
The combined Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics and Professional Science Master (P.S.M.) in Medical Physics is an accelerated, five-year program. Students apply to the B.S./P.S.M. program in the first semester of their junior year and begin taking graduate courses after completion of their junior year (summer prior to senior year); those courses would apply to both the B.S. and P.S.M. degrees. For details, see the Physics section of the catalog.
Master's Degree Program Information
The Master of Science and Master of Arts will be conferred on Charles E. Schmidt College of Science students who satisfy the general University requirements for this degree, and in addition, meet the following College requirements:
- Residence Requirements: Each student must be enrolled for two semesters in courses offered on campus.
- Admission to Candidacy: Admission to candidacy for the master's degree in the College is usually granted after the applicant has completed a minimum of 8 graduate credits, with a 3.0 grade point average, in the major department and has satisfied requirements set by the University as well as by the applicant's major department. The major department may require satisfactory performance in a qualifying examination, demonstration of capability in a foreign language and/or selection of a thesis advisor and topic as prerequisites for candidacy.
- If a thesis is required, students must pass a final oral defense of their thesis and be examined on such other material as may be indicated by the faculty.
Students who do not meet the standards established by their department may be subject to dismissal.
Master of Science in Teaching
Several departments in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science that have approved master's programs also have programs leading to the Master of Science in Teaching. These programs are designed to prepare science teachers for secondary schools and junior colleges.
The curriculum for an M.S.T. from the College of Science consists of a minimum of 30 credits (excluding internship) beyond the baccalaureate, of which up to 6 credits may be allowed for a suitable thesis project at the discretion of the department. The same conditions of departmental standards pertain as above.
Students who wish to obtain an M.S.T. degree but who have deficiencies in their undergraduate background, as determined by the department, will register as non-degree students. Upon admission to graduate status, up to 9 credits taken under the non-degree-seeking student category can be transferred to the graduate program at the discretion of the major department. Students must take the remainder of the program while in graduate status. Students will be advised by their departments which undergraduate courses from their projected curricula will be acceptable for the M.S.T. degree. A master's committee will be constituted to supervise and advise students at the time they transfer to graduate status.
Doctoral Degree Program Information
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science offers programs of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics and Psychology.
Information
for the Integrative Biology and the Neuroscience programs
is
found under the Interdisciplinary Programs heading below. For specifications for the other doctoral programs, see the appropriate departmental section of this catalog. Complex Systems and Brain Sciences is being phased out and is no longer accepting students.
Certificate Programs
Several certificate programs are offered in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. The Biological Sciences Department offers an undergraduate Biotechnology certificate program. In Chemistry and Biochemistry, students may choose from the undergraduate Pharmaceutical Technology certificate and the graduate Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program in Chemistry (PREPChem) certificate. The Department of Geosciences offers an undergraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems, an undergraduate Advanced Geographic Information Systems certificate, and two graduate certificates, one in Remote Sensing and the other in
Geographic Information Systems. In Mathematics and Statistics, students may choose from undergraduate certificates in Statistics, Actuarial Science, Cybersecurity and Data Science, and the graduate certificate in Cyber Security. An undergraduate minor in Cybersecurity is also available. In Psychology, students may choose the undergraduate certificate in Applied Mental Health Services. Requirements for these certificate programs are listed within their specific departments. The Department of Physics offers a graduate certificate in Medical Physics that appears below in Interdisciplinary Programs.
Five certificate programs—Environmental Science, Environmental Restoration, Medical Physics, Neuroscience and Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions—are interdisciplinary in nature, crossing several Charles E. Schmidt College of Science departments. Details of these certificate programs are listed below under Interdisciplinary Programs.
Undergraduate Research Certificate
To recognize undergraduate students' excellence in undergraduate research, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) has established the Undergraduate Research Certificate. Requirements for the Research Certificate include completion of 12 credits of research exposure, skill-building and intensive courses as well as dissemination of the outcomes of students' research and inquiry through a research presentation or exhibition.
Interdisciplinary Programs
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science offers several interdisciplinary programs: a bachelor's degree program in Health Science; the FAU Max Planck Honors Program; a graduate certificate/preparatory program in Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions; undergraduate certificates in Applied Mental Health Services and Environmental Science; graduate certificates in Environmental Restoration, Medical Physics, Neuroeconomics, and Neuroscience; a master's degree program in Environmental Science; a master's degree program in Marine Science and Oceanography; a professional science master in Medical Physics, and doctoral degree programs in Integrative Biology and Neuroscience. These programs draw on a variety of disciplines and diverse faculty to present students with programs of study especially designed for their individual interests. Admission and degree requirements for the interdisciplinary programs follow.
Health Humanities Undergraduate Minor
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions Certificate
Certificate Programs
Master's Programs
Doctoral Programs
Health Science
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Behavioral and Mental Health Concentration
Public/Global/Environmental Health Concentration
Science Concentration
Women’s Health Concentration
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
The Bachelor of Arts with major in Health Science degree is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare-related professions. This degree provides broad-based interdisciplinary training with a core in the basic sciences and requires a concentration in one of the following areas: Women’s Health, Public/Global/Environmental Health, Science, and Behavioral and Mental Health.
The program structure enables students to take relevant coursework in various colleges and departments across FAU to broaden their understanding of factors that both positively and negatively impact the healthcare system, patients and practitioners. In addition, through the
Health Science
course sequence, students learn how professionals from various fields of practice (medicine, pharmacy, social work, nursing, etc.) interact in a collaborative manner. Students also have access to clinical
observation
opportunities and other extracurricular activities (lab experiences, internships, research).
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Core Requirements | ||
Health Science 1: Foundations of Health and Illness | IDS 2122 | 3 |
Health Science 2: Evaluating the Evidence | IDS 3184 | 1 |
Health Science 3: Capstone Project | IDS 3893 | 1 |
General Psychology | PSY 1012 | 3 |
Human Development | DEP 3053 | 3 |
College Algebra | MAC 1105 | 3 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Microbiology for Health Services and Lab | MCB 2004, 2004L | 4 |
Choose from: | ||
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010, 1010L | 4 and |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011, 1011L | 4 |
OR
|
||
Anatomy and Physiology 1 and Lab | BSC 2085, 2085L | 4 |
Anatomy and Physiology 2 and Lab | BSC 2086, 2086L | 4 |
Choose from: | ||
Contemporary Chemical Issues | CHM 1020C | 3 and |
General Chemistry for the Health Sciences and Lab | CHM 2032, 2032L | 4 |
OR
|
||
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 and |
General Chemistry 2 and Lab | CHM 2046, 2046L | 4 |
Choose from: | ||
Physical Science | PSC 2121 | 3 |
OR
|
||
College Physics 1 and | PHY 2053 | 4 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
43-45 credits required | ||
Additional Required Credits
21 credits from list below; 15 credits must be in one concentration area |
||
The following four courses may be used in any concentration | ||
Health Care Medical Terminology | HSA 3534 | 3 |
Issues and Trends in Health Care | HSA 4113 | 3 |
Health Law | HSA 4423 | 3 |
Biomedical Ethics | PHI 4633 | 3 |
Women's Health Concentration | ||
Culture, Gender and Health | ANT 4469 | 3 |
Women, Witches and Healing | NUR 4176 | 3 |
Psychology of Women | SOP 3742 | 3 |
Family Violence | SOW 4141 | 3 |
Women, Violence, Resistance | WST 3325 | 3 |
Other, as approved by advisor | ||
Public/Global/Environmental Health Concentration | ||
Asian Medical Systems | ANT 4365 | 3 |
Environment and Disease | ANT 4463 | 3 |
Psychopathology | CLP 4144 | 3 |
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science | ESC 3704 | 3 |
Health Research Methods | HSA 4700 | 3 |
Perspectives in Health | HSC 3102 | 3 |
Stress Management | HSC 4104 | 3 |
Weight Management | HSC 4139 | 3 |
Substance Abuse | HSC 4143 | 3 |
Health Promotion | HSC 4581 | 3 |
Nutrition in Health and Exercise | PET 3361 | 3 |
Obesity: Biological, Psychological and Cultural Factors | PET 4263 | 3 |
Politics of Community Development | PUP 4623 | 3 |
Health and Social Inequality | SYO 4404 |
3 |
Sociology of Mental Health | SYO 4410 | 3 |
Drugs and Society | SYP 3550 | 3 |
Other, as approved by advisor | ||
Science Concentration | ||
Exercise Physiology 1 and Exercise Lab Techniques |
APK 4110, 4110L | 4 |
Biochemistry 1 | BCH 3033 | 3 |
General Microbiology | MCB 3020 | 3 |
General Pathophysiology | NUR 4125 | 3 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 3 |
Immunology | PCB 4233 | 3 |
Neurophysiology of Human Movement | PET 3050 | 3 |
Nutrition in Health and Exercise | PET 3361 | 3 |
Kinesiology | PET 4330C | 3 |
Biological Bases of Behavior | PSB 3002 | 3 |
Psychopharmacology | PSB 4444 | 3 |
Speech and Hearing Science | SPA 4011 | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism | SPA 4101 | 3 |
Other, as approved by advisor | ||
Behavioral and Mental Health Concentration | ||
Psychopathology | CLP 4144 | 3 |
Clinical Psychology | CLP 4343 | 3 |
Stress Management | HSC 4104 | 3 |
Substance Abuse | HSC 4143 | 3 |
Obesity: Biological, Psychological and Cultural Factors | PET 4263 | 3 |
Biological Bases of Behavior | PSB 3002 | 3 |
Neuropsychology | PSB 4240 | 3 |
Interpersonal Communication Skills | SDS 4410 | 3 |
Psychology and the Law | SOP 4751 | 3 |
Sociology of Mental Health | SYO 4410 | 3 |
Other, as approved by advisor |
Health Humanities
Undergraduate Minor
(Minimum of 15 credits)
The minor in Health Humanities is open to all undergraduate students at FAU. The minor is awarded upon graduation from an undergraduate program at FAU; it is not awarded independently of an undergraduate degree. For minor details click here.
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions
Undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 52 credits required)
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science offers a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions certificate for students interested in pursuing medical, dental, veterinary or other health-related professions and who have not completed prerequisite courses as undergraduates. This certificate program is designed to assist students academically, build their research portfolios and help them obtain healthcare shadowing and volunteering experiences. The requirements for students pursuing this certificate are:
- Students must be degree-seeking at Florida Atlantic University;
- Students must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credits of their first baccalaureate degree;
- Students should complete 100 hours of approved community or volunteer service and shadowing while completing this certificate;
- Students should maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to earn this certificate; and
- Students must complete at least 52 credits with 75 percent of the credits listed below (for the certificate) in residence at FAU.
In addition, students who wish to qualify for an interview with Florida Atlantic University’s Pre-Health Professions Committee need to:
- Open a Pre-Health Professions file with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Pre-Health Professions Office;
- Have a GPA of 3.2, and a GRE, or MCAT scores of 500 or higher (or equivalent DAT or PCAT scores for those professions); and
- Have a minimum of three letters of recommendation, two of which must be from science faculty.
For further details, please contact the Charles E Schmidt College of Science Pre-Health Professions Office:
preprof@fau.edu.
Courses required in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Professions certificate program:
Core Courses | ||
Biodiversity | BSC 1011 | 3 |
Biodiversity Lab | BSC 1011L | 1 |
Biological Principles | BSC 1010 | 3 |
Biological Principles Lab | BSC 1010L | 1 |
General Chemistry 1 | CHM 2045 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 Lab | CHM 2045L | 1 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 Lab | CHM 2046L | 1 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry Lab | CHM 2211L | 2 |
Biochemistry 1 | BCH 3033 | 3 |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 4 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 4 |
General Physics 2 Lab | PHY 2049L | 1 |
Statistics | ||
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Introduction to Biostatistics | STA 3173 | 3 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference | PSY 3234 | 3 |
Calculus | ||
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 3 |
Genetics | ||
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 3 |
General Psychology | ||
General Psychology | PSY 1012 | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology - 8 credits required, choose from options below: | ||
Medical or Dental | ||
Human Morphology and Function 1 | PCB 3703 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 Lab | PCB 3703L | 1 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 | PCB 3704 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 Lab | PCB 3704L | 1 |
Veterinary | ||
Comparative Animal Physiology | PCB 4723 | 3 |
Comparative Animal Physiology Lab | PCB 4723L | 1 |
Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution | ZOO 4690 | 3 |
Vertebrate Structure and Development Lab | ZOO 4690L | 2 |
Pharmacy or Physician Assistant | ||
Anatomy and Physiology 1 | BSC 2085 | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology 1 Lab | BSC 2085L or | 1 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 | PCB 3703 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 Lab | PCB 3703L | 1 |
Anatomy and Physiology 2 | BSC 2086 | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology 2 Lab | BSC 2086L or | 1 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 | PCB 3704 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 Lab | PCB 3704L | 1 |
Choose two courses from one area: | ||
Medicine/Dentistry | ||
Introduction to Preprofessional Studies | PCB 3083 | 3 |
Introduction to Preprofessional Studies Lab | PCB 3083L | 1 |
Medical Shadowing Internship | IDS 3940 | 1 |
Sociological Perspectives | SYG 1000 | 3 |
Pharmacy | ||
Public Speaking | SPC 2608 | 3 |
Macroeconomics | ECO 2013 | 3 |
Microeconomics | ECO 2023 | 3 |
Medical Shadowing Internship | IDS 3940 | 1 |
Physician Assistant | ||
Health Care Medical Terminology | HSA 3534 | 3 |
Introduction to Preprofessional Studies | PCB 3083 | 3 |
Introduction to Preprofessional Studies Lab | PCB 3083L | 1 |
Medical Shadowing Internship | IDS 3940 | 1 |
Veterinary | ||
Introduction to Animal Science | ANS 3006C | 4 |
Medical Shadowing Internship | IDS 3940 | 1 |
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Program at Florida Atlantic University is developing educational options that will produce environmental scientists, educators, professionals, managers and citizens with the ability to understand and provide technically sound and visionary solutions to environmental problems. The Environmental Science Program recommends that every FAU student attain some awareness and sensitivity to environmental issues. In order to understand the complex and diverse nature of local and global issues, the curriculum incorporates new courses, graduate and undergraduate certificates, thesis and non-thesis options and a focus on experiential learning. Environmental Science is designed to emphasize a holistic view of the relationship between humans and the environment, incorporating both an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary focus, with a focus on wetland and coastal systems. Programs of study include the undergraduate Environmental Science certificate, the graduate Environmental Restoration certificate, the Master of Science with Major in Environmental Science and a combined, accelerated program with Biological Sciences in which students may earn the B.S. in Biological Sciences and the M.S. in Environmental Science in five years. This program appears in the Biological Sciences Department section.
Environmental Science
Undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 18 credits required)
The Environmental Science certificate program is administered by the Environmental Science Program. Participating faculty have appointments in all departments in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, as well as departments in participating colleges. The program allows undergraduate students to explore environmental issues through a broadly based interdisciplinary program. Program objectives are:
- Introduce students to the major environmental issues facing our rapidly changing society.
- Provide in-depth analysis in several areas of study, including vital concerns such as wetland and coastal ecosystem management, environmental restoration, environmental ethics, natural resource management, environmental planning and policies, environmental economics and geographical analysis.
The certificate program is designed to enhance an undergraduate student's major program of study. This option does not qualify as a major in Environmental Science. The certificate in Environmental Science is awarded in conjunction with an academic major and consists of 18 credits of environmentally focused courses. Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree may pursue the certificate as a non-degree-seeking student or in conjunction with a second bachelor's degree. All courses taken in the curriculum may be applied toward other general and specific graduation requirements and courses taken to fulfill other requirements may be applied to the certificate curriculum. All courses must be successfully completed with a grade of "C" or better to be counted toward the certificate.
Certificate Curriculum and Requirements
The certificate consists of 18 credits. All students must complete the following requirements:
1. All students must take one course from each of the three core areas below.
Human-Environmental Interactions Core
Choose one of the following |
||
Environment and Society | EVR 2017 | 3 |
Issues in Human Ecology | PCB 3352 | 3 |
Statistics Core
Choose one of the following |
||
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Introduction to Biostatistics | STA 3173 | 3 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference | PSY 3234 | 3 |
Quantitative Methods | GEO 4022 | 3 |
Environmental Science Core
Choose one of the following |
||
Critical Thinking in Environmental Science | EVS 4021 | 3 |
2. Students must take one course from three of the five focus areas listed below. These include Biology, Earth Science, Human-Environmental Interactions, Geographic Information Science and Chemistry.
Biology | ||
Vascular Plant Anatomy | BOT 3223 | 2 |
Vascular Plants Lab | BOT 3223L | 2 |
Biodiversity | BSC 1011 | 3 |
Biodiversity Lab | BSC 1011L | 1 |
General Microbiology | MCB 3020 | 3 |
General Microbiology Lab | MCB 3020L | 1 |
Marine Biodiversity | OCB 4032 | 3 |
Marine Biodiversity Lab | OCB 4032L | 1 |
Marine Biology | OCB 4043 | 2 |
Marine Biology Field Studies and Lab | OCB 4043L | 2 |
Marine Microbiology and Molecular Biology | OCB 4525 | 3 |
Marine Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab | OCB 4525L | 1 |
Marine Ecology | OCB 4633 | 3 |
Marine Ecology Lab | OCB 4633L | 1 |
Marine Science |
OCE 4006 | 3 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Evolution | PCB 3674 | 3 |
Comparative Animal Physiology | PCB 4723 | 3 |
Comparative Animal Physiology Lab | PCB 4723L | 1 |
Invertebrate Zoology | ZOO 3205 | 3 |
Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ZOO 3205L | 2 |
Ornithology | ZOO 4472 | 2 |
Ornithology Lab | ZOO 4472L | 2 |
Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution | ZOO 4690 | 3 |
Vertebrate Structure and Development Lab | ZOO 4690L | 2 |
Earth Science | ||
The Blue Planet | ESC 2000 | 3 |
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science |
ESC 3704 | 3 |
Introduction to Physical Geography | GEO 2200C | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 4300 | 3 |
Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
The History of the Earth and Life | GLY 2100 | 3 |
Geology of Florida | GLY 4155C | 4 |
Paleontology | GLY 3603C | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 4241 | 3 |
Mineralolgy and Petrology | GLY 4310C | 4 |
Structural Geology | GLY 4400C | 4 |
Solid Earth Geophysics | GLY 4451 | 3 |
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | GLY 4500C | 4 |
Geomorphology | GLY 4700C | 3 |
Geology Field Methods | GLY 4750C | 3 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Groundwater Numerical Modeling | GLY 4832C | 3 |
Field Experience | GLY 4948C | 1 |
Weather, Climate and Climate Change | MET 2010 | 3 |
Human-Environmental Interactions | ||
American Environmental History | AMH 3630 | 3 |
Culture and Ecology | ANT 3403 | 3 |
Environment and Disease | ANT 4463 | 3 |
Anthropology of Nature | ANT 4419 | 3 |
Primate Behavior | ANT 4552 | 3 |
Economic Principles and Policies | ECO 3003 | 5 |
Environmental Economics | ECP 4302 | 3 |
RI: Human-Environment Interactions in South Florida |
GEA 4275 | 3 |
Water Resources | GEO 4280C | 3 |
American Cultural Landscape | GEO 4422 | 3 |
Tourism and Commercial Recreation | GEO 4542 | 3 |
Urban Geography | GEO 4602 | 3 |
Field Experience | GEO 4948C | 1 |
Global Environmental Politics and Policies | INR 4350 | 3 |
Environmental Journalism | JOU 4314 | 3 |
Literature and the Environment | LIT 4434 | 3 |
Environmental Ethics | PHI 3640 | 3 |
Principles and Methods of Environmental Education | SCE 3442 | 3 |
Environmental Sociology | SYD 4510 | 3 |
Justice, Health and the Environment | SYD 4513 | 3 |
Planning and Growth Management | URP 3000 | 3 |
Sustainable Cities | URP 4403 | 3 |
Environmental Planning Methods | URP 4420 | 3 |
Green Consciousness | WST 4349 | 3 |
Geographic Information Science | ||
Introduction to Mapping and GIS | GIS 3015C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 4037C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Chemistry | ||
Biochemistry 1 | BCH 3033 | 3 |
Biochemistry 2 | BCH 3034 | 3 |
Contemporary Chemical Issues | CHM 1020C | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 | CHM 2045 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 Lab | CHM 2045L | 1 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 Lab | CHM 2046L | 1 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Environmental Chemistry | CHM 3080 | 3 |
Environmental Restoration
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 18 credits required)
The Environmental Science Program offers the Environmental Restoration certificate for graduate students who wish to pursue an environmental restoration position upon graduation, professionals looking to increase their knowledge base and/or advance professionally and anyone considering becoming a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP). The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) administers the CERP program, which covers a rigorous assessment of academic credentials, including courses in ecological restoration, biological science, physical science, resource management and conservation, and quantitative science. FAU's Environmental Restoration certificate can help students fulfill those requirements by bolstering their credentials in the assessed disciplines by drawing upon courses from environmental science, geosciences, biology, chemistry, urban and regional planning, and civil engineering.
Students interested in SER's professional certification should consult with an Environmental Science program advisor to review their academic credentials and tailor their Environmental Restoration certificate plan of study to maximize the certificate's benefits to their academic credentials.
The certificate consists of a minimum of 18 credits, including two core courses,and four electives chosen from a minimum of three of the four elective focal areas. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to be counted toward the certificate.
Environmental Restoration Core Courses | ||
Environmental Restoration | EVR 6334 | 3 |
Restoration Implementation and Management | EVR 6358 | 3 |
Elective Foci
Choose a total of four electives from a minimum of three of the four elective focal areas.
Biological Science Electives | ||
Advanced Plant Physiology and Advanced Plant Physiology Lab | BOT 6506, BOT 6506L | 4 |
Advanced Ecology | PCB 6046 | 3 |
Ecological Theory | PCB 6406 | 3 |
Environmental Physiology | PCB 6749 | 3 |
Physiology of Marine Animals | PCB 6775 | 3 |
Coral Reef Systems and Coral Reef Systems Lab | OCB 6266, OCB 6266L | 4 |
The Biology of Sea Turtles | ZOO 6406 | 3 |
Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives | ZOO 6409 | 3 |
Physical Science Electives | ||
Soil Stabilization and Geosynthetics | CEG 6124 | 3 |
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Open-Channel Hydraulics | CWR 6235 | 3 |
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction | EVR 6931 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 5243 | 3 |
Shore Erosion and Protection | GLY 5575C | 3 |
Coastal Environments | GLY 6737 | 3 |
Methods in Hydrogeology | GLY 6838 | 3 |
Benchmark Developments in Hydrogeology | GLY 6897 | 3 |
Resource Management and Conservation Electives | ||
Scientific Communication | BSC 6846 | 3 |
Culture, Conservation and Land Use | GEO 6337 | 3 |
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management | OCB 6715C | 3 |
Conservation Biology | PCB 6045 | 3 |
Environmental Analysis in Planning | URP 6425 | 3 |
Environmental Policy and Programs | URP 6429 | 3 |
Quantitative Science Electives | ||
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 5033C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5051C | 3 |
Applications in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5100C | 3 |
Programming in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5103C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photography Interpretation | GIS 6028C | 3 |
LIDAR Remote Sensing and Applications | GIS 6032C | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 6112C | 3 |
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | GIS 6127 | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 6306 | 3 |
Experimental Design and Biometry | PCB 6456 | 4 |
Statistics for Urban Planning | URP 6211 | 3 |
Medical Physics
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 18 credits required)
The Medical Physics certificate is an 18-credit interdisciplinary graduate program. Students are required to take a 3-credit prerequisite course, followed by 15 credits of program courses.
Medical Physics is an applied branch of physics devoted to the application of concepts and methods from physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. This program prepares students who are interested in health-related careers and/or seeking an advanced degree in Medical Physics. Career paths for medical physicists include radiation therapy physicist, diagnostic medical physicist, nuclear medical physicist and health physicist. Companies that produce treatment equipment, treatment planning systems, support materials and software and hardware development; and research and academia are also suitable career paths.
This certificate program is designed to provide the essential didactic elements of Medical Physics to Ph.D. holders seeking to pursue an alternative pathway to Medical Physics residency. It is intended to enable individuals with a doctoral degree in physics or a related discipline to meet the didactic requirements needed to enter a CAMPEP-accredited residency program (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs). Students enrolled in the certificate program may also register for Part 1 of the American Board of Radiology board exam in Medical Physics.
Students with a Ph.D. in physics, physical sciences, mathematics or engineering who are interested in this program may apply for admission to the regular graduate program of the Physics Department. Also, students who are officially admitted as doctoral students in the above-mentioned fields may apply.
Required Courses - 18 credits | ||
Prerequisite Course - 3 credits | ||
Anatomy and Physiology 1 | BSC 2085 | 3 |
Program Courses - 15 credits | ||
Radiation Biology | RAT 6204 | 3 |
Radiation Physics | RAT 6686 | 3 |
Radiation Therapy Physics | RAT 6628 | 3 |
Medical Imaging Physics | RAT 6616 | 3 |
Radiation Protection and Safety | RAT 6310 | 3 |
neuroeconomics
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 12 credits required)
Neuroeconomics is a field of study investigating the processes underlying choice behavior by applying formal mathematical and computational models of decision making to the analysis and interpretation of neuroimaging data. The Neuroeconomics certificate program is suitable either 1) for students who have some knowledge of statistics and programming but who do not necessarily use this knowledge on a day-to-day basis or 2) for students with advanced quantitative skills who aim to learn how those skills can be applied to neuroscience research. Available to master’s and doctoral students, the program is administered through the College of Science’s Dean’s Office.
Admission Requirements
- Students must satisfy the prerequisites for enrolling in courses in the certificate program.
- Approval of the certificate program coordinator prior to taking courses to fulfill the 12-credit certificate requirement.
Degree Requirements
The Neuroeconomics certificate consists of 12 credits. All four courses must be successfully completed (a minimum of B+ average). Students must satisfy the prerequisites for each course in the program.
Required Courses - 12 credits | ||
Cognitive Neuroscience | ISC 5456 | 3 |
Special Topics (such as Neuroscience of Decision Making) | ISC 6930 | 3 |
One of the following | ||
Computational Neuroscience | ISC 6460 | 3 |
Special Topics (such as Introduction to Decision Making | ECO 6930 | 3 |
One of the following | ||
Special Topics (such as Neurobiological Signal Processing | ISC 6930 | 3 |
Special Topics in Cognition (such as Neuroimaging in Cognitive Neuroscience) | EXP 6930 | 3 |
Neuroscience
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 14 credits required)
The Neuroscience certificate program provides students with an understanding of the essential principles of neuroscience and elective concentrated study in theoretical and dynamical, molecular and cellular, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. Available to master's and doctoral students, the program is administered through the College of Science's Dean's Office and consists of a multidepartmental curriculum comprised of courses from the College of Medicine, College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Admission Requirements
- Acceptance into a master's or doctoral training program in any of the following departments or programs: Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Integrative Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics or Psychology.
- Approval from the certificate program coordinator prior to taking courses to satisfy the 14-credit certificate requirement.
Degree Requirements
The Neuroscience certificate consists of 14 credits. It requires the successful completion (at least a B+ average) of four courses from the tables below plus satisfactory achievement in two semesters of the 1-credit Neuroscience Colloquium. Students are also expected to participate in the FAU Neuroscience Research Day held each spring semester.
Required Courses - 6 credits | ||
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | PSB 6345 | 3 |
Systems and Integrative Neuroscience | PSB 6346 | 3 |
Elective Courses
Choose one course from any two of the four areas listed below for a minimum of 6 credits: Theoretical and Dynamical Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and Behavioral Neuroscience. Note that one of the elective courses is required to be from outside the student's "home" program area. This requirement ensures that the student gains an interdisciplinary exposure to the neurosciences.
Theoretical and Dynamical Neuroscience | ||
Introduction to Neural Networks | CAP 5615 | 3 |
Computational Neuroscience 1 | ISC 6460 | 3 |
Methods in Complex Systems | ISC 6450 | 3 |
Bioinformatics | BSC 6458C | 4 |
Bioinformatics: Engineering Perspectives | BME 6762 | 3 |
Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
Cognitive Neuroscience | ISC 5465 | 3 |
Seminar in Cognition | EXP 6609 | 3 |
Seminar in Attention | ISC 6932 | 3 |
Seminar in Human Perception | EXP 6208 | 3 |
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | ||
Advanced Cell Physiology | PCB 6207 | 3 |
Developmental Neurobiology | PSB 6515 | 3 |
Brain Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapy | BMS 6736 | 3 |
Special Topics | BSC 6936 | 3 |
Special Topics | PCB 6933 | 3 |
Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience | PSB 6058 | 3 |
Developmental Neuropsychology | PSB 6516 | 3 |
Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience | PSB 6930 | 3 |
Neuroscience Colloquium | ||
Special Topics (Students must enroll in two semesters of the 1-credit Neuroscience Colloquium.) |
ISC 6930 | 1 |
The Neuroscience Colloquium is a public seminar series with distinguished speakers from outside and inside of FAU. Students also present their own research in the form of a seminar to the other students in the program and faculty. Students in the certificate program are required to present at least one seminar during the two semesters that they are enrolled. Attendance is mandatory for all students.
Environmental Science
Master of Science (M.S.)
(Minimum of 36 credits required)
This interdisciplinary environmental program is administered in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Participating faculty have appointments in all departments in the College of Science, as well as departments in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Business. The M.S. in Environmental Science is also available as a combined, accelerated program with the B.S. in Biological Sciences. Complete details about this combined program appear in the
Biological Sciences Department section.
Students are required to take most of the coursework spread across the four core subject areas listed below. The exact courses taken are to be determined by students and their advisory committees. A grade of "C" or better (unless otherwise noted in the course description) is required in all courses taken as part of the requirements for a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science. However, the minimum University-wide, cumulative GPA requirement for degree-seeking graduate students is a 3.0 ("B" grade average). For more information about this program, visit here.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all of the University and College admission requirements for graduate study, each applicant for the M.S. with Major in Environmental Science must have a:
- Minimum 3.0 average for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work.
- Letter of support from a prospective primary advisor who is a member of the Environmental Science Program faculty.
Thesis Option
A student curriculum consists of a minimum of 36 graduate credits taken in the following six categories:
Environmental Science Colloquium Series (EVS 6920): 2 credits. This course is currently only offered in the fall semester. Students must take EVS 6920 during their first fall semester.
Fundamentals of Environmental Research (EVS 6917): 1 credit. This course is currently only offered in the spring semester. Students must take EVS 6917 during their first spring semester.
Data Science: 3 credits. Students must take either GIS 6306, PCB 6456 or URP 6211.
Electives: 21-24 graduate credits with no more than 12 credits per course prefix and no more than 15 credits per department. Required courses do not count toward department credit limit.
Environmental Science Directed Independent Study (EVS 6905) or Directed Independent Research in Environmental Science (EVS 6916): Up to 3 graduate credits combined may be counted toward this degree.
Thesis: 6-9 credits (EVS 6971).
Degree requirements may change. Students must either: 1) fulfill the requirements in effect during the first semester they are enrolled in the program, or 2) they may choose to fulfill the requirements in effect during the semester they graduate. The FAU University Catalog is the only official source for determining degree requirements.
Non-Thesis Option
A student curriculum consists of a minimum of 36 graduate credits taken in the following five categories:
Environmental Science Colloquium Series (EVS 6920): 2 credits.
Fundamentals of Environmental Research (EVS 6917): 1 credit.
Data Science: 3 credits. Students must take either GIS 6306, PCB 6456 or URP 6211.
Electives: 27 graduate credits with no more than 12 credits per course prefix and no more than 15 credits per department. Required courses do not count toward department credit limit.
Environmental Science Directed Independent Study (EVS 6905) or Directed Independent Research in Environmental Science (EVS 6916): Up to 3 graduate credits combined may be counted toward this degree.
Degree requirements may change. Students must either: 1) fulfill the requirements in effect during the first semester they are enrolled in the program, or 2) they may choose to fulfill the requirements in effect during the semester they graduate. The FAU University Catalog is the only official source for determining degree requirements.
Departmental Courses: No more than 15 total credits from any one department, and no more than 12 credits from any one prefix. | ||
Biological Sciences | ||
Flora of South Florida | BOT 5155 | 3 |
Flora of South Flora Laboratory | BOT 5155L | 3 |
Plant Ecology | BOT 6169C | 3 |
Advanced Plant Physiology | BOT 6505 | 3 |
Advanced Plant Physiology Lab | BOT 6505L | 3 |
Symbiosis | BSC 6355 | 3 |
Scientific Communication | BSC 6846 | 3 |
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Data Processing and Modeling of Marine Systems | OCB 6673 | 3 |
Natural History of the Indian River Lagoon | OCB 6810 | 3 |
Marine Global Change | OCE 6019 | 3 |
Conservation Biology | PCB 6045 | 3 |
Advanced Ecology | PCB 6046 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology | PCB 6307 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology Laboratory and Field Studies | PCB 6307L | 3 |
Marine Ecology | PCB 6317 | 3 |
Marine Ecology Laboratory and Field Studies | PCB 6317L | 3 |
Experimental Design and Biometry | PCB 6456 | 3 |
Environmental Physiology | PCB 6749 | 3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology | ZOO 6256 | 3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ZOO 6256L | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes | ZOO 6456 | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes Lab | ZOO 6456L | 3 |
Seminar in Ichthyology | ZOO 6459 | 3 |
Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering | 3 | |
Soil Stabilization and Geosynthetics | CEG 6124 | 3 |
Open-Channel Hydraulics | CWR 6235 | 3 |
Sustainability and Pollution Prevention | ENV 6932 | 3 |
Curriculum and Instruction | ||
Advanced Methods of Environmental Education | SCE 6344 | 3 |
Perspectives of Environmental Education | SCE 6345 | 3 |
Trends and Issues in Environmental Education | SCE 6644 | 3 |
Geosciences | ||
Environmental Restoration | EVR 6334 | 3 |
Restoration Implementation and Management | EVR 6358 | 3 |
Paleoenvironments and People | EVR 6417 | 3 |
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction | EVR 6931 | 3 |
Human-Environmental Interactions | GEA 6277 | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 5305 | 3 |
Plants and People | GEO 6317 | 3 |
Culture, Conservation and Land Use | GEO 6337 | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 5033C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systemes | GIS 5051C | 3 |
Applications of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5100C | 3 |
Programming in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5103C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photography Interpretation | GIS 6028C | 3 |
LIDAR Remote Sensing and Applications | GIS 6032C | 3 |
Topics in Geoinformation Science | GIS 6120 | 3 |
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | GIS 6127 | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 6306 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 5243 | 3 |
Environmental Geophysics | GLY 5457 | 3 |
Shore Erosion and Protection | GLY 5575C | 3 |
Marine Geology | GLY 5736C | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Applied, Coastal and Hydrogeology | GLY 5934 | 3 |
Advanced Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 6246 | 3 |
Coastal Environments | GLY 6737 | 3 |
Global Environmental Change | GLY 6746 | 3 |
Modeling Groundwater Movement | GLY 6836 | 3 |
Methods in Hydrogeology | GLY 6838 | 3 |
Coastal Hazards | GLY 6888 | 3 |
Benchmark Developments in Hydrogeology | GLY 6897 | 3 |
Urban and Regional Planning | ||
Statistics for Urban Planning | URP 6211 | 3 |
Introduction to GIS in Planning | URP 6270 | 3 |
Managing GIS Projects | URP 6272 | 3 |
Sustainable Cities | URP 6406 | 3 |
Environmental Analysis in Planning | URP 6425 | 3 |
Environmental Policy and Programs | URP 6429 | 3 |
Transportation Planning | URP 6711 | 3 |
Urban and Regional Theory | URP 6840 | 3 |
Women, Gender and Sexuality | ||
Women, Environment, Ecofeminism, Environmental Justice | WST 6348 | 3 |
Marine Science and Oceanography
Master of Science (M.S.)
(Minimum of 37 credits required)
This is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with specialized training in Marine Science and Oceanography. It is jointly administered by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (CESCS) and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI). Participating faculty have appointments at CESCS and HBOI.
Students are required to take most of the coursework spread across the core subject areas listed below. The exact courses taken are to be determined by students and their advisory committees. Application deadline is January 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all of the University and College admission requirements for graduate study, each applicant for the M.S. with Major in Marine Science and Oceanography must:
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Obtain a "sponsor" from within the faculty of this master's program who will then act as the student's advisor until a thesis topic has been chosen.
For sponsor selection suggestions, students should go to the departmental webpages to examine the fields and interests of individual faculty members. Once students find a faculty member in their field of interest, they should contact the faculty member directly. The student's application package must contain a signed sponsor form from the selected faculty member.
Degree Requirements
Students may graduate with a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree; both require the successful completion of 37 credits as described below.
Thesis Option
A student curriculum consists of a minimum of 37 graduate credits taken in the following three categories:
Required Courses: Six courses (12 credits) are required for all students in the master's degree program in Marine Science and Oceanography.
Required Courses | ||
Physical and Geological Oceanography | OCE 6097 | 3 |
Biological Oceanography | OCB 6066 | 3 |
Chemical Oceanography | OCC 6050 | 3 |
Marine Science and Oceanography Colloquium | OCE 6922 | 1 or |
Marine Science Seminar | BSC 6938 | 1 |
Marine Science and Oceanography Thesis Proposal | OCE 6970 | 1 |
Marine Science and Oceanography Thesis Defense | OCE 6975 | 1 |
Total Research Core | 12 |
Electives:
15 to 21 credits from the approved course list. Up to 6 credits designated as "Special Topics" courses may be taken with the approval of the thesis advisor. No more than 6 credits of electives taken outside the approved course list will be counted toward the degree. No courses under the 5000 level may be taken. No more than 3 credits of Marine Science and Oceanography Directed Independent Research (OCE 6908) may be counted toward this degree.
Thesis:
6 to 12 credits (OCE 6972).
- For Master’s Thesis Proposal Seminar requirements, see MSO regulations.
- For Master’s Thesis Defense Requirements, see MSO regulations and the Graduate College for current University thesis requirements.
Proposal and Defense: OCE 6970 will be taken for 1 credit during the semester in which students intend to propose their research plan. Upon successful completion of their proposal and approval from their committee, students will earn a satisfactory grade. OCE 6975 will be taken for 1 credit during the semester in which students intend to defend their research. Upon successful defense of the student’s research via a public presentation and thesis document, the student will earn a satisfactory grade.
Non-Thesis Option
A student curriculum consists of a minimum of 37 credits taken in the following three categories:
Required Courses: Five courses (11 credits) are required for all students in the master's degree program in Marine Science and Oceanography.
Required Courses | ||
Physical and Geological Oceanography | OCE 6097 | 3 |
Biological Oceanography | OCB 6066 | 3 |
Chemical Oceanography | OCC 6050 | 3 |
Marine Science and Oceanography Comprehensive Exam | OCE 6964 | 1 |
Marine Science and Oceanography Colloquium | OCE 6922 | 1 or |
Marine Science Seminar | BSC 6938 | 1 |
Total Research Core | 11 |
Electives:
A minimum of 26 credits from the approved course list. Up to 6 credits designated as "Special Topics" courses may be taken with the approval of the student's advisor.
No more than 6 credits of electives taken outside the approved course list will be counted toward the degree. No courses under the 5000 level may be taken. No more than 3 credits of Marine Science and Oceanography Directed Independent Research (OCE 6908) may be counted toward this degree.
Students taking the non-thesis option must take and pass a minimum of three written comprehensive exams given by a committee in designated areas within Marine Science and Oceanography specialties during the semester they are signed up for 1 credit of OCE 6964 (Marine Science and Oceanography Comprehensive Exam). Questions require written essay responses. See the MSO regulations for complete requirements to complete the master’s comprehensive exams.
Integrative Biology PH.D. students choosing MSO for a Master's Along the Way degree will be verified for completion of degree requirements by the Biology Department during the Graduation Audit Check. Consult with the IB Ph.D. advisor early in matriculation to ensure the curriculum followed would satisfy the requirements for the MSO master of science non-thesis option.
Approved Course List | ||
Advances in Finfish Aquaculture | BSC 6342 | 3 |
Scientific Communication | BSC 6846 | 3 |
Special Topics (such as Marine Conservation) | BSC 6936 | 1-4 |
Seminar | BSC 6938 | 1 |
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Ocean Optics and Remote Sensing | EOC 6267 | 3 |
Restoration Implementation and Management | EVR 6358 | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 5305 | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 5033C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5051C | 3 |
Applications in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5100C | 3 |
Programming in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5103C | 3 |
Topics in Geoinformation Science | GIS 6120 | 3 |
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | GIS 6127 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 5243 | 3 |
Shore Erosion and Protection | GLY 5575C | 3 |
Marine Geology | GLY 5736C | 3 |
Comparative Carbonate Sedimentology | GLY 6352 | 3 |
Beach Morphodynamics of Southeast Florida | GLY 6708C | 3 |
Coastal Environments | GLY 6737 | 3 |
Global Environmental Change | GLY 6746 | 3 |
Methods in Hydrogeology | GLY 6838 | 3 |
Coastal Hazards | GLY 6888 | 3 |
Special Topics in Applied Geology | GLY 6934 | 3 |
Coral Reef Ecosystems | OCB 6266 | 3 |
Coral Reef Ecosystems Lab | OCB 6266L | 1 |
Data Processing and Modeling of Marine Systems | OCB 6673 | 3 |
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management | OCB 6715C | 4 |
Natural History of the Indian River Lagoon | OCB 6810 | 3 |
Image and Video Processing and Vision in Marine Environment | OCE 5266 | 3 |
Marine Global Change | OCE 6019 | 3 |
Dynamics of Marine Biogeochemical Processes | OCE 6096 | 3 |
Underwater Optical Imaging for Marine Scientists | OCE 6267 | 3 |
Ocean Monitoring Systems | OCE 6268 | 3 |
Marine Optics | OCE 6269 | 3 |
Conservation Biology | PCB 6045 | 3 |
Advanced Ecology | PCB 6046 | 3 |
Marine Ecology | PCB 6317 | 3 |
Marine Ecology Lab and Field Studies | PCB 6317L | 2 |
Ecological Theory | PCB 6406 | 3 |
Experimental Design and Biometry | PCB 6456 | 3 |
Aquatic Animal Health | PCB 6772 | 3 |
Physiology of Marine Animals | PCB 6775 | 3 |
Sensory Biology and Behavior of Fishes | PCB 6871 | 3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology | ZOO 6256 | 3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ZOO 6256L | 2 |
The Biology of Sea Turtles | ZOO 6406 | 3 |
Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives | ZOO 6409 | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes | ZOO 6456 | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes Lab | ZOO 6456L | 2 |
Seminar in Ichthyology | ZOO 6459 | 3 |
Medical Physics
Professional Science Master (P.S.M.)
(Minimum of 41 credits required)
The Professional Science Master (P.S.M.) with major in Medical Physics degree is an interdisciplinary program that develops advanced scientific knowledge and professional skills. The program provides hands-on learning through on-site training. It aims to engage students with professional goals and help them become scientists uniquely suited to the 21st-century workplace.
Medical physics is an applied branch of physics devoted to the application of concepts and methods from physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. A qualified medical physicist is competent to practice independently in one or more of the subfields (tracks) of medical physics.
The program requires 41 credits. It provides professional training in partnership with area hospitals and concentrates on the medical physics radiation therapy track, which employs approximately 75 percent of the medical physicists.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all of the University and College admission requirements for graduate study, applicants for the Medical Physics program must meet all of the following departmental requirements:
- A B.S. or B.A. in Physics. Candidates with a B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Engineering with a minor in Physics are considered;
- At least a 3.0 (of a 4.0 maximum) GPA in science and mathematics courses;
- Have taken the general GRE. No minimum score is required. (GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted);
- Approval from the Department of Physics.
Degree Requirements
Core Courses - 18 credits | ||
Radiation Biology | RAT 6204 | 3 |
Radiation Physics | RAT 6686 | 3 |
Radiation Therapy Physics | RAT 6628 | 3 |
Medical Imaging Physics | RAT 6616 | 3 |
Nuclear Medical Physics | RAT 6687 | 3 |
Radiation Protection and Safety | RAT 6310 | 3 |
Additional Required Courses - 20 credits | ||
Advanced Photon Beam Radiation Therapy | RAT 6629 | 3 |
Radiation Therapy: Clinical Practicum and Shadowing | RAT 6947 | 3 |
Shielding and Commissioning | RAT 6376 | 3 |
Seminar in Medical Physics | RAT 6932 | 1 |
Special Topics (such as Human Morphology and Function 1) |
BSC 5931 | 3 |
Special Topics (such as Human Morphology and Function 2) |
BSC 5931 | 3 |
Master's Thesis | RAT 6975 | 4 |
Elective Course - 3 credits
Choose one course from the following with advisor's approval. |
||
Biostatistics | STA 5195 | 3 |
Computational Physics | PHZ 5156 | 3 |
Bioinformatics: Bioengineering Perspectives | BME 6762 | 3 |
Nonlinear Dynamic Systems | ISC 5453 | 3 |
Advanced Cell Physiology | PCB 6207 | 3 |
Tumor Immunology | PCB 6239 | 3 |
Special Topics (including Cell Structure and Function) |
BSC 6936 | 3 |
Introduction to Biophysics | PHZ 5715 | 3 |
Total | 41 |
Integrative Biology
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Biomedical Science Concentration
Environmental Science Concentration
Marine Science and Oceanography Concentration
Neuroscience Concentration
(Minimum of 72 credits required)
Integrative biology refers to interdisciplinary, multilevel approaches to education and research in the biological sciences. The Integrative Biology program focuses on the relationship between cell/molecular functions and experimental biology in the broad sense, with a view to connectivity between levels of biological organization and biological processes. Core courses and research elements will emphasize this theme. The curriculum is individually tailored to each student's research interests and built around a set of core courses that emphasize 1) the theme of integrative biology, 2) scientific communication, 3) statistics, 4) elective courses chosen by the student and an supervisory committee, 5) seminar courses and 6) dissertation research.
Faculty from the Department of Biological Sciences, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the Brain Institute and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute participate in this doctoral program. FAU's Partner Institution, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, also contributes expertise to this program.
Those applicants seeking a doctorate in Integrative Biology may choose to pursue the Integrative Biology core program (IBIO) or pursue one of the program's four concentrations: Neuroscience (IBNS), Environmental Science (IBES), Biomedical Science (IBBS) or Marine Science and Oceanography (IBMO). These concentrations fall under the umbrella of the Integrative Biology major and all students accepted to the concentrations are subject to all Integrative Biology policies and regulations as well as additional regulations specific to each concentration.
Biomedical Science Concentration (IBBS)
Completion of the Biomedical Science concentration provides students with advanced knowledge and research experience in the biomedical science field. The IBBS curriculum focuses strongly on both knowledge-based and experimental-based biomedical science courses and teaches students appropriate scientific methodology. Students who complete the IBBS concentration develop the skills and expertise they need to succeed both within and outside academia. IBBS faculty are active experts in their respective biomedical science fields and
provide students with research opportunities in a wide variety of emerging biomedical science areas including: Human Genetics and Genomics; Precision Medicine; Cancer Biology and Prevention; Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease; HIV/AIDS Mechanisms and Treatments; Respiratory Physiology and Biophysics; Visual Biology and Diseases; Breast Cancer Mechanisms and Therapy; Huntington’s Disease Mechanisms; Alzheimer’s Disease Mechanisms and Therapy; Vaccine Development; Osteoarthritis Prevention and Treatment; Prostate Cancer Mechanisms; Cardiac Physiology and Disease; Childhood Malaria Mechanisms
and more.
Environmental Science Concentration (IBES)
Completion of the Environmental Science concentration provides students with advanced research and technical training that prepares them to find solutions to some of the world's most difficult environmental problems. Habitat degradation, invasive species, contaminants and climate change challenge land and water managers in South Florida and indeed the world. IBES faculty have considerable experience conducting research to address these difficult conservation problems, particularly in South Florida's extensive freshwater and marine ecosystems. The IBES curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through dissertation research, combined with innovative courses in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, environmental chemistry,
geographic information systems, statistics, and modeling.
Marine Science and Oceanography Concentration (IBMO)
Completion of the Marine Science and Oceanography concentration provides students with a broad understanding of oceanographic science along with the inquiry skills necessary to conduct research independently within their area of specialization. The IBMO curriculum focuses on both knowledge-based and laboratory- and field-based courses that promote the cross-disciplinary training students need to face the complex challenges of 21st century science. IBMO faculty have expertise in diverse ocean ecosystems, including developed and undeveloped coastlines, large estuaries and both deep sea and coastal waters, and provide students with research opportunities in areas of water quality, hydrology, coastal ecology, biogeochemical cycling, endangered and invasive species, ocean megafauna fisheries and aquaculture, harmful algal blooms, urbanization and underwater optical imaging and ocean monitoring systems.
Neuroscience Concentration (IBNS)
Completion of the Neuroscience concentration provides students with both knowledge and practical experience in the neuroscience field at an advanced level. In the evolving and growing field of neuroscience, students who complete the IBNS concentration will have the appropriate training to succeed both within and outside of academia. The Neuroscience curriculum focuses strongly on knowledge-based and experimental-based neuroscience courses and includes training in scientific methodologies. IBNS faculty are active experts in their respective neuroscience fields and provide students with research opportunities in a broad range of areas including neuronal circuitry, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, drug discovery, stress neurobiology, neurogenetics and neurodevelopment.
Admission Requirements
The decision to consider an applicant acceptable for admission to the Integrative Biology program includes the following criteria:
- Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree biological science or a related field.
- Applicants who meet the minimum University standard for grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Successful applicants will have strong personal statements and recommendation letters from advisors who are familiar with their recent academic and research experiences.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must score at least 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 79-80 (Internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Additionally, international applicants whose transcripts are from non-U.S. institutions must have their credentials evaluated course-by-course with a grade point average (GPA) calculation on a 4.0 scale. International applicants must also demonstrate competency in spoken English.
- Applicants applying to the IBES or IBMO concentration must have a confirmed Ph.D. supervisor from within FAU prior to applying and submit the supervisor verification form with their application. The Ph.D.
supervisor must be a member of the program's graduate faculty and will chair the supervisory and dissertation research committees (see program faculty lists on respective program webpages). Applicants applying to the IBIO core program or IBNS or IBBS concentration may enter the program with a confirmed Ph.D. supervisor from within FAU or participate in laboratory rotations within the first two semesters in the program. Applicants applying to the IBIO, IBNS or IBBS concentration who would like to participate in laboratory rotations are strongly encouraged to directly contact potential Ph.D. supervisor(s) from within FAU and secure their sponsorship or mentoring interest prior to applying. Applicants eligible to participate in laboratory rotations must identify which program faculty they have contacted on their application (see program faculty lists on respective program webpages).
Degree Requirements
The Integrative Biology program is research-intensive and requires at least 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. The following are specific requirements for this degree:
- Students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in all graduate coursework and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- Students must have a confirmed Ph.D. supervisor by the end of their second semester in the program (Year 1, Semester 2).
- Completion of 9 core credits listed in Integrative Biology Core Courses.
-
Completion of at least 9 elective credits (three courses) up to 21 elective credits (seven
courses) of graded coursework that support the student’s research plan:
- The student's Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee must approve all elective courses.
- Elective courses must be 5000-, 6000- or 7000-level courses in biology, biomedical science, chemistry and biochemistry, complex systems and brain sciences, engineering and computer science, environmental science, ecology, exercise science and health promotion, geosciences, marine science and oceanography, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, psychology, urban and regional planning, special topics or approved cognates.
- Students may elect to complete up to 6 credits designated Special Topics with the approval of their Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
- Courses designated as proficiency or remedial (4000-level and below) may not be used to satisfy the elective course requirement.
- Students participating in an Integrative Biology concentration must select from graduate-level elective courses related to the specific concentration (see the elective lists below for IBNS, IBES, IBBS, and IBMO). The lists of track-specific elective courses below are not exclusive and the selection of elective courses to meet degree requirements will be determined by consultation between the student and the Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
5. Completion of at least 3 credits of seminar/journal club courses taken as individual
credits in three separate semesters. A seminar/journal club course is based on student
participation in activities, such as student presentations or student/faculty-led discussions
of relevant topics.
6.
Completion of at least 25 dissertation credits conducting dis
sertation research under the direction of the student's dissertation research committee.
7. Remaining credits may include elective coursework, seminar/journal club courses, Integrative Biology lab rotation (BSC 6913), advanced research (BSC 7978) or dissertation (BSC 7980) credits that support the student's research plan with approval from the student's Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
8. Admission to candidacy requires both the successful writing and public presentation of an original dissertation research proposal. The defense of the dissertation proposal will be held with the student’s dissertation research committee following the public dissemination.
9. Degree completion requires both the successful writing and public presentation of original dissertation research. The defense of the dissertation research will be held with the student's dissertation research committee following the public dissemination.
Integrative Biology Core Courses - 9 credits | ||
Integrative Biology 1 | BSC 6390 | 3 |
Scientific Communication | BSC 6846 | 3 |
Choose one of the following courses | ||
Experimental Design and Biometry | PCB 6456 | 3 |
Experimental Design 1 | PSY 6206 | 3 |
Biostatistics | STA 5195 | 3 |
Electives - 9 to 21 credits | ||
Choose at least three courses up to a maximum of seven courses at the 5000, 6000 or 7000 level. | ||
Other Requirements - 3 credits | ||
Choose at least three 1-credit seminar or journal club courses taken in three separate semesters. | ||
Research - up to 26 credits | ||
Advanced Research in Integrative Biology is taken every semester while advancing toward candidacy. | ||
Advanced Research in Integrative Biology | BSC 7978 | 1-9 |
Dissertation - 25 credits (minimum) | ||
Dissertation | BSC 7980 | 1-9 |
Minimum Degree Total | 7 2 |
The degree requirements listed above apply to all Integrative Biology program participants including students accepted to all concentrations. Additional concentration-specific requirements and approved elelctive lists are described below.
Biomedical Science Concentration (IBBS) Core Courses and Electives
IBBS Core Courses
Students who enter the IBBS concentration without a core course or equivalent must complete one of the core courses listed below. When this course is completed, it may be used toward fulfillment of the Integrative Biology elective requirement.
Biomedical Data and Informatics | BSC 6459 | 3 |
Data Interpretation and Analysis in the Age of Precision Medicine | GMS 6860 | 3 |
Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology | PCB 5532 | 3 |
Human Genetics | PCB 6665 | 3 |
IBBS Electives
Students may choose from the following approved IBBS electives toward fulfillment of the Integrative Biology elective requirement. Students may elect to complete up to 6 credits designated Special Topics with the approval of their Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
Integrated Morphology 1 | BMS 6102C | 4 |
Integrated Morphology 2 | BMS 6104C | 4 |
Autonomic Function and Disease | BMS 6523 | 3 |
Fundamentals of General Pathology | BMS 6601 | 3 |
Brain Diseases: Mechanism and Therapy | BMS 6736 | 3 |
Biomedical Data and Informatics | BSC 6459 | 3 |
Neural Plasticity | GMS 6021 | 3 |
Biomedical Science Core Technologies Laboratory | GMS 6091C | 3 |
Macromolecular for Human Diseases | GMS 6301 | 3 |
Molecular Basis of Disease and Therapy | GMS 6302 | 3 |
Pharmacology | GMS 6513 | 3 |
Advanced Pharmacology | GMS 6551 | 3 |
Principles of Neuroimmunology | GMS 6708 | 3 |
Biomedical Concepts and Translational Applications | GMS 6847 | 3 |
Data Interpretation and Analysis in the Age of Precision Medicine | GMS 6860 | 3 |
Host Defense and Inflammation | MCB 6208 | 3 |
Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology | PCB 5532 | 3 |
Neurobiology of Addiction | PCB 5844 | 3 |
Advanced Cell Physiology | PCB 6207 | 3 |
Emerging Applications in Oncology and Pharmacogenomics | PCB 6230 | 3 |
Molecular Basis of Human Cancer | PCB 6235 | 3 |
Problem-Based Immunology | PCB 6238 | 3 |
Tumor Immunology | PCB 6239 | 3 |
Human Genetics | PCB 6665 | 3 |
Integrating Genomics into Predictive Health | PCB 6667 | 3 |
Molecular Biology of the Cardiovascular System and Cardiac Disease | PCB 6705 | 3 |
Molecular Mechanism of Aging and Age-Related Diseases | PCB 6817 | 3 |
Adult Neurogenesis | PCB 6848 | 3 |
Physiology of the Heart | PCB 6885 | 3 |
Special Topics | PCB 6933 | 3 |
Developmental Neurobiology | PSB 6515 | 3 |
Environmental Science Concentration (IBES) Electives
IBES Electives
Students enrolled in the IBES concentration must complete at least one course from each of the two focal areas below toward fulfillment of the Integrative Biology elective requirement. Students may elect to complete up to 6 credits of Special Topics with the approval of their Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
Statistics and Modeling | ||
Experimental Design and Biometry | PCB 6456 | 3 |
Modeling Groundwater Movement | GLY 6836 | 3 |
Ecological Theory | PCB 6406 | 3 |
Ecology and Earth Sciences | ||
Special Topics | BSC 6936 | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 5305 | 3 |
Plants and People | GEO 6317 | 3 |
Environmental Restoration | EVR 6334 | 3 |
Flora of South Florida | BOT 5155 | 2 |
Flora of South Florida Lab | BOT 5155L | 2 |
Advanced Plant Physiology | BOT 6506 | 2 |
Advanced Plant Physiology Lab | BOT 6506L | 2 |
Conservation Biology | PCB 6045 | 3 |
Marine Ecology | PCB 6317 | 3 |
Advanced Ecology | PCB 6046 | 3 |
Marine Ecology Lab and Field Studies | PSB 6317L | 2 |
Freshwater Ecology | PCB 6307 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology Lab | PCB 6307L | 2 |
Environmental Physiology | PCB 6749 | 3 |
Marine Geology | GLY 5736C | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Applied, Coastal, and Hydrogeology | GLY 5934 | 3 |
Coastal Environments | GLY 6737 | 3 |
Shore Erosion and Protection | GLY 5575C | 3 |
Global Environmental Change | GLY 6746 | 3 |
Environmental Geophysics | GLY 6457 | 3 |
Methods in Hydrogeology | GLY 6838 | 3 |
Natural History of Indian River Lagoon | OCB 6810 | 3 |
Marine Global Change | OCE 6019 | 3 |
Seminar in Ichthyology | ZOO 6459 | 1-2 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology | ZOO 6256 | 3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ZOO 6256L | 2 |
Natural History of Fishes | ZOO 6456 | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes Lab | ZOO 6456L | 2 |
Seminar on Emerging Topics in Avian Ecology | ZOO 6544C | 1 |
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 5243 | 3 |
Physiology of Marine Animals | PCB 6775 | 3 |
Introduction to GIS in Planning | URP 6270 | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5051C | 3 |
Applications in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5100C | 3 |
Programming in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5103C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 5033C | 3 |
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | GIS 6127 | 3 |
Topics in Geoinformation Science | GIS 6120 | 3 |
Marine Science and Oceanography (IBMO) Core Courses and Elective Courses
IBMO Core Courses
Students who enter the IBMO concentration without these two courses or equivalent must complete the core courses listed below. Completion of these courses may be used toward fulfillment of the Integrative Biology elective requirement.
Biological Oceanography | OCB 6066 | 3 |
Choose one of the following courses | ||
Chemical Oceanography | OCC 6050 | 3 |
Physical and Geological Oceanography | OCE 6097 | 3 |
IBMO Electives
Students may choose from the following IBMO electives for fulfillment of the Integrative Biology elective requirement. Students may elect to complete up to 6 credits designated Special Topics with the approval of their Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
Marine Biology | ||
Advances in Finfish Aquaculture | BSC 6342 | 3 |
Special Topics | BSC 6936 | 3 |
Aquatic Animal Health | PCB 6772 | 3 |
Physiology of Marine Animals | PCB 6775 | 3 |
Sensory Biology and Behavior of Fishes | PCB 6871 |
3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology | ZOO 6256 | 3 |
Marine Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ZOO 6256L | 2 |
The Biology of Sea Turtles | ZOO 6406 | 3 |
Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives | ZOO 6409 | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes | ZOO 6456 | 3 |
Natural History of Fishes Lab | ZOO 6456L | 2 |
Conservation and Ecology | ||
Marine Conservation Biology | BSC 6316 | 3 |
Coral Reef Ecosystems | OCB 6266 | 3 |
Coral Reef Ecosystems Lab | OCB 6266L | 1 |
Natural History of the Indian River Lagoon | OCB 6810 | 3 |
Conservation Biology | PCB 6045 | 3 |
Advanced Ecology | PCB 6046 | 3 |
Marine Ecology | PCB 6317 | 3 |
Marine Ecology Lab and Field Studies | PCB 6317L | 2 |
Ecological Theory | PCB 6406 | 3 |
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems | ||
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 5033C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of he Environment | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5051C | 3 |
Applications in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5100C | 3 |
Programming in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5103C | 3 |
Topics in Geoinformation Science | GIS 6120 | 3 |
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | GIS 6127 | 3 |
Chemistry | ||
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 5243 | 3 |
Marine Optics | ||
Underwater Optical Imaging for Marine Scientists | OCE 6267 | 3 |
Ocean Monitoring Systems and Implementation Strategies | OCE 6268 | 3 |
Marine Optics | OCE 6269 | 3 |
Data Processing for Studies and Modeling of Marine Systems | OCE 6673 | 3 |
Neuroscience Concentration (IBNS) Core Courses and Electives
IBNS Core Courses
Students who enter the IBNS concentration with no prior neuroscience coursework must take two of the following five courses. Completion of these courses may be used toward fulfillment of the Integrative Biology elective requirement.
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | PSB 6345 | 3 |
Systems and Integrative Neuroscience | PSB 6346 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | BSC 6417C | 3 |
Neurophysiology | PCB 6835C | 3 |
Advanced Neurophysiology Lab | PCB 6837L | 3 |
IBNS Electives
Students enrolled in the IBNS concentration must select graduate-level elective courses relevant to the field of neuroscience. Students may choose from the following approved IBNS electives toward fulfillment of the Integrative Biology requirement. Students may elect to complete up to 6 credits of designated Special Topics courses with the approval of their Ph.D. supervisor and/or supervisory committee.
General Neuroscience | ||
Special Topics | BSC 6936 | 3 |
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | PSB 6345 | 3 |
Systems and Integrative Neuroscience | PSB 6346 | 3 |
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | ||
Neurobiology of Addiction | PCB 5844 | 3 |
Neural Plasticity | GMS 6021 | 3 |
Principles of Neuroimmunology | GMS 6708 | 3 |
Advanced Cell Physiology | PCB 6207 | 3 |
Developmental Neurobiology | PSB 6515 | 3 |
Brain Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapy | BMS 6736 | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 6849 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | BSC 6417C | 3 |
Autonomic Function and Diseases | BMS 6523 | 3 |
Neurophysiology | PCB 6835C | 3 |
Advanced Neurophysiology Lab | PCB 6837L | 3 |
Human Neuroanatomy | ZOO 6748 | 3 |
Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience | PSB 6058 | 3 |
Developmental Neuropsychology | PSB 6516 | 4 |
Principles of Neuroscience | PSB 6037 | 3 |
Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
Seminar in Cognitive Development | DEP 6067 | 3 |
Cognitive Neuroscience | ISC 5465 | 3 |
Seminar in Cognition | EXP 6609 | 3 |
Seminar in Human Perception | EXP 6208 | 3 |
Theoretical and Dynamical Neuroscience | ||
Introduction to Neural Networks | CAP 5615 | 3 |
Introduction to Data Science | CAP 5768 | 3 |
Computational Neuroscience 1 | ISC 6460 | 3 |
Bioinformatics | BSC 6458C | 4 |
Bioinformatics: Engineering Perspectives | BME 6762 | 3 |
Neuroscience
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
This doctoral program in Neuroscience is a multi-college, multi-institute interdisciplinary degree program organized in partnership with the FAU Brain Institute. Graduate-level instruction is provided by faculty in multiple departments located in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Charles Schmidt College of Medicine, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Education and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. Affiliated faculty from the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Scripps Research Florida also participate in the program. The program aims to equip students with the advanced conceptual and technical skills needed to forge productive, neuroscience-oriented careers in industry, academia and government. Specific details for this doctoral program appear in the
Interdisciplinary Programs
section of this catalog.
Biological Sciences
Faculty:
Milton, S., Chair; Anderson, R.; Baronas-Lowell, D.; Baldwin, J.; Binninger, D.; Brooks, W. R.; Esiobu, N.; Frazier, E.; Godenschwege, T.; Hartmann, J. X.; Hughes, C.; Jia, K.; Kajiura, S.; Koch-Rose, M.; Kumi-Diaka, J.; Lovelace, M.; Lyons, H. J.; Macleod, G.; McCoy, M.; Murphey, R.; Narayanan, R.; Noonburg, E.; Owen, D.; Salmon, M.; Theisen, T.; Weissbach, H., Emeritus; Wyneken, J.; Zhang, X-H.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. A grade of "C-" or better (unless otherwise noted in the course description) is required in all biology AND cognate courses taken as part of the requirements for an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. However, students must maintain a "C" average in departmental major courses.
The department also offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology, an Honors Program, the
FAU Max Planck Honors Program, a minor in Biological Sciences, and an undergraduate certificate program in Biotechnology. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Neuroscience and Behavior is offered jointly with the Department of Psychology. This major is detailed under the
Psychology Department section.
Master's-level degree programs include the Master of Science (M.S.), the Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.), and a
Professional Science Master (P.S.M.) in Business Biotechnology.
Two combined programs are also available. In one, students earn a B.S./M.S. in Biological Sciences and in the other, a
B.S. in Biological Sciences and an M.S. in Environmental Science.
Recency of Undergraduate Credits Transfer Policy
No credits more than 10 years old may be transferred into or applied to an FAU Biology undergraduate program. Any credits that are transferred in are considered earned in the first semester of enrollment at FAU.
Link to Bachelor of Science Program
Link to Bachelor of Science with Major in Medical Biology Program
Link to Additional Undergraduate Offerings
Link to Combined Programs
Link to Master's Programs
Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree is intended to provide maximum flexibility for students pursuing study in interdisciplinary areas such as environmental science or secondary school teaching. In addition to the University and College degree requirements, students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences must complete the following core requirements. All degree programs require a total of 120 credits, 45 of which must be upper-division credits.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Core Requirements - 40-43 credits | ||
Introduction to Biology at FAU | BSC 1019 | 0 or |
First-Year Interest Group Experience | SLS 1411 | 1 or |
Honors Introduction to Academic Life | SLS 1501 | 2 |
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010, 1010L | 4 |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011, 1011L | 4 |
General Chemistry 1 | CHM 2045 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 Lab | CHM 2045L | 1 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 Lab | CHM 2046L | 1 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference | PSY 3234 | 3 |
Physical Science | PSC 2121 | 3 |
Choose four of the courses below
Additional courses chosen from this category beyond the four courses may be applied toward the elective requirement. |
||
One course in Physiology*** | 4-5 | |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Cell Biology | PCB 3023 | 3 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Evolution | PCB 3674 | 3 |
***Students who choose the "One course in Physiology" option above may fulfill this option by choosing one of the below course/lab combinations. | ||
Principles of Plant Physiology and Lab | BOT 4503, 4503L | 4 |
Comparative Animal Physiology and Lab | PCB 4723, 4723L | 4 |
Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution and Lab | ZOO 4690, 4690L | 5 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 and Lab | PCB 3703, 3703L | 4 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 and Lab | PCB 3704, 3704L | 4 |
Biology Electives
Choose a minimum of 12 upper-division credits from the list below. |
||
Vascular Plant Anatomy and Lab | BOT 3223, 3223L | 4 |
Plant Cell Biology | BOT 4542 | 3 |
Plant Biotechnology | BOT 4734C | 3 |
Conservation Biology | BSC 3052 | 3 |
Introduction to Biological Research | BSC 3453 | 1 |
Biological Research Writing | BSC 3481 | 2 |
Molecular Genetics of Aging | BSC 4022 | 3 |
Climate Change Biology: Ecosystems to Human Health | BSC 4307 | 3 |
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 4403L | 3 |
Concepts in Bioinformatics | BSC 4434C | 3 |
Biology of Cancer | BSC 4806 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study* | BSC 4905 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences* | BSC 4910 | 0-3 |
Honors Research | BSC 4917 | 3 |
Honors Thesis | BSC 4918 | 3 |
Special Topics | BSC 4930 | 1-3 |
Comparative Animal Behavior | CBH 4024 | 3 |
Critical Thinking in Environmental Science | EVS 4021 | 3 |
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Biology | IDS 4139 | 3 |
General Microbiology and Lab | MCB 3020, 3020L | 4 |
Medical Bacteriology | MCB 4203 | 3 |
Virology | MCB 4503 | 3 |
Microbial Ecology | MCB 4603 | 3 |
Marine Biodiversity and Lab | OCB 4032, 4032L | 4 |
Marine Biology and Lab | OCB 4043, 4043L | 4 |
Marine Microbiology and Molecular Biology and Lab | OCB 4525, 4525L | 4 |
Marine Ecology and Lab | OCB 4633, 4633L | 4 |
Marine Science | OCE 4006 | 3 |
Issues in Human Ecology | PCB 3352 | 3 |
Genetics Lab | PCB 4067L | 3 |
Immunology | PCB 4233 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology and Lab | PCB 4301, 4301L | 4 |
Molecular Genetics | PCB 4522 | 3 |
Genes and Development | PCB 4594 | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 4842 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | PCB 4843C | 3 |
Invertebrate Zoology and Lab | ZOO 3205, 3205L | 5 |
Introduction to Animal Locomotion | ZOO 4373 | 3 |
Ornithology and Lab | ZOO 4472, 4472L | 4 |
Principles of Human Neuroanatomy | ZOO 4742 | 3 |
Note:
PHY 2053 may be substituted for PSC 2121.
* Students may enroll in a maximum of 3 research credits within a single semester.
Note: No more than a total of 5 non-graded (S/U) credits may be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements. Approved non-graded biology electives include:
Directed Independent Study | BSC 4905 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences | BSC 4910 | 0-3 |
Seminar | BSC 4932 | 1 |
Science Internship | IDS 3941 | 1-3 |
Note: No more than 2 credits of a seminar course (BSC 4932) may be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements.
Note: Biology department approval is required for students wishing to complete the Science Internship for credit. After a student's Science Internship registration request has been processed by the FAU Career Center, the Career Center will communicate directly with the department to request approval on the student's behalf.
Note: Students wishing to participate in Medical Shadowing Internship should not enroll in the Science Internship. They should instead enroll in Medical Shadowing Internship (IDS 3940). The Medical Shadowing Internship course cannot be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements.
Students can find detailed flight plan information and General Education Program checklists for biology majors through University Advising Services.
Environmental Sciences Focus
Complete all of the above and the following electives.
Biology Elective | ||
Issues in Human Ecology | PCB 3352 | 3 or |
Environment and Society | EVR 2017 | 3 |
General Electives | ||
Macroeconomics Principles | ECO 2013 | 3 |
Microeconomics Principles | ECO 2023 | 3 |
Environmental Economics | ECP 4302 | 3 |
Environmental Ethics | PHI 3640 | 3 |
Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is recommended for students planning to be professional biologists in industry or governmental service, for graduate work in the biological sciences and for students planning careers in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. In addition to the University and College degree requirements, students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences must complete the following degree requirements.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Core Requirements - 47-51 credits | ||
Introduction to Biology at FAU | BSC 1019 | 0 or |
First-Year Interest Group Experience | SLS 1411 | 1 or |
Honors Introduction to Academic Life | SLS 1501 | 2 |
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010, 1010L | 4 |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011, 1011L | 4 |
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
General Chemistry 2 and Lab | CHM 2046, 2046L | 4 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 or |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 4 or |
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 4 |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 4 or |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 4 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
General Physics 2 Lab | PHY 2049L | 1 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference | PSY 3234 | 3 or |
Introduction to Biostatistics | STA 3173 | 3 |
Choose four of the courses below
Additional courses chosen from this category beyond the four courses may be applied toward the elective requirement. |
||
One course in Physiology*** | 4-5 | |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Cell Biology | PCB 3023 | 3 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Evolution | PCB 3674 | 3 |
***Students who select the "One course in Physiology" option above may fulfill this option by choosing one of the below course/lab combinations. | ||
Principles of Plant Physiology and Lab | BOT 4503, 4503L | 4 |
Comparative Animal Physiology and Lab | PCB 4723, 4723L | 4 |
Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution and Lab | ZOO 4690, 4690L | 5 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 and Lab | PCB 3703, 3703L | 4 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 and Lab | PCB 3704, 3704L | 4 |
Marine S
Electives
Choose a minimum of 18 upper-division credits from the list below. |
||
Biochemistry 1 | BCH 3033 | 3 |
Biochemistry 2 or |
BCH 3034 or
BCH 3103L |
3 |
Vascular Plant Anatomy and Lab | BOT 3223, 3223L | 4 |
Plant Cell Biology | BOT 4542 | 3 |
Principles of Plant Physiology and Lab | BOT 4503, 4503L | 4 |
Plant Biotechnology | BOT 4734C | 3 |
Conservation Biology | BSC 3052 | 3 |
Introduction to Biological Research | BSC 3453 | 1 |
Biological Research Writing | BSC 3481 | 2 |
Molecular Genetics of Aging | BSC 4022 | 3 |
Climate Change Biology: Ecosystems to Human Health | BSC 4307 | 3 |
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 4403L | 3 |
Concepts in Bioinformatics | BSC 4434C | 3 |
Biology of Cancer | BSC 4806 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study* | BSC 4905 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences* | BSC 4910 | 0-3 |
Honors Research | BSC 4917 | 3 |
Honors Thesis | BSC 4918 | 3 |
Special Topics | BSC 4930 | 1-3 |
Comparative Animal Behavior | CBH 4024 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry Lab | CHM 2211L | 2 |
Critical Thinking in Environmental Science | EVS 4021 | 3 |
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Biology | IDS 4139 | 3 |
General Microbiology and Lab | MCB 3020, 3020L | 4 |
Medical Bacteriology | MCB 4203 | 3 |
Virology | MCB 4503 | 3 |
Microbial Ecology | MCB 4603 | 3 |
Marine Biodiversity and Lab | OCB 4032, 4032L | 4 |
Marine Biology and Lab | OCB 4043, 4043L | 4 |
Marine Microbiology and Molecular Biology and Lab | OCB 4525, 4525L | 4 |
Marine Ecology and Lab | OCB 4633, 4633L | 4 |
Marine Science | OCE 4006 | 3 |
Issues in Human Ecology | PCB 3352 | 3 |
Genetics Lab | PCB 4067L | 3 |
Immunology | PCB 4233 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology and Lab | PCB 4301, 4301L | 4 |
Molecular Genetics | PCB 4522 | 3 |
Genes and Development | PCB 4594 | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 4842 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | PCB 4843C | 3 |
Biological Bases of Behavior | PSB 3002 | 3 |
Invertebrate Zoology and Lab | ZOO 3205, 3205L | 5 |
Introduction to Animal Locomotion | ZOO 4373 | 3 |
Ornithology and Lab | ZOO 4472, 4472L | 4 |
Principles of Human Neuroanatomy | ZOO 4742 | 3 |
* Students may enroll in a maximum of 3 research credits within a single semester.
Note: No more than a total of 5 non-graded (S/U) credits may be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements. Approved non-graded biology electives include:
Directed Independent Study | BSC 4905 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences | BSC 4910 | 0-3 |
Seminar | BSC 4932 | 1 |
Directed Independent Research in Environmental Science | EVS 4916 | 0-3 |
Science Internship | IDS 3941 | 1-3 |
Note: No more than 2 credits of a seminar course (BSC 4932) may be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements.
Note: Biology department approval is required for students wishing to complete the Science Internship for credit. After a student's Science Internship registration request has been processed by the FAU Career Center, the Career Center will cmmunicate directly with the department to request approval on the student's behalf.
Note: Students wishing to participate in Medical Shadowing Internship should not enroll in the Science Internship. They should instead enroll in Medical Shadowing Internship (IDS 3940). The Medical Shadowing Internship course cannot be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements.
Students can find detailed flight plan information and General Education Program checklists for biology majors through
University Advising Services.
Honors in the Major—Biological Sciences
Eligible undergraduate students may apply to participate in the Department of Biological Sciences' Honors in the Major program. There are two paths to attaining Honors in the Major. Students who fulfill all requirements associated with one of the biology honors pathways successfully and have an overall GPA of 3.2 or greater at the time of degree conferral will receive a designation of Honors in the Major on their transcripts. The transcript designations, "Honors in Biological Sciences—Research Thesis" or "Honors in Biological Sciences—Research," will mark participation in the one of the two paths.
Honors in Biological Sciences—Research Thesis
The Department of Biological Sciences offers an Honors Thesis Program that recognizes research accomplishments of talented undergraduates. Eligible students must have a minimum of 20 credits in biology and an overall GPA of 3.2. Students usually begin the program in their junior year and conduct independent, supervised research during their junior and senior years. A written paper and a seminar describing the results of their research are required in the senior year. Interested students should contact the faculty member whose research interests are closest to those the student wishes to pursue.
Honors in Biological Sciences—Research
The Department of Biological Sciences offers an Honors Research Program that recognizes research accomplishments of talented undergraduates. Eligible students must have a minimum of 20 credits in biology and an overall GPA of 3.2. Students usually begin the program in their junior year and conduct independent, supervised research during their junior and senior years. Submission of a grant proposal is required no later than the second semester of the junior year. Presentation of a poster or seminar at a local, regional, national or international research conference/symposium describing the results of the research is required in the senior year. Interested students should contact a faculty member whose research interests are closest to those the student wishes to pursue. Visit the website for more information.
The FAU Max Planck Honors Program (MPHP)
Eligible College of Science majors in Biology, Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior and Medical Biology may apply to participate in this Jupiter-specific honors program for undergraduates. For students pursuing the MPHP, 3 to 6 of the elective credits in their individual program must be applied toward the requirements of the MPHP. These include successful completion of a Capstone experience (1 to 3 credits) and three different MPHP Enrichment courses (1 credit each) from those listed below. A minimum grade of "B" must be achieved in graded courses ("S" in non-graded courses) among these exclusive MPHP course options for the credits to count toward the requirements of the MPHP. Visit the MPHP website to apply.
Biological Sciences
Undergraduate Minor
(Minimum of 19 credits required)
A minor in Biological Sciences consists of a minimum of 19 credits in biology courses, to include Biodiversity with Lab (BSC 1011, 1011L), Biological Principles with Lab (BSC 1010, 1010L), Principles of Ecology (PCB 4043) and additional courses at the 3000 level or above, at least one of which must be a lab course. Of the 19 credits, at least 15 must be earned from FAU. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
Biotechnology
Undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 15 credits required)
The certificate program in Biotechnology is designed to provide undergraduate students with the necessary foundations for a career in biotechnology in conjunction with their academic major. Particular emphasis is placed on application of biotechnology to studies in botany, biochemistry, environmental sciences, marine biology, microbiology, medicine or pharmacology.
To enter the program, a student must have 15 credits of work at a senior institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a year each of general biology, general chemistry, general physics and mathematics through one semester of calculus. A grade of "C-" or better must be attained in each course in biology, chemistry and biotechnology, and an overall and upper-division GPA of at least 2.5 is required at graduation. Students must also earn a "B-" or better in the following laboratory courses: BCH 3103L, BSC 4403L and MCB 3020L.
Students receiving a bachelor's degree in the Department of Biological Sciences or the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will meet the requirements for certification by completing the courses listed below, as well as their prerequisites. Students in other departments should meet with a biotechnology advisor to determine eligibility and requirements for this certification program.
Biochemistry Lab | BCH 3103L | 3 |
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 4403L | 3 |
General Microbiology | MCB 3020 | 3 |
General Microbiology Lab | MCB 3020L | 1 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Total Credits | 14 |
Secondary Education Program
A program leading to teacher certification in biology is available through the Department of
Curriculum and Instruction
in the College of Education.
Medical Biology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with Major in Medical Biology program provides undergraduate preparation for students interested in pursuing professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine or graduate degrees in the biomedical sciences. In addition to University and college degree requirements, students seeking a B.S. with Major in Medical Biology must complete the following requirements.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the
General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or state college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Core Requirements - 63-64 credits, 25-26 upper-division credits | ||
Biochemistry 1 |
BCH 3033 |
3 |
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010, 1010L | 4 |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011, 1011L | 4 |
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
General Chemistry 2 and Lab | CHM 2046, 2046L | 4 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab | CHM 2211, 2211L | 3 |
Life Science Calculus or | MAC 2241 | 4 or |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
General Microbiology and Lab | MCB 3020, 3020L | 4 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Cell Biology | PCB 3023 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 and Lab or | PCB 3703, 3703L | 4 or |
Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution and Lab | ZOO 4690, 4690L | 5 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 and Lab or | PCB 3704, 3704L | 4 or |
Comparative Animal Physiology and Lab | PCB 4723, 4723L | 4 |
College Physics 1 or | PHY 2053 | 3 or |
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 3 |
College Physics 2 or | PHY 2054 | 4 or |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 4 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
General Physics 2 Lab | PHY 2049L | 1 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference or | PSY 3234 | 3 or |
Introduction to Biostatistics | STA 3173 | 3 |
Electives |
||
Biochemistry 2
or
Biochemistry Lab |
BCH 3034
or
BCH 3103L |
3 |
Molecular Genetics of Aging | BSC 4022 | 3 |
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 4403L | 3 |
Biology of Cancer | BSC 4806 | 3 |
Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences *** | BSC 4910 | 0-3 |
Special Topics | BSC 4930 | 1-3 |
Comparative Animal Behavior | CBH 4024 | 3 |
RI: Introduction to Drug Design | CHM 4273 | 3 |
RI: Structural Biochemistry | CHM 4350 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study*** | CHM 4905 | 1-4 |
Senior Seminar | CHM 4930 | 1 |
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Biology | IDS 4139 | 3 |
Medical Bacteriology | MCB 4203 | 3 |
Virology | MCB 4503 | 3 |
Evolution | PCB 3674 | 3 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Genetics Lab | PCB 4067L | 3 |
Immunology | PCB 4233 | 3 |
Molecular Genetics | PCB 4522 | 3 |
Genes and Development | PCB 4594 | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 4842 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | PCB 4843C | 0-3 |
Directed Independent Study*** | PCB 4905 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research*** | PCB 4915 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research*** | PCB 4916 | 0-3 |
Special Topics | PCB 4930 | 1-8 |
***Students may enroll in a maximum of 3 research credits within a single semester.
Note: No more than a total of 5 non-graded (S/U) credits may be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements.
Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences | BSC 4910 | 0-3 |
Directed Independent Study*** | CHM 4905 | 1-4 |
Science Internship | IDS 3941 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Study*** | PCB 4905 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research*** | PCB 4915 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research*** | PCB 4916 | 0-3 |
Note:
Biology department approval is required for students wishing to complete the Science Internship for credit. After a student's Science Internship registration request has been processed by the
FAU Career Center, the Career Center will communicate directly with the department to request approval on the student's behalf.
Note:
Students wishing to participate in Medical Shadowing Internship should not enroll in the Science Internship. They should instead enroll in Medical Shadowing Internship (IDS 3940). The Medical Shadowing Internship course cannot be used to fulfill biology degree program requirements.
Students can find detailed flight plan information and General Education Program checklists for biology majors through
University Advising Services.
Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
(Minimum of 153-156 credits required)
This combined degree program leads to both bachelor's (B.S.) and master's (M.S.) degrees in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in molecular biology and biotechnology. It is a laboratory-intensive curriculum that provides hands-on training for students who are interested in a career in the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology. This program will also provide excellent preparation for pursuing advanced degree studies.
The combined degree program is 153-156 credits, 120 for the undergraduate degree and 33-36 for the master's degree. Students complete the undergraduate degree first, taking no more than 12 credits of graduate coursework in their senior year, which will then be used to satisfy both degrees. See specific program requirements below.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Requirements and Eligibility
Students would typically begin taking graduate courses in their senior year that would apply to both their B.S. and M.S. degrees. The program can be completed in five years by allowing 12 credits of graduate-level courses to fulfill course requirements for both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.
The program requires completion of a research project (6 credits). While there is no formal requirement for a thesis, the research must be described in both a written report and an oral presentation to an advisory committee.
Students are expected to work in a research lab during their last two years of the program completing Directed Independent Study and Thesis credits. The research may be completed in the laboratory of any member of the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB). Additionally, the research may be done under the direction of a faculty member in Biological Sciences if the project is appropriate to molecular biology and biotechnology. Faculty in other departments may mentor students with approval of the director or the chair.
Prospective students must formally apply to this graduate program and meet all admission requirements: a minimum undergraduate science GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores of at least 151 (verbal) and 148 (quantitative). Students should take the GRE before the end of their junior year.
Curriculum
The core curriculum for students in the combined B.S./M.S. degree program is the same as for all Biological Sciences students in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program. The difference in this combined program is the emphasis on Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Core and Elective courses | ||
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 4403L | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry Lab | CHM 2211L | 2 |
General Microbiology | MCB 3020 | 3 |
General Microbiology Lab | MCB 3020L | 1 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | PCB 4843C | 3 |
Molecular Genetics | PCB 4522 | 3 |
Genetics Lab | PCB 4067L | 3 |
Molecular Genetics of Aging | BSC 4022 | 3 |
Immunology | PCB 4233 | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 4842 | 3 |
Plant Biotechnology | BOT 4734C | 3 |
Completion of the courses listed above as well general education courses required of all students will fulfill the requirements for the B.S. in Biological Sciences with emphasis on Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in addition to the 15 credits identified in the Biotechnology certificate program. Those six courses must also be taken to fulfill the B.S./M.S. program.
Graduate courses that may count toward both B.S. and M.S. requirements -12 credits
Students may choose 12 credits from the graduate courses listed below:
Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 6740 | 3 |
Bioinformatics | BSC 6458C | 4 |
Directed Independent Study | BSC 6905 | 1-3 |
Instrumentation | CHM 6157 | 3 |
Advanced Molecular Genetics of Aging | PCB 5246 | 3 |
Advanced Immunology | PCB 6236 | 3 |
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | PSB 6345 | 3 |
Systems and Integrative Neuroscience | PSB 6346 | 3 or |
Neurophysiology | PCB 6835C | 3 |
Advanced Neurophysiology Lab | PCB 6837L | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 6849 | 3 |
Principles of Neuroscience | PSB 6037 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | BSC 6417C | 3 |
Human Neuroanatomy | ZOO 6748 | 3 |
Students who complete these courses but decide not to pursue the M.S. degree would be required to take one additional 3-credit elective (approved by their faculty advisor) to fulfill the B.S. requirements.
Additional graduate-level courses - 15 credits
In addition to the 12 credits of graduate courses that fulfill requirements for the B.S. degree, the student must take an additional 15 credits of graduate courses from the list shown above or other graduate courses approved by their advisory committee.
Research - 6 credits
An important element of this program is the hands-on laboratory experience. This requirement is met by the formal laboratory courses as well as individual training in a research laboratory, an experience that cannot be duplicated in laboratory courses. Six credits of Master's Thesis (BSC 6971) must be completed. A formal thesis is not required, but the research must be presented as both a written report and oral presentation to an advisory committee.
Comments on Total Credits
A student could complete the requirements of this program and earn both the B.S. and M.S. degree with a minimum of 153-156 credits. Many students will likely finish with more credits.
Biological Sciences to Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
(Minimum of 156 credits required)
This combined degree program leads to both a bachelor's (B.S.) in Biological Sciences degree and a master's (M.S.) in Environmental Science degree. It is a laboratory and field intensive curriculum that provides hands-on training for students who are interested in a career in the rapidly expanding field of environmental science. This program also provides excellent preparation for the Integrative Biology Ph.D. and the Geosciences Ph.D. The combined degree program is 156 credits, 120 for the undergraduate degree and 36 for the master's degree. Students complete the undergraduate degree first, taking no more than 12 credits of graduate coursework in their senior year, which will then be used to satisfy both degrees. See specific program requirements below.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Students would take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and apply to the B.S./M.S. in their junior year.
In addition to meeting all of the University and College admissions requirements for graduate study, each applicant for the M.S. with Major in Environmental Science must:
- Have a minimum GRE score of 151 on the verbal section and 151 on the quantitative section. GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted.
- Have a minimum 3.0 average for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work.
- Obtain approval from the Environmental Science Program.
Students would typically begin taking graduate courses in their senior year that would apply to both their B.S. and M.S. degrees. The program can be completed in five years by allowing 12 credits of graduate-level courses to fulfill course requirements for both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.
Curriculum
The core curriculum for students in the combined B.S./M.S. degree program satisfies the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biological Sciences. The difference in this combined program is the emphasis on environmental science and the 12 credits in graduate courses that count toward the M.S. program taken during the senior year.
Core Requirements - 47-49 credits | ||
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010, 1010L | 4 |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011, 1011L | 4 |
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
General Chemistry 2 and Lab | CHM 2046, 2046L | 4 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 or |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 4 or |
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 4 |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 4 or |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 4 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
General Physics 2 Lab | PHY 2049L | 1 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference | PSY 3234 | 3 or |
Introduction to Biostatistics | STA 3173 | 3 |
Select at least three of the courses below
The other may be used as an elective. |
||
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Cell Biology | PCB 3023 | 3 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Evolution | PCB 3674 | 3 |
Electives Choose at least 21 credits from the list below. |
||
Biochemistry 1 | BCH 3033 | 3 |
Vascular Plant Anatomy and Lab | BOT 3223, 3223L | 4 |
Principles of Plant Physiology and Lab | BOT 4503, 4503L | 4 |
Plant Biotechnology | BOT 4734C | 3 |
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 4403L | 3 |
Biology of Cancer | BSC 4806 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | BSC 4905 | 1-3 |
Honors Research | BSC 4917 | 3 |
Honors Thesis | BSC 4918 | 3 |
Special Topics (Model Systems Genetics Lab) |
BSC 4930 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry Lab | CHM 2211L | 2 |
General Microbiology and Lab | MCB 3020, 3020L | 4 |
Medical Bacteriology | MCB 4203 | 3 |
Microbial Ecology | MCB 4603 | 3 |
Marine Biodiversity and Lab | OCB 4032, 4032L | 4 |
Marine Biology and Lab | OCB 4043, 4043L | 4 |
Marine Microbiology and Molecular Biology and Lab | OCB 4525, 4525L | 4 |
Marine Ecology and Lab | OCB 4633, 4633L | 4 |
Marine Science |
OCE 4006 | 3 |
Issues in Human Ecology | PCB 3352 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 and Lab | PCB 3703, 3703L | 4 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 and Lab | PCB 3704, 3704L | 4 or |
Immunology | PCB 4233 | 3 |
Molecular Genetics | PCB 4522 | 3 |
Comparative Animal Physiology and Lab | PCB 4723, 4723L | 4 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 4842 | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | PCB 4843C | 3 |
Invertebrate Zoology and Lab | ZOO 3205, 3205L | 5 |
Introduction to Animal Locomotion | ZOO 4373 | 3 |
Ornithology and Lab | ZOO 4472, 4472L | 4 |
Vertebrate Structure Development and Evolution and Lab | ZOO 4690, 4690L | 5 |
Students should consult their faculty advisor concerning additional courses that may be applied to their degree requirements.
Graduate courses that may count toward both the B.S. and the M.S. requirements - 12 credits
Students may select 12 credits from the graduate courses listed below to count for both the B.S. in Biological Sciences and the M.S. in Environmental Science. See the M.S. in Environmental Science degree requirements
here
for more courses that count toward the M.S. degree after the B.S. degree is completed.
Colloquium | ||
Environmental Science Colloquium Series (May be taken more than once.) |
EVS 6920 | 1 |
Core Subject Areas | ||
Chemistry | ||
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Geographic Information Systems | ||
Introduction to GIS in Planning | URP 6270 | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5051C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Modeling | ||
Modeling Groundwater Movement | GLY 6836 | 3 |
Ecological Theory | PCB 6406 | 3 |
Statistics | ||
Experimental Design and Biometry | PCB 6456 | 3 |
Conservation and Ecology | ||
Biogeography | GEO 5305 | 3 |
Plants And People | GEO 6317 | 3 |
Environmental Restoration | EVR 6334 | 3 |
Flora of South Florida | BOT 5155 | 2 |
Flora of South Florida Lab | BOT 5155L | 2 |
Conservation Biology | PCB 6045 | 3 |
Marine Ecology | PCB 6317 | 3 |
Advanced Ecology | PCB 6046 | 3 |
Marine Ecology Lab and Field Studies | PCB 6317L | 2 |
Scientific Communication | BSC 6846 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology | PCB 6307 | 3 |
Freshwater Ecology Lab | PCB 6307L | 2 |
Environmental Physiology | PCB 6749 | 3 |
Marine Geology | GLY 5736C | 3 |
Coastal Environments | GLY 6737 | 3 |
Shore Erosion and Protection | GLY 5575C | 3 |
Global Environmental Change | GLY 6746 | 3 |
Environmental Geophysics | GLY 6457 | 3 |
Natural History of the Indian River Lagoon | OCB 6810 | 3 |
Marine Global Change | OCE 6019 | 3 |
Seminar in Ichthyology | ZOO 6459 | 1-2 |
Seminar in Avian Ecology | ZOO 6544C | 1 |
Policy and Planning | ||
Human-Environmental Interactions | GEA 6277 | 3 |
Geographic Analysis of Population | GEO 5435C | 3 |
Culture, Conservation and Land Use | GEO 6337 | 3 |
Coastal Hazards | GLY 6888 | 3 |
Introduction to Transportation Planning | URP 6711 | 3 |
Environmental Analysis in Planning | URP 6425 | 3 |
Environmental Policy and Programs | URP 6429 | 3 |
Sustainable Cities | URP 4403 | 3 |
Urban and Regional Theory | URP 6840 | 3 |
Women, Environment, Ecofeminism, Environmental Justice | WST 6348 | 3 |
Environmental Philosophy | PHM 6035 | 3 |
Thesis Option
A student curriculum consists of a minimum of 36 credits taken in the following four categories:
Core Subject Areas:
22-28 credits from the core subject areas with at least one course from four different core subject areas.
Electives:
No more than 6 credits of electives taken outside the core areas will be counted toward the degree, and no more than 6 credits may be 4000-level courses. No more than 3 credits of Directed Independent Study may be counted toward this degree.
Thesis: 6-12 credits (EVS 6971).
Colloquium:
2 credits or more.
Non-Thesis Option
A student curriculum consists of a minimum of 36 credits taken in the following four categories:
Core Subject Areas:
25-31 credits from the core subject areas with at least one course from four different core subject areas.
Directed Independent Study:
3 credits (EVS 6905) required. Up to 3 additional credits may be taken as electives.
Electives:
No more than 6 credits of electives taken outside the core areas will be counted toward the degree.
Colloquium:
2 credits or more.
Master's Programs
Biological Sciences
Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.)
Application Deadline: Spring term - October 1; Fall term - January 15
Departmental
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all of the University and College admission requirements for graduate study, each applicant for the Master of Science or Master of Science in Teaching degree must have:
- A minimum 3.0 average for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work;
- Letters of recommendation: Three are required (letters by previous professors are preferable);
- Statement of goals and interests;
- Graduate Student Biology Faculty Advisor Verification form*;
- Approval of the Department of Biological Sciences.
*For Biology Faculty Advisor selection suggestions, students should go to the Biology departmental webpages to examine the fields and interests of individual faculty members. Once students find a Biology faculty member in their field of interest, they should contact the faculty member directly.
Degree Requirements
There are three degree programs available: thesis option, non-thesis option 1 and non-thesis option 2. Specific requirements for each degree are described below.
Biological Sciences
Master of Science (M.S.)
(Minimum of 36 credits)
Thesis Option
This degree program is designed for students whose career goals include a research emphasis. This option is tailored for students doing research or contemplating graduate work for a Ph.D. degree.
This M.S. degree requires a minimum of 36 total credits. Degree requirements include:
- At least half or 18 credits must be Biology Department courses;
- 12 credits of graded coursework at the 6000 level (exclusive of any research credits);
- Before students can register for Master's Proposal Seminar (BSC 6963) (i.e., students formally presenting their research proposal to their committe and subsequent approval by committee), students conducting exploratory research can take up to 6 credits, which can include:
a. Up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences (BSC 6917)
or up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (DIS/DIR), either one taken outside of
Biology. Any combination of DIS/DIR credits regardless of source cannot total more
than 3 credits that will count toward the degree.
b. Up to 3 credits of Master's Thesis (BSC 6971). - Master's Thesis Proposal (BSC 6963), 1 credit maximum*;
- Master's Thesis Defense Seminar (BSC 6975), 1 credit maximum**;
- Minimum of 6 credits of Master's Thesis (BSC 6971) is required. Note: No more than 12 credits of Master's Thesis can count toward the degree;
- Maximum of 3 credits in Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences (BSC 6917) will count toward the degree, or up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (DIS/DIR), either one taken outside of Biology. Any combination of DIS/DIR credits regardless of source cannot total more than 3 credits that will count toward the degree;
- Remaining courses must be 5000 or 6000 level.
* For Master's thesis Proposal Seminar requirements, see Biology Regulations and Procedures.
** For Master's Thesis Defense requirement, see
Biology Regulations and Procedures
and the Graduate College for current
University thesis requirements.
Non-Thesis Option 1
This degree program is designed for students who wish to improve their knowledge in the biological sciences through a rigorous series of courses and exams or for Integrative Biology Ph.D. students choosing Biology for a
Master's Along the Way
degree.
This M.S. degree requires a minimum of 36 credits. Degree requirements include:
- At least half or 18 credits must be Biology Department courses;
- Eighteen (18) of the 36 credits must be at the 6000 level or higher; the remaining 18 credits must be at the 5000 or 6000 level;
- Two (2) of the 36 credits must involve courses in which the student presented a formal seminar;
- Maximum of 3 credits in Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences Study (BSC 6917) will count toward the degree, or up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (DIS/DIR), either one taken outside of Biology. Any combination of DIS/DIR credits regardless of source cannot total more than 3 credits that will count toward the degree;
- One of the 36 credits must be the Master's Comprehensive Exam (BSC 6962). Students must take and pass a minimum of three written comprehensive exams given by a committee in designated areas within the microbiology and organismal specialties. Question types require written responses in essay and definition formats. See FAU Regulations for Biology Master's Degrees for complete requirements to complete the Master's Comprehensive Exam course.
Note: Master's Thesis (BSC 6971), Master's Thesis Proposal (BSC 6963) and Master's Thesis Defense (BSC 6975) do not count toward the M.S. Non-Thesis Option 1 degree.
Integrative Biology PH.D. students choosing Biology for a Master's Along the Way degree will be verified for completion of degree requirements by the Biology Department during the Graduation Audit Check. Consult with the IB Ph.D. advisor early in matriculation to ensure the curriculum followed would satisfy the requirements for the M.S./Non-Thesis Option 1.
Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.)
(Minimum of 30 credits)
Non-Thesis Option 2
This degree program is designed for students who wish to satisfy requirements for teaching in high school or junior college. In addition to regular coursework, students in this option may also elect to complete a Research Report, a short paper describing the results and significance of a circumscribed research project. Depending on background, students may also be required to take 6 credits of an Educational Internship.
The M.S.T. degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, if the student has two years of teaching experience at a secondary or junior college level. The M.S.T. degree requires 36 credits if the student has not completed the student teaching requirement. Degree requirements include:
- At least half or 15 credits must be Biology Department courses;
- Fifteen (15) of the 30 credits must be at the 6000 level or higher; the remaining 15 credits must be at the 5000 or 6000 level;
- Two (2) of the 30 credits must involve courses in which the student presented a formal seminar;
- Maximum of 3 credits in Directed Independent Research in Biological Sciences Study (BSC 6917) will count toward the degree, or up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (DIS/DIR), either one taken outside of Biology. Any combination of DIS/DIR credits regardless of source cannot total more than 3 credits that will count toward the degree;
- One of the 30 credits (or 36 credits for students without two years prior teaching experience) must be the Master's Comprehensive Exam (BSC 6962). Students must take and pass a minimum of three written comprehensive exams given by a committee in designated areas within the microbiology and organismal specialties. Question types require written responses in essay and definition formats. See
FAU Regulations for Biology Master's Degrees
for complete requirements to complete the Master's Comprehensive Exam course;
Note: Master's Thesis (BSC 6971), Master's Thesis Proposal (BSC 6963) and Master's Thesis Defense (BSC 6975) do not count toward the M.S. Non-Thesis Option 1 degree. - Students must take 6 credits of approved graduate courses in education or another cognate field if they plan to teach in high school and hold a Rank III secondary certificate (obtained independently from this M.S.T. degree), or if the student intends to teach at the college level;
- Six (6) additional credits of Internship (EDG 6940) are required, except for those with two years of teaching experience at a secondary school or junior college level. Such internships can be completed in the following manner. Students enrolled in EDG 6940 (6 credits) may choose one of the following to fulfill the course requirements:
- Do an internship with one of the local public schools (verified by local school contacts). There is no form to be completed, but rather the student independently lines up an internship opportunity. Once confirmed, the Biology Department will contact the FAU Education Department requesting permission for the student to register for the Internship, EDG 6940. At the end of the term in which the student registers for the internship, the FAU Education Department will contact the Biology Department to verify the student has completed the internship successfully so that a satisfactory grade can be applied. This latter confirmation is done based on the teacher/school in which the student does the internship and who verifies in writing that the internship was completed;
- Teach a laboratory course in the Biology Department (verified by the lab coordinator for time, effort and teaching responsibilities).
Business Biotechnology
Professional Science Master (P.S.M.)
(Minimum of 34 credits required)
Application Deadline: Spring term - October 1; Fall term - January 15
The Professional Science Master (P.S.M.) with major in Business Biotechnology is a terminal degree for students interested in entering the workforce directly following completion of the degree. The 34-credit program is tailored for the student with undergraduate training in biology or chemistry who is primarily interested in working in the business side of the emerging biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. This interdisciplinary program, provided in conjunction with the College of Business, includes traditional classroom courses in both business and science, culminating in two internship experiences. One internship provides experience working side-by-side with a research scientist. The second internship exposes the student to the business side of the biotechnology industry.
Departmental Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree in biology or chemistry. Degrees in other scientific areas can be considered on an individual basis;
- Graduating undergraduate science GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- Personal statement of career goals and how the applicant feels this training will help achieve those goals;
- Three letters of recommendation with at least one from a former professor;
- Graduate Student Biology Faculty Advisor Verification form;
- Approval of the Department of Biological Sciences.
Degree Requirements
The program requires a total of 34 credits. Student curriculum degree requirements include:
Core Courses - 10 credits required | ||
Venture Creation | ENT 6016 | 3 |
Biotechnology Business Development | ENT 6196 | 3 |
Professional Science Master's (P.S.M.) in Business Biotechnology - Scientific Internship | BSC 6946 | 2 |
Profession a Science Master's (P.S.M.) in Business Biotechnology - Business Internship | MAN 6946 | 2 |
* Each internship will last one semester. One internship will be science oriented with the student working directly with research scientists. The second will involve working on the business and administrative side of the company or institute, including technology transfer and business development offices. The goal is to place students in one of the biomedical institutes (e.g., Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Institute) or an emerging biotechnology business.
Science Courses
Choose15 credits from the list below. May require instructor permission or prerequisites.** |
||
Biochemistry of the Gene | BCH 5415 | 3 |
Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 6740 | 3 |
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology | BSC 6408L | 3 |
Practical Cell Neuroscience | BSC 6417C | 3 |
Computer Graphics for Biologists | BSC 6455 | 3 |
Bioinformatics | BSC 6458C | 4 |
Scientific Communication (Note: Priority enrollment given to Integrative Biology Ph.D. students) | BSC 6846 | 3 |
Special Topics | BSC 6936 | 3 |
Advanced Molecular Genetics of Aging | PCB 5245 | 3 |
Advanced Genetics Lab | PCB 5064L | 3 |
Genes and Development | PCB 6595 | 3 |
Advanced Cell Physiology | PCB 6207 | 3 |
Advanced Immunology | PCB 6236 | 3 |
Climate Change: Ecosystems to Human Health | PCB 6409 | 3 |
RNS Biology and Disease | PCB 6525 | 3 |
Reproductive Endocrinology | PCB 6804 | 3 |
Advanced Neurophysiology Lab | PCB 6837L | 3 |
Cellular Neuroscience and Disease | PCB 6849 | 3 |
Special Topics, including Macromolecular Structure and Function and Protein Misfolding and Disease (3 credits each) | PCB 6933 | 6 |
Principles of Neuroscience | PSB 6037 | 3 |
Developmental Neurobiology | PSB 6515 | 3 |
Human Neuroanatomy | ZOO 6748 | 3 |
Structural Biochemistry | CHM 6351 | 3 |
Instrumentation | CHM 6157 | 3 |
Macromolecules and Human Disease | GMS 6301 | 3 |
Host Defense and Inflammation | MCB 6208 | 3 |
Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology | PCB 5532 | 3 |
Human Genetics | PCB 6665 | 3 |
Autonomic Function and Diseases | BMS 6523 | 3 |
Molecular Basis of Disease and Therapy | GMS 6302 | 3 |
Neurobiology of Addiction | PCB 5844 | 3 |
Molecular Basis of Human Cancer | PCB 6235 | 3 |
Problem-Based Immunology | PCB 6238 | 3 |
Tumor Immunology | PCB 6239 | 3 |
Adult Neurogenesis | PCB 6846 | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry | BCH 6930 | 3 |
Brain Diseases: Mechanism and Therapy | BMS 6736 | 3 |
Advanced Plant Biotechnology | BOT 6735C | 3 |
Advanced Drug Development | CHM 6277C | 3 |
Drug Design | CHM 6278 | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry | CHM 6380 | 3 |
Advanced Drug Formulation | CHM 6279C | 3 |
Pharmacology | GMS 6513 | 3 |
Special Topics | ISC 6930 | 1-3 |
Neurophysiology | PCB 6835C | 3 |
Special Topics | PCB 6933 | 1-8 |
** The science courses are electives, and their selection will vary depending on student demand, resources, faculty and new courses being developed. The list of science courses above would be appropriate for a student in this program. Other science courses can be taken as science electives with the approval of the faculty advisor.
Business Courses - 9 credits required |
||
Financial Accounting Concepts | ACG 6027 | 3 |
Technology Commercialization Strategies | ENT 6186 | 3 |
Developing and Marketing Innovations | MAR 6837 | 3 |
Advanced Marketing Management | MAR 6815 | 3 |
Marketing Functions/Processes | MAR 6055 | 3 |
Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital | ENT 6428 | 3 |
Leadership and Organizations | MAN 6296 | 3 |
Human Resources Management | MAN 6156 | 3 |
Advanced Business Plan Development | ENT 6116 | 3 |
Project Management | MAN 6581 | 3 |
Cross-Cultural Managment and Human Resources | MAN 6609 | 3 |
Important comment about courses. The list of business courses shown above reflect those currently listed in the University Catalog. Availability will vary depending on the offerings in each department. New courses may have been added since this information was published. Appropriate business courses can be taken as business electives with the approval of the student's graduate program advisor.
For additional information about this degree program, contact David Binninger,
binninge@fau.edu.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Faculty:
Cudic, P., Chair; Allani, S. K.; Ande, P.; Chamely-Wiik, D. M.; Cudic, M.; Du, D.; Fields, G. B.; Haces, A. M.; Haky, J. E., Emeritus; Huchital, D. H.; Lepore, S.; Louda, J. W.; Merk, V.; Rezler, E. M.; Roche, S. P.; Sempertegui, T.; Snyder, P. A.; Stawikowski, M.; Terentis, A. C.; Weissbach, H., Emeritus; West, L.; Wiesenfeld, J. R., Emeritus; Yildirim, I.
Accreditation: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor of Science program with a curriculum that is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.
Chemistry is the central science encompassing elements of physics, biology and mathematics as well as unique elements of its own. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers three undergraduate degree programs in Chemistry (one B.A. and two B.S.), which are designed to focus on individual student interests, and an Honors Program in Chemistry. A certificate program in Pharmaceutical Technology is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry. A Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program in Chemistry (PREPChem) certificate program is also offered. At the master's level, the department offers a Master of Science in Chemistry (M.S.) and a Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.). A doctoral degree program in Chemistry (Ph.D.) is also available.
Link to Doctoral Program
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is a liberal arts degree intended for students planning professional careers in chemistry-related professions. These include health professions (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), environmental consulting, technical sales and secondary school teaching. This degree is often pursued by students studying in related disciplines (e.g., biological sciences, geology, neuroscience and behavior) who wish to obtain a second major or a second degree.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are designed for students preparing for professional careers as chemists in industry, government or academic research. Students interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies in chemistry, biochemistry or related fields should also follow one of the B.S. degree programs.
Two B.S. degree programs in Chemistry are offered:
- The ACS-Approved B.S. Program offers a rigorous program of study in all aspects of inorganic, organic, analytical, biochemical and physical chemistry. Its curriculum corresponds to certification guidelines of the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS). An ACS-certified degree can offer advantages in job placement and graduate school admission.
- The B.S. Program with a Concentration in Biochemistry is designed for students pursuing careers in biochemistry and related disciplines, such as molecular biology, biophysics and pharmacology. Additionally, premedical students who wish to pursue a research-oriented curriculum might be interested in this program.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Core Curriculum
All Chemistry majors must take a minimum of 16 credits of chemistry at Florida Atlantic University. The following courses are required for all Chemistry majors:
Biochemistry 1 | BCH 3033 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 | CHM 2045 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 Lab | CHM 2045L | 1 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 Lab | CHM 2046L | 1 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry Lab | CHM 2211L | 2 |
Quantitative Analysis | CHM 3120 | 2 |
Quantitative Analysis Lab | CHM 3120L | 2 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
General Physics 2 Lab | PHY 2049L | 1 |
Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
In addition to the core curriculum, the B.A. degree program requires the following courses:
Biochemistry Lab | BCH 3103L | 3 |
Introduction to Physical Chemistry | CHM 3400 | 3 or |
Physical Chemistry 1 | CHM 3410 | 3 |
Inorganic Chemistry | CHM 3609 | 3 |
Inorganic Chemistry Lab | CHM 3609L | 1 |
College Algebra | MAC 1105 | 3 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 4 or |
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 3 |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 4 or |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 3 |
Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
ACS-Approved Program
In addition to the core curriculum, the ACS-Approved B.S. degree program requires the following courses.
Chemical Literature | CHM 3060 | 1 |
Physical Chemistry 1 | CHM 3410 | 3 |
Physical Chemistry 1 Lab | CHM 3410L | 2 |
Physical Chemistry 2 | CHM 3411 | 3 |
Physical Chemistry 2 Lab | CHM 3411L | 2 |
Inorganic Chemistry | CHM 3609 | 3 |
Inorganic Chemistry Lab | CHM 3609L | 1 |
Bioanalytical Instrumentation | CHM 4139 | 2 |
Bioanalytical Instrumentation Lab | CHM 4139L | 2 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 2 | MAC 2312 | 4 |
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 4 |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 4 |
Choose one of the following. | ||
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 3 | MAC 2313 | 3 |
Differential Equations 1 | MAP 2302 | 3 |
Choose three of the following. | ||
Biochemistry 2 | BCH 3034 | 3 |
RI: Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 4035 | 3 |
Environmental Chemistry | CHM 3080 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 3 | CHM 4220 | 3 |
RI: Introduction to Drug Design |
CHM 4273 | 3 |
Introduction to Drug Development | CHM 4274C | 3 |
RI: Structural Biochemistry | CHM 4350 | 3 |
Materials Chemistry | CHM 4714 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | CHM 4905 | 3 |
Directed Independent Research in Chemistry | CHM 4915 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Chemistry | CHM 4916 | 0-3 |
Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biochemistry Concentration
In addition to the core curriculum, the B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry concentration) program requires the following courses.
Biochemistry 2 | BCH 3034 | 3 |
Biochemistry Lab | BCH 3103L | 3 |
RI: Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 4035 | 3 |
Biological Principles | BSC 1010 | 3 |
Biological Principles Lab | BSC 1010L | 1 |
Chemical Literature | CHM 3060 | 1 |
Physical Chemistry 1 | CHM 3410 | 3 |
Physical Chemistry 1 Lab | CHM 3410L | 2 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
Experimental Design and Statistical Inference | PSY 3234 | 3 |
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 4 or |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 4 |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 4 or |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 4 |
Choose a minimum of one of the following. | ||
Environmental Chemistry | CHM 3080 | 3 |
Inorganic Chemistry | CHM 3609 | 3 |
Inorganic Chemistry Lab | CHM 3609L | 1 |
Bioanalytical Instrumentation | CHM 4139 | 2 |
Bioanalytical Instrumentation Lab | CHM 4139L | 2 |
Organic Chemistry 3 | CHM 4220 | 2 |
RI: Introduction to Drug Design | CHM 4273 | 3 |
Introduction to Drug Development | CHM 4274C | 3 |
RI: Structural Biochemistry | CHM 4350 | 3 |
Materials Chemistry | CHM 4714 | 3 |
Choose a minimum of one of the following. | ||
General Microbiology | MCB 3020 | 3 |
General Microbiology Lab | MCB 3020L | 1 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 3 |
Cell Biology | PCB 3023 | 3 |
Biological Bases of Behavior | PSB 3002 | 3 |
Choose a minimum of one of the following. | ||
Seminar | BSC 4932 | 1 |
Directed Independent Study | CHM 4905 | 1-3 |
Science Internship | IDS 3941 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Chemistry | CHM 4915 | 1-3 |
Directed Independent Research in Chemistry | CHM 4916 | 0-3 |
Additional courses for Pre-Professional majors:
Required | ||
Biodiversity | BSC 1011 | 3 |
Biodiversity Lab | BSC 1011L | 1 |
Suggested Electives | ||
Comparative Animal Behavior | CBH 4024 | 3 |
Medical Shadowing Internship | IDS 3940 | 1 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 | PCB 3703 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 1 Lab | PCB 3703L | 1 or |
Comparative Vertebrate Morphology | ZOO 4690 | 3 |
Comparative Vertebrate Morphology Lab | ZOO 4690L | 1 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 | PCB 3704 | 3 |
Human Morphology and Function 2 Lab | PCB 3704L | 1 or |
Comparative Animal Physiology | PCB 4723 | 3 |
Comparative Animal Physiology Lab | PCB 4723L | 1 |
Secondary Education Program
A program leading to teacher certification in chemistry is available. For information, contact the Department of
Curriculum and Instruction
in the College of Education.
Honors Program in Chemistry
The Honors Program in Chemistry provides an enriched learning experience for high-performing students. The program focuses on the enhancement of research and communication skills required for scientists. Students gain a positive perspective on working in the interdisciplinary research field becoming prepared to continue their education in a graduate program or within the highly competitive STEM job market.
Admission Requirements
Students enter the Honors Program in Chemistry in one of two ways:
- Students who have not completed any upper-level courses are eligible to enter the program if they have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Students who have completed upper-level chemistry courses are eligible to enter the program if they have an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and are nominated by a faculty member.
Students must download and submit a completed application, along with all supporting documents on the checklist, in a single email to honorschemistry@fau.edu.
Standards for Maintaining Active Status
Students admitted to the Honors Program in Chemistry must maintain high academic and ethical standards. Students may be dismissed from the program if they fail to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0, fail to maintain a GPA of 3.3 in their major or violate the code of academic integrity. In the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the Honors Program, credits earned will be applied to a traditional bachelor’s degree in chemistry with no penalty.
Honors-Level Enrichment
Honors compacts apply to a total of at least three upper-level chemistry and biochemistry courses. Each of the honors compacts has established criteria including written assignments and an oral presentation. Honors compacts also require individual or group assignments. Chemical Literature, CHM 3060, for 1 credit with a supplemental honors component, is a required course for students in the program.
Capstone Experience
- The capstone experience consists of at least two semesters of Honors Directed Independent Research in Chemistry, CHM 4915, for a minimum of 2 credits; and
- A senior-level thesis must be produced by students taking CHM 4915 with an honors designation and they must register for Honors Thesis in Chemistry, CHM 4972, for credits. The thesis has additional criteria for which students should consult qualified research faculty members.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for Honors in Chemistry at graduation, students must have:
- Achieved an overall 3.0 GPA or higher;
- A Chemistry GPA of 3.3 or higher;
- Completed a minimum of three (7 credits) upper-level honors compacts; and
- Completed the Honors Thesis in Chemistry, CHM 4972 for 2 credits, obtaining a grade of “B+” or higher.
Pharmaceutical Technology
Undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 14 credits required)
The Pharmaceutical Technology certificate program provides students with a unique opportunity to understand the drug development process, emphasizing the roles that biology, chemistry, biochemical, analytical, formulation and regulatory issues play in the process of drug discovery.
This 14-credit certificate program is designed for individuals who have completed higher undergraduate level courses including Organic Chemistry 2 and Biochemistry 1. This certificate is also intended for individuals who plan to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Required Courses - 10 credits | ||
Bioanalytical Instrumentation | CHM 4139 | 2 |
Bioanalytical Instrumentation Lab | CHM 4139L | 2 |
RI: Introduction to Drug Design | CHM 4273 | 3 |
Introduction to Drug Development | CHM 4274C | 3 |
Elective Courses - 4 credits | ||
Biochemistry Laboratory | BCH 3103L | 3 |
RI: Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 4035 | 3 |
Seminar | BSC 4932 | 1 |
Organic Chemistry 3 | CHM 4220 | 3 |
Introduction to Drug Formulation | CHM 4276C |
3 |
RI: Structural Biochemistry | CHM 4350 | 3 |
Special Topics (i.e., Organic Spectroscopy) | CHM 4933 | 3 |
Special Topics (i.e., Chemical Biology) | CHM 4933 | 3 |
Science Internship | IDS 3941 | 1-3 |
Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program in Chemistry (PREPChem)
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 15 credits required)
The PREPChem certificate is intended for undergraduates who hold a recent bachelor’s degree and who have the desire to further build their knowledge and research skills to become more competitive candidates for admission to graduate school.
The program requires students to take traditional graduate courses in chemistry (9 credits) and undergraduate/graduate courses in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) (6 credits). AI is being used more frequently by chemists to perform various tasks and is becoming an integral part of modern drug discovery processes.
All required graduate courses, including Graduate Research, are offered through the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Data Science and AI courses are offered in the College of Science or the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Upon completion of 15 credits, students receive a post-baccalaureate certificate. When admitted to the M.S. or Ph.D. program in Chemistry at FAU, up to 12 graduate credits from this certificate program may be applied to the degree program. For questions concerning the transfer of credits to a degree program, contact the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Required Coursework | ||
Chemistry - 9 credits | ||
Introduction to Chemical Research | CHM 5944 | 1 |
Instrumentation | CHM 6157 | 3 |
Graduate Research | CHM 6918 | 4 |
Graduate Seminar | CHM 6935 | 1 |
Artificial Intelligence (6 credits) | ||
Applications of Artificial Intelligence | CAP 2603 | 3 |
Computational Foundations of Artificial Intelligence | CAP 5625 | 3 or |
Introduction to Data Science | CAP 5768 | 3 |
combined program
Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to Master of Science (M.S.)
combined program
(Minimum of 150 credits required)
The joint B.S./M.S. degree program allows students to complete both a B.S. degree and a non-thesis M.S. degree in Chemistry within five years. The combined degree program includes a minimum of 150 credits, where the undergraduate degree program requires 120 credits, and the graduate program requires 30 credits at graduate level. Students may count 12 credits of graduate coursework (5000 level or higher) taken as an undergraduate to satisfy both degrees. Students apply to the program during their junior year or upon completion of 60 credits in the B.S. in Chemistry program at FAU.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed 60 credits in the B.S. in Chemistry program at FAU and have a minimum undergraduate science GPA of 3.25. The GRE exam is not required.
Graduate Courses to Be Shared (12 credits)
Graduate courses that will count toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees must be at the 5000 level or higher. The application of 12 graduate credits to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees is justified because of the academic continuity of the two programs.
Graduate Core Courses Required for the M.S. Degree (10 credits)
All students must register for Introduction to Chemical Research (CHM 5944) once admitted into the program. To fulfill requirements for the M.S., students must also take the required core courses.
Required Core Courses - 10 credits | ||
Introduction to Chemical Research | CHM 5944 | 1 |
Bioanalytical Methods and Applications | CHM 6137 | 2 |
Kinetics and Energetics of Reactions | CHM 6720 | 3 |
Synthesis and Characterization | CHM 6730 | 3 |
Current Topics in Bioanalysis | CHM 6937 | 1 |
Graduate Elective Courses Required for the MS Degree (20 credits)
Students must take 20 credits of elective courses in Chemistry (5000 or 6000-level) to complete requirements for the MS degree Non-Thesis option.
Degree Requirements
Students admitted to the program will fulfill all the requirements for both the BS and MS degree.
Funding Opportunities
Students admitted to the program are eligible for financial support in the form of Pathways Scholarships offered through the Graduate College.
Master's Programs
Chemistry
Master of Science (M.S.)
Admission Requirements
In addition to the University's general graduate admission requirements, the typical prerequisite for admission to the Master of Science in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or its equivalent. Students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work, a "B" average in chemistry courses taken at the junior and senior undergraduate levels, or scores of at least 150 (verbal) and 152 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Exam.
Degree Program
Master of Science (M.S.) students will be required to complete the five core courses as well as three electives. These electives may be selected from graduate-level courses offered in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry or other departments in the University. Elective courses must be approved by the student's research advisory committee. Students must also write a thesis describing their research, which must be approved by the research advisory committee. The thesis must be defended successfully by the student in an oral exam with the research advisory committee. The student's research advisory committee must consist of at least three members, two of whom are members of the Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate faculty. One committee member must be from outside the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and must also hold an appointment to the graduate faculty. The minimum degree requirements are listed below. Students taking the non-thesis option may take a maximum of 3 credits of Graduate Research under the direction of a chemistry faculty member and are not required to have a research advisory committee.
Core Courses - 10 credits | ||
Introduction to Chemical Research | CHM 5944 | 1 |
Bioanalytical Methods and Applications | CHM 6137 | 2 |
Synthesis and Characterization | CHM 6730 | 3 |
Kinetics and Energetics of Reactions | CHM 6720 | 3 |
Current Topics in Bioanalysis | CHM 6937 | 1 |
Elective courses - 9 credits
Select three courses at the 5000, 6000 or 7000 level from the Chemistry Department |
9 | |
Thesis Option - 11 credits | ||
Graduate Seminar | CHM 6935 | 1 |
Master's Thesis | CHM 6971 | 10 |
Non-Thesis Option - 11 credits | ||
Graduate Seminar | CHM 6935 | 1 |
The remaining 10 credits will be taken from the following courses | ||
Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 6740 | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry | BCH 6930 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 3 | CHM 5224 | 3 |
Materials Chemistry | CHM 5716 | 3 |
Advanced Drug Development | CHM 6277C | 3 |
Drug Design | CHM 6278 | 3 |
Advanced Drug Formulation | CHM 6279C | 3 |
Structural Biochemistry | CHM 6351 | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry | CHM 6380 | 3 |
Medicinal Chemistry | CHM 6428 | 3 |
Graduate Research | CHM 6918 | 1-3 |
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Minimum Degree Total | 30 |
Chemistry
Master of Science (M.S.) Along the Way to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master’s en Passant
Ph.D. students wishing to earn the non-thesis master's degree along the way are required to have passed the Ph.D. candidacy exam and have completed the following courses:
Introduction to Chemical Research | CHM 5944 | 1 |
Bioanalytical Methods and Applications | CHM 6137 | 2 |
Current Topics in Bioanalysis | CHM 6937 | 1 |
Synthesis and Characterization | CHM 6730 | 3 |
Kinetics and Energetics of Reactions | CHM 6720 | 3 |
Graduate elective courses | 9 | |
Graduate seminar (non-thesis) | CHM 6935 | 1 |
Advanced Research in Chemistry (1 - 9 cr.) | CHM 7978 | 10 |
Minimum Degree Total | 30 |
Chemistry
Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.)
In addition to the University's general graduate admission requirements, the typical prerequisite for admission to the Master of Science in Teaching degree program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is the Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry or its equivalent. Students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work or scores of at least 148 (verbal) and 147 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Exam.
Degree Program
The M.S.T. in Chemistry program provides post-baccalaureate education for secondary teachers, community college instructors and other individuals who wish to pursue these careers. The degree program requires a minimum of 30 credits of graduate coursework. Students also perform independent study (graduate research) under the supervision of a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty member, typically with a chemical education theme, and culminating in the presentation of a graduate seminar. The minimum degree requirements are listed below.
Core Courses - 10 credits | ||
Introduction to Chemical Research | CHM 5944 | 1 |
Bioanalytical Methods and Applications | CHM 6137 | 2 |
Current Topics in Bioanalysis | CHM 6937 | 1 |
Synthesis and Characterization | CHM 6730 | 3 |
Kinetics and Energetics of Reactions | CHM 6720 | 3 |
Electives - 9 credits
Choose three courses from the following, maximum of 3 credits at the 5000 level |
||
Advanced Biochemistry | BCH 6740 | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry | BCH 6930 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 3 | CHM 5224 | 3 |
Materials Chemistry | CHM 5716 | 3 |
Advanced Organic Chemistry | CHM 6225 | 3 |
Advanced Drug Development | CHM 6277C | 3 |
Drug Design | CHM 6278 | 3 |
Advanced Drug Formulation | CHM 6279C | 3 |
Structural Biochemistry | CHM 6351 | 3 |
Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry | CHM 6380 | 3 |
Medicinal Chemistry | CHM 6428 | 3 |
Chemistry for Environmental Scientists | CHS 6611 | 3 |
Other Requirements - 5 credits | ||
Graduate Research (may be taken over multiple terms) | CHM 6918 | 4 |
Graduate seminar (non-thesis) | CHM 6935 | 1 |
Education Requirements - 6 credits Choose two courses from the College of Education. |
||
Minimum Degree Total | 30 |
Doctoral Program
Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Admission Requirements
The minimum admission requirements for the Ph.D. program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work, a "B" average in chemistry courses taken at the junior and senior undergraduate levels or scores of at last 150 (verbal) and 152 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Exam.
The Ph.D. program in Chemistry requires 80 credits, minimum.
Degree Program
Students will be required to complete five core courses as well as three electives. If students have completed graduate-level courses previously, they may be substituted for one or more electives at the discretion of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Programs Committee. Elective courses must be approved by the student's research advisory committee. Students must also complete Introduction to Chemical Research and present a seminar to the department (1 credit each). In addition to the courses listed below, Ph.D. students are required to earn Advanced Research in Chemistry (CHM 7978) credits until they are admitted to candidacy.
Core Courses - 10 credits | ||
Introduction to Chemical Research | CHM 5944 | 1 |
Bioanalytical Methods and Applications | CHM 6137 | 2 |
Synthesis and Characterization | CHM 6730 | 3 |
Kinetics and Energetics of Reactions | CHM 6720 | 3 |
Current Topics in Bioanalysis | CHM 6937 | 1 |
Electives - 9 credits - Select three courses at the 5000, 6000 or 7000 level from the Chemistry Department. May not select Graduate Research, CHM 6918, as an elective. | ||
Other Requirements - 36 credits | ||
Graduate Seminar (non-thesis) | CHM 6935 | 1 |
Research - up to 35 credits - Advanced Research in Chemistry credits are taken to fulfill full-time enrollment requirements while advancing toward candidacy | ||
Advanced Research in Chemistry | CHM 7978 | 1-9 |
Dissertation - 25 credits (minimum) - taken after admission to candidacy | ||
Dissertation (minimum) | CHM 7980 | 25 |
Minimum Degree Total | 80 |
Each student's research advisory committee must have at least four members, three of whom are members of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Ph.D. program's graduate faculty. One committee member must be from outside the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and have graduate faculty status.
Admission to Candidacy
The Candidacy Exam must be attempted within three months of finishing all coursework and successfully completed within five months. This exam will be specifically designed for each student by the student's research advisory committee according to department guidelines and will focus on the student's selected area of research. Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the Candidacy Exam and thereafter must enroll in CHM 7980, Dissertation.
Research Proposal
In addition to presenting a proposed plan for thesis research activities to the advisory committee, students must also complete an independent research proposal in a field distinct from their thesis research. This proposal is to be completed within three months of completing the Candidacy Exam. The goal of this exercise is for the student to prepare an original written research proposal and successfully defend this orally to his/her committee. This is designed to test the student's ability to identify and design a research project, which will test problem-solving skills and ability to distill relevant literature and design appropriate experiments to address specific research questions.
Dissertation
Students must also write a dissertation describing their research, which must be approved by the research advisory committee. The dissertation must be successfully defended by the student in an oral exam with the research advisory committee.
Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
(This program is being phased out and no longer accepting students.)
Faculty:
Perry, G. W., Interim Director; Kelso, J. A. S., Eminent Scholar in Science; Alexander, W.; Anzures, G.; Barenholtz, E.; Blanks, J.; Bressler, S.; Engeberg, E.; Ester, E.; Fuchs, A.; Hock, H.; Hong, S.; Pandya, A. S.; Prentice, H. M.; Shen, W.; Sheremata, S.; Stackman, R.; Vertes, R. P.; Wu, J. Y.
Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
(Minimum of 80 credits required)
The Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences offers a Ph.D. degree that encompasses diverse areas of study. These areas are organized around a unifying conceptual framework that is both timely and exciting since the mathematical and computational tools of non-linear dynamics will provide major breakthroughs in the understanding of mind, brain and behavior. Students will acquire research skills in specific experimental systems in the brain and behavioral sciences while developing theoretical concepts and tools within a specially tailored graduate program.
Admission to Doctoral Study
In addition to meeting all of the University and College requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree must meet each of the following criteria:
- The student must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
- The student must have a quantitative score of 155 or higher on the Graduate Record Examination;
- The student must have a minimum 3.0 average in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work; and
- The student must be approved for admission to the program by the faculty of the Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete, with grades of "B" or better, a minimum of 80 graduate credits. This must include the following six core courses: Cognitive Neuroscience, Nonlinear Dynamic Systems, Methods in Complex Systems, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience and Systems and Integrative Neuroscience and Proseminar on Research in Complex Systems. Students must also participate in a weekly journal club. The remaining credits may be completed through additional courses, directed research and dissertation credits at the discretion of the student and advisor. A minimum of 12 dissertation credits is required. In addition, the student must complete a research paper, directed by program faculty, by the end of the second year.
A central requirement for the Ph.D. degree program is submission and defense of a dissertation based on original work in an area of specialization acceptable to the student's doctoral committee. Approval of a dissertation proposal by the doctoral committee must precede the experimental and/or theoretical work required.
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to doctoral candidacy depends on the student's successful completion of the core coursework, successful completion of the qualifying research paper, satisfactory annual reviews of the student's progress by program faculty and selection of a program faculty member who is willing to chair the student's doctoral dissertation.
Transfer Credits
Any transfer credits toward requirements for the Ph.D. degree program must be approved by the program faculty as well as by the University. A maximum of 30 credits may be transferred.
Core Courses - 18 credits | ||
Nonlinear Dynamic Systems | ISC 5453 | 3 |
Cognitive Neuroscience | ISC 5465 | 3 |
Methods in Complex Systems | ISC 6450 | 3 |
Proseminar in Research in Complex Systems | ISC 6937 | 3 |
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | PSB 6345 | 3 |
Systems and Integrative Neuroscience | PSB 6346 | 3 |
Electives - 9 credits
Choose 9 credits from the following prefixes: EXP, ISC, PSB, and PSY |
9 | |
Other Requirements - 41 credits
Choose 41 credits from additional graduate courses, directed independent study (ISC 6908) and dissertation credits (ISC 7980) as approved by the advisor |
41 | |
Dissertation - 12 credits | ||
Dissertation (taken over multiple terms) | ISC 7980 | 12 |
Minimum Degree Total | 80 |
Environmental Science
(See
Interdisciplinary Programs
at the beginning of this Charles E. Schmidt College of Science section for the undergraduate Environmental Science certificate, the graduate Environmental Restoration certificate and the Master of Science with Major in Environmental Science.)
Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Faculty:
Zourdos, M.,
Chair; Boerum, C.; Canteri, L.; Graves, B. S.; Hall, M.; Huang, C-J.; Khamoui, A.; Papania, M.; Penhollow, T.; Pyka, I.; Visavadiya, N.; Whitehurst, M.; Zoeller, R.
Purpose/Mission Statement
The Department of Exercise Science Health Promotion (ESHP) offers interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to prepare students for careers in clinical, corporate and community/nonprofit-based physical fitness and health promotion, postgraduate study in applied health sciences (e.g., physical therapy physician assistant) as well as advanced study in human biology/physiology. Whether in the role of practitioner or scientist, the ESHP graduate is uniquely prepared to influence the health and well-being of their fellow citizens. Importantly, the impact of ESHP graduates includes the potential to reduce healthcare costs when those they touch adopt a healthy lifestyle and dramatically reduce the occurrence and severity of diseases (obesity, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer) associated with sedentary living.
Link to Combined Programs
Link to Master's Program
Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Exercise Physiology Concentration
Pre-Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Concentration
To be eligible for the B.S., all Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors must complete all ESHP upper division and prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better. Upon completion of the Exercise Science and Health Promotion baccalaureate program, students will be prepared to take the American College of Sports Medicine examination for the Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association examination for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).
General Admission Requirements
- Satisfy all University and program entrance requirements;
- Satisfy the General Education Program requirements;
- Meet with your assigned ESHP advisor each semester.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Concentrations
The B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion offers two concentrations:
- Exercise Physiology
- Pre-Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (Pre-PT/OT)
Undergraduate Program Lower-Division Requirements for Exercise Physiology Concentration
The Exercise Physiology concentration is available in person or fully online. Students planning on majoring in Exercise Science and Health Promotion can satisfy some University and general education requirements while simultaneously satisfying ESHP program requirements. All prerequisite courses require a grade of "C" or better. The following prerequisites or their equivalents are required for all ESHP majors in the Exercise Physiology concentration:
Required Prerequisite Courses | ||
Health, Fitness for Life | HSC 2100 | 2 |
First Aid and CPR | HSC 2400 | 2 |
Mathematics | ||
College Algebra | MAC 1105 | 3 |
Information Systems Fundamentals | ISM 2000 | 3 |
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Social Sciences | ||
Anatomy/Physiology 1 and 2 (including labs) | BSC 2085, 2085L and BSC 2086, 2086L | 8 |
General Chemistry 1 (including lab) | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
General Psychology | PSY 1012 | 3 |
PEM/PEN courses (2 separate) 1 to 2 credits each | 2-4 | |
Sciences (Natural) | 3 |
Note: Both Biochemistry and General Physics are recommended for students planning on graduate study.
Upper-Division Requirements | ||
Third Year Fall Semester - 16 credits | ||
Exercise Physiology 1
|
APK 4110 | 3 |
Exercise Lab Techniques
|
APK 4110L | 1 |
Perspectives in Health | HSC 3102 | 3 |
Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | PET 3102 | 3 |
Nutrition in Health and Exercise | PET 3361 | 3 |
Elective 1 | Varies | 3 |
Spring Semester - 16 credits | ||
Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 4134 | 3 |
Health Promotion | HSC 4581 | 3 |
Applications of Training Physiology 1 | PEP 3192 | 3 |
Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 4550 | 4 |
Elective 2 | Varies | 3 |
Fourth Year Fall Semester - 16 credits | ||
Applications of Training Physiology 2 | PEP 4138 | 3 |
Neurophysiology of Human Movement | PET 3050 | 3 |
Biomechanics | PET 4340C | 4 |
Elective 3 | Varies | 3 |
Elective 4 | Varies | 3 |
Spring Semester - 12 credits | ||
Internship (permission required and all required courses must be completed) | PET 4946 | 3-9 |
Elective 5 | Varies | 3 |
Electives |
||
Biological Principles | BSC 1010 | 3 |
Biodiversity | BSC 1011 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Psychopathology | CLP 4144 | 3 |
Psychology of Human Development | DEP 3053 | 3 |
Health Care Medical Terminology | HSA 3534 | 3 |
Stress Management | HSC 4104 | 3 |
Sexual Health Peer Education | HSC 4133 | 3 |
Weight Management | HSC 4139 | 3 |
Substance Abuse | HSC 4143 | 3 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Tactical Strength and Conditioning | PET 4093 | 3 |
Obesity: Biological, Psychological and Cultural Factors |
PET 4263 | 3 |
Management Principles in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 4404 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study (faculty supervision required) |
PET 4905 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 4930 | 3 |
Practicum in Exercise Science and Health Promotion |
PET 4947 | 3 |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 3 |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 3 |
Sociological Perspectives | SYG 1000 | 3 |
Undergraduate Program Lower-Division Requirements for Pre-Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Concentration
Students planning on majoring in Exercise Science and Health Promotion can satisfy some University and general education requirements while simultaneously satisfying ESHP program requirements. All prerequisite courses require a grade of "C" or better. The following prerequisites or their equivalents are required for all ESHP majors
in the Pre-PT/OT concentration. This concentration is available in person only with some online course options.
Note:
All students are advised to take Methods of Calculus (MAC 2233) instead of Information Systems Fundamentals (ISM 2000) because MAC 2233 is a prerequisite for the required course, College Physics 1
(PHY 2053).
Required Prerequisite Courses | ||
Health, Fitness for Life | HSC 2100 | 2 |
First Aid and CPR | HSC 2400 | 2 |
Mathematics | ||
College Algebra | MAC 1105 | 3 |
Information Systems Fundamentals | ISM 2000 | 3 or |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Social Sciences | ||
Anatomy/Physiology 1 and 2 (including labs) | BSC 2085, 2085L and BSC 2086, 2086L | 8 |
General Chemistry 1 (including lab) | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
General Psychology | PSY 1012 | 3 |
PEM/PEN courses (2 separate) 1 to 2 credits each | 2-4 | |
Sciences (Natural) | 3 |
Note:
Students must have at least 45 credits of 3000 level or higher courses. Students are advised to be cognizant of the courses required for their potential PT or OT program. College Physics 2 is often required. In this case, the remaining 11 electives after College Physics 2 should be taken at the 3000 level or higher to meet the 45\-credit rule.
Upper-Division Requirements | ||
Third Year Fall Semester - 16 credits | ||
Biological Principles | BSC 1010 | 3 |
Biological Principles | BSC 1010L | 1 |
Perspectives in Health | HSC 3102 | 3 |
Introduction to Health and Exercise Science | PET 3102 | 3 |
Nutrition in Health and Exercise | PET 3361 | 3 |
Elective 1 | Varies | 3 |
Spring Semester - 16 credits | ||
Exercise Physiology 1 | APK 4110 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 Lab | CHM 2046L | 1 |
Psychopathology | CLP 4144 | 3 |
Applications of Training Physiology 1 | PEP 3192 | 3 |
Elective 2 | Varies | 3 |
Fourth Year Fall Semester - 18 credits | ||
Exercise Lab Techniques | APK 4110L | 1 |
Neurophysiology of Human Movement | PET 3050 | 3 |
Biomechanics | PET 4340C | 4 |
College Physics 1 | PHY 2053 | 4 |
Elective 3 | Varies | 3 |
Elective 4 | Varies | 3 |
Spring Semester - 12 credits | ||
Internship (permission required and all required courses must be completed) | PET 4946 | 3-9 |
Elective 5 | Varies | 3 |
Electives |
||
Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 4134 | 3 |
Biodiversity | BSC 1011 | 3 |
Biodiversity Lab | BSC 1011L | 1 |
Organic Chemistry 1 | CHM 2210 | 3 |
Organic Chemistry 2 | CHM 2211 | 3 |
Psychopathology | CLP 4144 | 3 |
Psychology of Human Development | DEP 3053 | 3 |
Health Care Medical Terminology | HSA 3534 | 3 |
Stress Management | HSC 4104 | 3 |
Sexual Health Peer Education | HSC 4133 | 3 |
Weight Management | HSC 4139 | 3 |
Substance Abuse | HSC 4143 | 3 |
Health Promotion | HSC 4581 | 3 |
General Microbiology | MCB 3020 | 3 |
General Microbiology Lab | MCB 3020L | 1 |
General Pathophysiology | NUR 4125 | 3 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 4 |
Applications of Training Physiology 2 | PEP 4138 | 3 |
Tactical Strength and Conditioning | PET 4093 | 3 |
Obesity: Biological, Psychological and Cultural Factors |
PET 4263 | 3 |
Management Principles in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 4404 | 3 |
Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 4550 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study (faculty supervision required) |
PET 4905 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 4930 | 3 |
Practicum in Exercise Science and Health Promotion |
PET 4947 | 3 |
College Physics 2 | PHY 2054 | 3 |
Interpersonal Communication Skills | SDS 4410 | 3 |
Sociological Perspectives | SYG 1000 | 3 |
General Advice
- Meet with an ESHP-assigned advisor at least once each semester.
- Work with your ESHP advisor to complete and sign an official plan of study, "the contract" after meeting foreign language and Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) requirements; after receiving the College of Education welcome letter; and after attaining a "C" or better in all prerequisite courses for the ESHP program.
- Student must have current student professional liability insurance during the internship. See internship coordinator for specific information.
Program Completion Criteria
Students who elect to fulfill the University foreign language requirement in addition to the ESHP requirements will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. To be eligible for graduation, the student must satisfy all University, College, department and program requirements and complete the ESHP upper-division requirements and prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better in each course.
Combined Programs
Health Science to Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) to Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
This accelerated program leads to both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Students enrolled in the B.A. with Major in Health Science may only enter the combined program through the Health Promotion concentration. Students apply to the B.A./M.S. program in the first semester of their senior year and begin taking graduate courses during the last semester of their senior year; those courses would apply to both the B.A. and M.S. degrees. The combined degree program is 138 credits, regardless of thesis option. That is, 120 for the undergraduate degree and 18 for the additional credits in the health promotion graduate area within Exercise Science and Health Promotion (ESHP).
Students complete the undergraduate degree first. Up to12 credits of graduate work taken in the senior year can be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students wishing to apply to the accelerated M.S. program may do so in semester 10 of their undergraduate program. Students must achieve a “B” or higher in the three core courses (listed below) and have a 3.25 cumulative GPA in their academic work. This program may be useful for students wishing to enter a profession that requires a master’s degree; however, the department generally does not advise obtaining a B.A., if the goal is to obtain a Ph.D. eventually.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree program from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in theTransition Guides.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Requirements and Eligibility
In addition to the University and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science requirements, students seeking a B.A. in Health Science and M.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion (Health Promotion Track) must complete the following courses.
Undergraduate Health Science Core Curriculum
To meet University degree requirements, students in ESHP must also have completed required credits in courses outside the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
B.A./M.S. candidates must complete all core courses listed in the Bachelor of Science with Major in Health Science section of this catalog, along with the requirements for their specific track within Health Science.
Substitutions for required courses within the B.A. in Health Science program are allowed with prior approval from the department's undergraduate advising committee. Graduate courses are listed below.
Required Courses - 18 credits | ||
Personal and Community Health | HSC 5203 | 3 |
Evaluation of Health Promotion and Health Education Programs |
HSC 6115 | 3 |
Needs Assessment and Program Planning in Health Promotion |
HSC 6248 | 3 |
Epidemiological Basis of Health | HSC 6505 | 3 |
Health Behavior, Health Education and Health Promotion |
HSC 6585 | 3 |
Research and Evaluation | PET 6505C | 3 |
Electives - 12 credits Required courses for other tracks may be used for electives and/or students may choose from the following. |
||
Advanced Exercise Physiology 1 | APK 6111 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 6116 | 3 |
Advanced Sports Nutrition | HUN 6247 | 3 |
Drug Abuse Behavior | HSC 5156 | 3 |
Chronic Stress and Population Health | HSC 5177 | 3 |
Human Obesity | HSC 5178 | 3 |
Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion | HSC 5587 | 3 |
Exercise Neuroscience | PET 5077 | 3 |
Strength and Conditioning Program Design | PET 5391 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 5521 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 5930 | 1-4 |
Practical Applications in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 5947 | 1-3 |
Skeletal Muscle Physiology | PET 6382 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | PET 6905 | 1-5 |
Thesis option | 6 | |
Total |
30
credits
|
Read the following information thoroughly.
- A master's degree is a minimum of 30 credits.
- If choosing the thesis option, there could be a maximum of 6 additional credits.
- Up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (PET 6905) may be counted toward this degree.
- FAU students who applied through the accelerated B.S./M.S. program may count 12 credits for both degrees.
- Thesis students must adhere to thesis deadlines. See the ESHP graduate coordinator and thesis chair.
- All students must turn in a graduate application according to the FAU academic calendar.
Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
This accelerated program leads to both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Students apply to the B.S./M.S. program during their senior year and begin taking graduate courses during the first semester of their senior year. Those courses would apply to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. The combined degree program is either 138 or 144 credits depending on the graduate track or thesis versus non-thesis options. That is, 120 for the undergraduate degree and 18 (non-thesis), or 24 (thesis) additional credits for the graduate degree.
Students complete the undergraduate degree first. Up to 12 credits of graduate work taken in the senior year can be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students wishing to apply to the accelerated M.S. program may do so in semester 10 of their undergraduate program. Students must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA in their academic work.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree program from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Requirements and Eligibility
In addition to the University and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science requirements, students seeking a B.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and M.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion (Health Promotion Track) must complete the following courses.
Undergraduate Health Science Core Curriculum
To meet University degree requirements, students in ESHP must also have completed required credits in courses outside the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
Substitutions for required courses are allowed with prior approval from the department's undergraduate advising committee. Graduate courses are listed below.
Exercise Physiology - 18 credits | ||
Advanced Exercise Physiology 1 | APK 6111 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 6116 | 3 |
Advanced Sports Nutrition | HUN 6247 | 3 |
Exercise Neuroscience | PET 5077 | 3 |
Strength and Conditioning Program Design | PET 5391 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 5521 | 3 |
Research and Evaluation | PET 6505C | 3 |
Electives - 12 credits | ||
Drug Abuse Behavior | HSC 5156 | 3 |
Chronic Stress and Population Health | HSC 5177 | 3 |
Human Obesity | HSC 5178 | 3 |
Personal and Community Health | HSC 5203 | 3 |
Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion | HSC 5587 | 3 |
Evaluation of Health Promotion Education | HSC 6115 | 3 |
Needs Assessment and Program Planning in Health Promotion |
HSC 6248 | 3 |
Epidemiological Basis of Health | HSC 6505 | 3 |
Health Behavior, Health Education and Health Promotion |
HSC 6585 | 3 |
Exercise Neuroscience | PET 5077 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 5930 | 1-4 |
Practical Applications in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 5947 | 1-3 |
Skeletal Muscle Physiology | PET 6382 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | PET 6905 | 1-5 |
Thesis option | 6 | |
Total |
30 credits
|
|
Health Promotion (18 credits) | ||
Personal and Community Health | HSC 5203 | 3 |
Evaluation of Health Promotion and Health Education Programs |
HSC 6115 | 3 |
Needs Assessment and Program Planning in Health Promotion |
HSC 6248 | 3 |
Epidemiological Basis of Health | HSC 6505 | 3 |
Health Behavior, Health Education and Health Promotion |
HSC 6585 | 3 |
Research and Evaluation | PET 6505C | 3 |
Electives - 12 credits | ||
Advanced Exercise Physiology 1 | APK 6111 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 6116 | 3 |
Advanced Sports Nutrition | HUN 6247 | 3 |
Drug Abuse Behavior | HSC 5156 | 3 |
Chronic Stress and Population Health | HSC 5177 | 3 |
Human Obesity | HSC 5178 | 3 |
Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion | HSC 5587 | 3 |
Exercise Neuroscience | PET 5077 | 3 |
Strength and Conditioning Program Design | PET 5391 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 5521 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 5930 | 1-4 |
Practical Applications in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 5947 | 1-3 |
Skeletal Muscle Physiology | PET 6382 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | PET 6905 | 1-5 |
Thesis option | 6 | |
Total |
30 credits
|
Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Master of Science (M.S.)
Exercise Physiology Concentration
Health Promotion Concentration
The master's degree with major in Exercise Science and Health Promotion may be structured with a concentration in Exercise Physiology or Health Promotion. Both concentrations are offered online only.
Admission Requirements
- The student must meet College and University requirements.
- Any applicant seeking admission into the M.S. program with a major in Exercise Science and Health Promotion must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work attempted prior to receiving the bachelor's degree.
- Graduate students are required to have CITI certification
Exercise Physiology - 18 credits | ||
Advanced Exercise Physiology 1
|
APK 6111 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 6116 | 3 |
Advanced Sport Nutrition | HUN 6247 | 3 |
Strength and Conditioning Program Design | PET 5391 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 5521 | 3 |
Research and Evaluation | PET 6505C | 3 |
Electives - 12 credits | ||
Drug Abuse Behavior | HSC 5156 | 3 |
Chronic Stress and Population Health | HSC 5177 | 3 |
Human Obesity | HSC 5178 | 3 |
Personal and Community Health | HSC 5203 | 3 |
Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion | HSC 5587 | 3 |
Evaluation of Health Promotion and Health Education Programs | HSC 6115 | 3 |
Needs Assessment and Program Planning in Health Promotion | HSC 6248 | 3 |
Epidemiological Basis of Health | HSC 6505 | 3 |
Health Behavior, Health Education and Health Promotion | HSC 6585 | 3 |
Exercise Neuroscience | PET 5077 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 5930 | 1-4 |
Practical Applications in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 5947 | 1-3 |
Skeletal Muscle Physiology | PET 6382 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | PET 6905 | 1-5 |
Thesis option | 6 | |
Total |
30
credits
|
Health Promotion - 18 credits | ||
Personal and Community Health | HSC 5203 | 3 |
Evaluation of Health Promotion and Health Education Programs |
HSC 6115 | 3 |
Needs Assessment and Program Planning in Health Promotion |
HSC 6248 | 3 |
Epidemiological Basis of Health | HSC 6505 | 3 |
Health Behavior, Health Education and Health Promotion |
HSC 6585 | 3 |
Research and Evaluation | PET 6505C | 3 |
Electives - 12 credits | ||
Advanced Exercise Physiology 1 | APK 6111 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology 2 | APK 6116 | 3 |
Advanced Sports Nutrition | HUN 6247 | 3 |
Drug Abuse Behavior | HSC 5156 | 3 |
Chronic Stress and Population Health | HSC 5177 | 3 |
Human Obesity | HSC 5178 | 3 |
Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion | HSC 5587 | 3 |
Exercise Neuroscience | PET 5077 | 3 |
Strength and Conditioning Program Design | PET 5391 | 3 |
Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription | PET 5521 | 3 |
Special Topics | PET 5930 | 1-4 |
Practical Applications in Exercise Science and Health Promotion | PET 5947 | 1-3 |
Skeletal Muscle Physiology | PET 6382 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | PET 6905 | 1-5 |
Thesis option | 6 | |
Total |
30
credits
|
Read the following information thoroughly:
- A master's degree is a minimum of 30 credits.
- If choosing the thesis option, there could be a maximum of 6 additional credits.
- Up to 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (PET 6905) may be counted toward this degree.
- FAU students who applied through the accelerated B.S./M.S. program may count 12 credits for both degrees.
- Thesis students must adhere to thesis deadlines. See the ESHP graduate coordinator and thesis chair.
- All students must turn in a graduate application according to the FAU academic calendar.
- Advanced Exercise Physiology courses are not sequential.
Geosciences
Faculty:
Briggs, T. R., Chair; Berry, L., Emeritus; Comas, X.; Fadiman, M.; Gammack-Clark, J.; Hindle, T.; Ivy, R. L.; Johanson, E.; Liu. W.; Markwith, S.; Oleinik, A.; Petuch, E. J., Emeritus; Polsky, C.; Prokocki, E.; Restrepo, J. I., Emeritus; Roberts, C. E., Emeritus; Xie, Z.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, X.; Zhu, Y.
The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduate degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Geosciences. Minors in Geography, Geographic Information Science and Geology are also available as well as two certificate programs in Geographic Information Systems. Descriptions and requirements for all these programs follow.
A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses taken in the department that are part of the minimum degree requirements.
Students who enter FAU as freshmen and major in Geosciences must meet the University's General Education Program requirements as listed in the
Degree Requirements section
of this catalog. All Geosciences students seeking the B.A. or B.S. degree must also meet the University's foreign language requirement as listed in the Degree Requirements section.
In the graduate area, Geosciences offers a Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Geosciences. This program offers a thesis and non-thesis option. The department also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geosciences and two graduate certificates, one in Geographic Information Systems and the other in Remote Sensing. Descriptions of all these programs are provided below.
Link to Bachelor of Arts in Geosciences
Link to Bachelor of Science in Geosciences
Link to Undergraduate Certificates
Link to Combined B.S./M.S. in Geosciences
Link to Master's Program in Geosciences
Link to Graduate Certificates
Link to Doctoral Program in Geosciences
Geosciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Geography Concentration
Geology Concentration
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
The Geosciences core courses below (10 credits) are required of all students for the B.A. in Geosciences. Students then choose between a concentration in either Geography or Geology. The Geography concentration is available in person or fully online. The Geology concentration is available in person only.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Geosciences Core Courses (required of all students) | ||
Weather, Climate and Climate Change |
MET 2010 |
3 |
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Introduction to Mapping and GIS | GIS 3015C | 3 |
Geosciences Honors Colloquium | GEO 4920 | 1 |
Core Total | 10 |
Geography Concentration
In addition to the Geosciences core courses noted above, students selecting the Geography Concentration
are required to complete the GeographyConcentration core courses (12 credits) noted below. Students then select 33-34 credits from the three areas of emphasis (Environmental Systems, Human Systems and GIScience). A minimum of 6 credits must be chosen from each area. Total credits for the B.A. in Geosciences with a Geography Concentration are 55-56 credits.
Geography Concentration Core Courses | ||
World Geography | GEA 2000 | 3 |
Introduction to Physical Geography | GEO 2200C | 3 |
Quantitative Methods | GEO 4022 | 3 |
RI: Human-Environmental Interactions in South Florida | GEA 4275 | 3 |
Core Total | 12 |
Areas of Emphasis Choose 33-34 credits from the emphasis areas below with a minimum of 6 credits from each. |
||
Environmental Systems | ||
The Blue Planet | ESC 2000 | 3 |
Introduction to Coastal Freshwater Resources | EVR 4453 | 3 |
Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
History of the Earth and Life | GLY 2100 | 3 |
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science | ESC 3704 | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Water Resources | GEO 4280C | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 4300 | 3 |
Geomorphology | GLY 4700C | 3 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Atmospheric Hazards | MET 3052 | 3 |
Tropical Climatology | MET 3112 | 3 |
Climate Data Applications | MET 4142 | 3 |
Human Systems | ||
Climate Change: Myths, Realities and Solutions | EVR 3114 | 3 |
Hazards, Climate and People | EVR 4112 | 3 |
Culture and Environment: Latin America and the Caribbean | GEA 4405 | 3 |
American Cultural Landscape | GEO 4422 | 3 |
Tourism and Commercial Recreation | GEO 4542 | 3 |
Urban Geography | GEO 4602 | 3 |
Transportation and Spatial Organization | GEO 4700 | 3 |
GIScience | ||
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation | GIS 4021C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 4037C | 3 |
Principles of GIS | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Applications in GIS | GIS 4048C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 4054C | 3 |
Programming in GIS | GIS 4102C | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 4118 | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 4115C | 3 |
Areas of Emphasis Total | 33-34 |
Geology Concentration
In addition to the Geosciences core courses noted above (10 credits), students selecting the Geology Concentration are required to complete a Science core (19 credits), the Geology Concentration core (10 credits), and Geosciences electives (18-22 credits) as noted below. Total credits for the B.A. in Geosciences with a Geology Concentration are 57-61 credits.
Science Core Courses | ||
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010/1010L | 4 or |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011/1011L | 4 |
College Algebra | MAC 1105 | 3 |
Introduction to Astronomy | AST 2002 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
General or College Physics and Lab | PHY 2048 or PHY 2053 and 2048L |
5 |
Science Core Total | 19 |
Geology Concentration Core Courses | ||
Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
History of the Earth and Life | GLY 2100 | 3 |
Geology Field Methods | GLY 4750C | 3 |
Core Total | 10 |
Geosciences Electives Choose six courses from the list below to total 18 - 22 credits. |
||
Paleontology | GLY 3603C | 3 |
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science |
ESC 3704 | 3 |
Introduction to Coastal Freshwater Resources | EVR 4453 | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 4241 | 3 |
Water Resources | GEO 4280C | 3 |
Mineralogy and Petrology | GLY 4310C | 4 |
Structural Geology | GLY 4400C | 4 |
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | GLY 4500C | 4 |
Geomorphology | GLY 4700C | 3 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Geosciences Electives Total | 18-21 |
Geosciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Climate Change Concentration
Geography Concentration
Geology Concentration
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
The Geosciences core courses below (11 credits) are required of all students for the B.S. in Geosciences. Students then choose one of three concentrations: Climate Change, Geography or Geology. The Geography concentration is available in person or fully online. The other concentrations are available in person only.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Geosciences Core Courses (required of all students) | ||
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
Introduction to Mapping and GIS | GIS 3015C | 3 |
Geosciences Honors Colloquium | GEO 4920 | 1 |
Core Total | 11 |
Climate Change Concentration
In addition to the Geosciences core courses noted above (11 credits), students selecting the Climate Change Concentration are required to complete a Science core (9-11 credits), the Climate Change Concentration core (30 credits), and Geosciences and Interdisciplinary electives (21 credits) as noted below. Total credits for the B.S. in Geosciences with a Climate Change Concentration are 71-73 credits.
Science Core Courses | ||
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010/1010L | 4 or |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011/1011L | 4 or |
Life Science and Life Science Lab or RI: Life Science Lab |
BSC 1005/1005L | 3 |
The Blue Planet | ESC 2000 | 3 or |
Introduction to Physical Geography | GEO 2200C | 3 or |
Physical Geology / Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Science Core Total | 9-11 |
Climate Change Concentration Core Courses | ||
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science | ESC 3704 | 3 |
Climate Change: The Human Dimensions |
EVR 1110 |
3 |
Climate Change: Myths, Realities and Solutions | EVR 3114 | 3 |
Hazards, Climate and People | EVR 4112 | 3 |
Quantitative Methods | GEO 4022 | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Weather, Climate and Climate Change | MET 2010 | 3 |
Atmospheric Hazards | MET 3052 | 3 |
Tropical Climatology | MET 3112 | 3 |
Core Total | 30 |
Geosciences and Interdisciplinary Electives Choose 21 credits from the courses below. |
||
Conservation Biology | BSC 3052 | 3 |
Climate Change Biology: Ecosystems to Human Health | BSC 4307 | 3 |
Microeconomic Principles | ECO 2023 | 3 |
Environmental Economics | ECP 4302 | 3 |
Environmental Science and Engineering | ENV 3001C | 3 |
RI: Human-Environmental Interactions in South Florida | GEA 4275 | 3 |
Sea-Level Rise: Impacts and Responses | GEO 3342 | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 4115C | 3 |
Water Resources | GEO 4280C | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 4300 | 3 |
Directed Independent Research in Geosciences | GEO 4915 | 1-6 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 4241 | 3 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Directed Independent Study | GLY 4905 | 1-3 |
Comparative Environmental Politics | INR 4054 | 3 |
Global Environmental Politics and Policies | INR 4350 | 3 |
Climate Data Applications | MET 4142 | 3 |
Disaster and Emergency Management | PAD 4393 | 3 |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Sociology of Climate and Disaster | SYP 4464 | 3 |
RI: Sustainable Cities | URP 4403 | 3 |
Environmental Planning Methods | URP 4420 | 3 |
Planning for Hazards/Disasters | URP 4430 | 3 |
Geosciences and Interdisciplinary Electives Total | 21 |
Geography
Concentration
In addition to the Geosciences core courses noted above, students selecting the Geography Concentration are required to complete a Science core (7 credits), the Geography Concentration core (24 credits), and Geosciences electives (30-31 credits) as noted below. Total credits for the B.S. in Geosciences with a Geography Concentration are 72-73 credits.
Science Core Courses | ||
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010/1010L | 4 or |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011/1011L | 4 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Science Core Total | 7 |
Geography Concentration Core Courses | ||
World Geography | GEA 2000 | 3 |
Introduction to Physical Geography | GEO 2200C | 3 |
Weather, Climate and Climate Change |
MET 2010 |
3 |
Quantitative Methods | GEO 4022 | 3 |
Principles of GIS | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
RI: Human-Environmental Interactions in South Florida | GEA 4275 | 3 |
Biogeography | GEO 4300 | 3 |
Core Total | 24 |
Geosciences Electives Choose 30-31 credits from the courses below. |
||
The Blue Planet | ESC 2000 | 3 |
Introduction to Coastal Freshwater Resources | EVR 4322 | 3 |
Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
History of the Earth and Life | GLY 2100 | 3 |
Climate Change: Myths, Realities and Solutions | EVR 3114 | 3 |
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science | ESC 3704 | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Applications in GIS | GIS 4048C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation | GIS 4021C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 4037C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 4054C | 3 |
Programming in GIS | GIS 4102C | 3 |
Hazards, Climate and People | EVR 4112 | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 4118 | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 4115C | 3 |
Water Resources | GEO 4280C | 3 |
Tourism and Commercial Recreation | GEO 4542 | 3 |
Urban Geography | GEO 4602 | 3 |
Transportation and Spatial Organization | GEO 4700 | 3 |
Geomorphology | GLY 4700C | 3 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Atmospheric Hazards | MET 3052 | 3 |
Tropical Climatology | MET 3112 | 3 |
Climate Data Applications | MET 4142 | 3 |
Geosciences Electives Total | 30-31 |
Geology Concentration
In addition to the Geosciences core courses noted above (11 credits), students selecting the Geology Concentration
are required to complete a Science core (15-16
credits), the Geology Concentration core (38 credits), and Geosciences electives (9 credits) as noted below. Total credits for the B.S. in Geosciences with a Geology Concentration are
73-74
credits.
Science Core Courses | ||
General Physics 1 | PHY 2048 | 4 |
General Physics 1 Lab | PHY 2048L | 1 |
General Physics 2 | PHY 2049 | 4 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 2 | MAC 2312 | 4 |
Science Core Total | 17 |
Geology Concentration Core Course | ||
Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
History of the Earth and Life | GLY 2100 | 3 |
Mineralogy and Petrology | GLY 4310C | 4 |
Structural Geology | GLY 4400C | 4 |
Solid Earth Geophysics | GLY 4451 | 3 |
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | GLY 4500C | 4 |
Geology Field Methods | GLY 4750C | 3 |
Field Camp | GLY 4790 | 6 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Core Total | 34 |
Geosciences Electives Choose four courses from the list below, only one of which may have a GIS prefix. |
||
Introduction to Coastal Freshwater Resources | EVR 4453 | 3 |
Geology of Florida | GLY 4155C | 4 |
Paleontology | GLY 3603C | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Principles of GIS | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Environmental Geochemistry | GLY 4241 | 3 |
Geomorphology | GLY 4700C | 3 |
Groundwater Numerical Modeling | GLY 4832C | 3 |
Geosciences Electives Total | 12-13 |
Honors Programs
Honors Program in Geography
Qualified students may apply to participate in the upper-division Honors Program in the Geography concentration for both the B.A. and B.S. degrees. The Honors Program recognizes research accomplishments of talented undergraduates. Students normally begin the program in their sophomore or junior year and conduct independent research with mentor supervision during their junior and senior years.
To enter the program, students must have:
- A minimum of 9 credits in geography courses with GEA, GEO, GIS, EVR, ESC prefixes;
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, and must maintain a 3.3 to remain in the program;
- The support of a faculty mentor. Interested students should contact the faculty member whose research interests are closest to those the student wishes to pursue.
To be awarded the Honors undergraduate degree, students must:
- Complete all requirements for the B.A. or B.S. Geosciences, Geography concentration;
- Complete 6 credits of: GEO 4920, Geosciences Honors Colloquium (1 credit, repeated twice); GEO 4948C, Field Experience (1 credit); GEO 4915, 4916, Directed Independent Research in Geosciences (3 credits);
- Meet the capstone requirement, which entails presenting research findings from the Field Experience and the Directed Independent Research in Geosciences in both a written thesis format as well as an oral presentation at the Geosciences Colloquium Series or an appropriate academic conference, including FAU undergraduate research symposium, approved by both the faculty mentor and the department chair;
- Complete an honors compact with their faculty mentor, which is an agreement that the projects will be conducted at the honors level.
In the Honors Colloquium course, students are exposed to talks from prominent researchers and professionals in the various subfields of the geosciences, introducing them to current important research themes in the geosciences, as well as reinforcing the scientific method and appropriate methodologies for problem solving in the geosciences. Speakers change every semester. Students enroll in the Field Experience course while doing the field work, lab work and/or data collection for their research project and in the Directed Independent Research in Geosciences course while working in the analysis and write-up phases of their research.
Honors Program in Geology
Qualified students may apply to participate in the upper-division Honors Program in the Geology concentration for both the B.A. and B.S. degrees. The Honors Program recognizes research accomplishments of talented undergraduates. Students normally begin the program in their sophomore or junior year and conduct independent research with mentor supervision during their junior and senior years.
To enter the program, students must:
- Have a minimum of 9 credits in geology courses with GLY prefix;
- Have completed the Geology core courses and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, which must be maintained to remain in the program. The GPA will be monitored throughout student’s study in the Honors Program;
- Formally apply for the Honors Program with a letter addressed to the honors committee. The application and overall GPA will be assessed by an appointed faculty committee;
- Have the support of a faculty mentor. Interested students should contact the faculty member whose research interests are closest to those the student wishes to pursue;
- Complete an honors contract with their faculty mentor, which is a joint commitment between the student and mentor that the projects will be conducted at the honors level.
To be awarded the Honors in Geology designation, students must:
- Complete all requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Geociences, Geology concentration;
- Complete 2 credits of GEO 4920, Geosciences Honors Colloquium (1 credit, repeated twice), which is an honors-specific course;
In the Honors Colloquium course, students are exposed to talks from prominent researchers and professionals in the various subfields of the geosciences, introducing them to current important research themes in the geosciences, as well as reinforcing the scientific method and appropriate methodologies for problem solving in the geosciences. Speakers change every semester.
- Complete 4 credits selected from GEO 4948C, Field Experience (1-4 credit total) and GLY 4915, 4916, Directed Independent Research in Geosciences (1-4 credits total);
Students should consult with their faculty mentor to determine whether they should enroll in Field Experience or Directed Independent Research in Geosciences credits for the preliminary portions of their research projects (data collection, model development, method development, etc.). While working in the analysis and write-up portions of their research projects, students should enroll in Directed Independent Research in Geosciences credits.
- Meet the capstone requirement, which entails presenting research findings from the independent research in both a written thesis format, as well as an oral presentation at the Geosciences Colloquium Series or an appropriate academic conference, including FAU undergraduate research symposium, approved by both the faculty mentor and the department chair.
honors program in Climate change
Qualified students may apply to participate in the upper-division Honors Program in the B.S. Geosciences, Climate Change concentration. The Honors Program recognizes research accomplishments of talented undergraduates. Students normally begin the program in their sophomore or junior year and conduct independent research with mentor supervision during their junior and senior years.
To enter the program, students must have:
- A minimum of 9 credits in geoscience courses with EVR, ESC, GEA, GEO, GIS, GLY, MET prefixes;
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and must maintain a 3.3 to remain in the program;
- The support of a faculty member. Interested students should contact the faculty member whose research interests are closest to those the student wishes to pursue.
To be awarded the Honors undergraduate degree, students must:
- Complete all requirements for the B.S. Geosciences, Climate Change concentration;
- Complete 6 credits of: GEO 4920, Geosciences Honors Colloquium (1 credit, repeated twice); GEO 4948C, Field Experience (1 credit); GEO 4915, 4916, Directed Independent Research in Geosciences (3 credits);
- Meet the capstone requirement, which entails presenting research findings from the Field Experience and the Directed Independent Researchin Geosciences in both a written thesis format as well as an oral presentation at the Geosciences Colloquium Series or an appropriate academic conference, including FAU undergraduate research symposium, approved by both the faculty mentor and the department chair;
- Complete an honors compact with their faculty mentor, which is an agreement that the projects will be conducted at the honors level.
In the Honors Colloquium course, students are exposed to talks from prominent researchers and professionals in the various subfields of the geosciences, introducing them to current important research themes in the geosciences, as well as reinforcing the scientific method and appropriate methodologies for problem solving in the geosciences. Speakers change every semester. Students enroll in the Field Experience course while doing the field work, lab work and/or data collection for their research project and in the Directed Independent Research in Geosciences course while working in the analysis and write-up phases of their research.
undergraduate minors
Geography
Undergraduate Minor
(Minimum of 15 credits required)
Students minoring in Geography will earn a "C" or better in a minimum of 15 credits.
Note:
Courses used to fulfill requirements for a major may not be used for the minor. Requirements include:
- GIS 3015C and 12 additional credits in geography beyond the minimum requirements for the major;
- Within the 12 credits, a minimum of 6 credits with a GEA or GEO prefix at the 4000 level;
- The remaining 6 credits from all department course listings with ESC, EVR, MET, GEA or GEO prefixes.
- Of the 15 credits, a minimum of 12 earned at FAU.
Geographic Information Science
Undergraduate Minor
(Minimum of 15 credits required)
Students minoring in Geographic Information Science will complete a minimum of 15 credits with a grade of "C" or better in each course. Of the 15 credits, a minimum of 12 must be earned at FAU.
Note:
Courses used to fulfill requirements for a major may not be used for the minor. Required courses are:
Required Courses | ||
Introduction to Mapping and GIS | GIS 3015C | 3 |
Principles of GIS | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Choose 9 credits from the list below: | ||
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 4115C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation | GIS 4021C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 4037C | 3 |
Applications in GIS | GIS 4048C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 4054C | 3 |
Programming in GIS | GIS 4102C | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Geology
Undergraduate Minor
(Minimum of 15 credits required)
Students minoring in Geology will earn a "C" or better in a minimum of 15 credits.
Note: Courses used to fulfill requirements for a major may not be used for the minor. Requirements include:
- GLY 2010C and 12 additional credits in geology beyond the minimum requirements for the major;
- Within the 12 credits, a minimum of 6 credits with a GLY prefix at the 4000 level;
- The remaining 6 credits from all department course offerings with ESC, EVR or GLY prefixes.
- Of the 15 credits, a minimum of 12 earned at FAU.
Undergraduate Certificates
Geographic Information Systems
Undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 12 credits required)
The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduates a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Departmental majors or other students who complete the four required courses (12 credits) below with a grade of "C" or better in each course are entitled to the GIS certificate. Students should consult their departmental advisor or another faculty member about registration for this program. Students may use these courses in the completion of a major. The certificate is available in person or fully online.
Required Courses | ||
Introduction to Mapping and GIS | GIS 3015C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Choose one of the following elective courses | ||
Digital Image Analysis | GIS 4037C | 3 |
Applications of GIS | GIS 4048C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 4054C | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 4118 | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
Undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 9 credits required)
The Department of Geosciences offers an advanced certificate in Geographic Information Systems that permits students to develop an in-depth understanding of programming and spatial data analysis beyond the basic GIS certificate. Two required courses and one additional course in an applied area of geographic information science complete the advanced GIS certificate. The certificate is available in person or fully online.
Required Courses | ||
Programming in GIS | GIS 4102C | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 4115C | 3 |
Choose one of the following applied courses | ||
Applications of GIS | GIS 4048C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 4054C | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 4118 | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation | GIS 4021C* | 3 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Introduction to Laser Mapping Technology | CCE 4514C | 3 |
*SUR 4331C - Digital Photogrammetry Principles and Applications is an approved substitute for Geomatics Engineering students.
Combined Program
Geosciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
(Minimum of 154 credits required)
This accelerated, five-year program leads to both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geosciences with Geography Concentration and a Master of Science with a focus on Human Environment and Sustainable Science or Geographic Information Science. Students apply to the B.S./M.S. program in the second semester of their junior year and begin taking graduate courses in their senior year that would apply to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. The combined program is 154 credits, 120 for the undergraduate degree and 34 for the master's degree. Students complete the undergraduate degree first, taking no more than 12 credits of graduate coursework in their senior year, which will then be used to satisfy both degrees. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in upper-division and graduate courses. Due to the accelerated nature of the program, students should take the GRE by the end of the first semester in their junior year.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Requirements and Eligibility
In addition to the University and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science requirements, students seeking a combined degree in Geosciences with Geography Concentration
must complete the following courses. The Geosciences core courses (11 credits) are required for all students in the Bachelor of Science program in Geosciences. Students selecting the Geography Concentration then complete a Science core (7 credits), the Geography Concentration core (24 credits) and Geosciences electives (30-31 credits) as noted below.
The graduate courses that would apply to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees must be 5000 level or higher. Some courses, denoted with asterisks, have a 5000--level version that can be counted toward the graduate degree.
Geosciences Core Courses (required of all students) | ||
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 and Lab | CHM 2045, 2045L | 4 |
Introduction to Mapping and GIS | GIS 3015C | 3 |
Geosciences Honors Colloquium | GEO 4920 | 1 |
Core Total | 11 |
Science Core Courses | ||
Biological Principles and Lab | BSC 1010, 1010L | 4 or |
Biodiversity and Lab | BSC 1011, 1011L | 4 |
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 |
Core Total | 7 |
Geography Concentration Core Courses | ||
World Geography | GEA 2000 | 3 |
RI: Human-Environmental Interactions in South Florida | GEA 4275 | 3 |
Introduction to Physical Geography | GEO 2200C | 3 |
Quantitative Methods | GEO 4022 | 3 |
Biogeography* | GEO 4300 | 3 |
Remote Sensing of the Environment* | GIS 4035C | 3 |
Principles of Geographic Information Systems* | GIS 4043C | 3 |
Weather, Climate and Climate Change |
MET 2010 |
3 |
Core Total | 24 |
Geosciences Electives Choose 30-31 credits from the courses below. |
||
The Blue Planet | ESC 2000 | 3 |
Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth | GLY 2010C | 4 |
History of the Earth and Life | GLY 2100 | 3 |
Climate Change: Myths, Realities and Solutions | EVR 3114 | 3 |
Environmental Issues in Atmospheric and Earth Science | ESC 3704 | 3 |
Coastal and Marine Science | GLY 3730 | 3 |
Applications in GIS* | GIS 4048C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation | GIS 4021C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis* | GIS 4037C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 4054C | 3 |
Programming in GIS* | GIS 4102C | 3 |
Hazards, Climate and People | EVR 4112 | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 4118 | 3 |
Geovisualization and GIS* | GIS 4138C | 3 |
Mobile GIS and Drone Technology* | GIS 4140C | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 4115C | 3 |
Water Resources | GEO 4280C | 3 |
Tourism and Commercial Recreation | GEO 4542 | 3 |
Urban Geography | GEO 4602 | 3 |
Transportation and Spatial Organization | GEO 4700 | 3 |
Geomorphology | GLY 4700C | 3 |
Hydrogeology | GLY 4822 | 3 |
Geosciences Electives Total | 30-31 |
Additional Graduate-Level Courses for the Master's Degree
Up to 12 credits can be taken as a senior. All courses must be at the 5000 or 6000 level. |
||
Human-Environmental Interactions | GEA 6277 | 3 |
Research in the Geosciences | GEO 6118 | 3 |
Geosciences Colloquium Series | GEO 6920 | 1 |
Geosciences Focus - 12 credits
Choose 12 credits from one of the following areas of focus. |
||
Focus | Focus Courses | |
Geographic Information Science | course prefix GIS | |
Human Environment and Sustainable Science | course prefixes EVR, GEA or GEO | |
Electives - 15 credits | ||
Choose five courses (total of 15 credits) from the following course prefixes: EVR, GEA, GEO, GIS, GLY and no more than 3 credits of independent study (GEO 6908 or GLY 6908). Students may choose up to 6 credits from cognate areas (any 5000 or 6000 level course within the College of Science) approved by their advisors. |
Master's Program
Link to Graduate Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Link to Graduate Remote Sensing Certificate
Link to Doctoral Program in Geosciences
Geosciences
Master of Science (M.S.)
The department offers a thesis (31 credits) and non-thesis option (34 credits) for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Geosciences. The requirements for both options are outlined below. Students must choose between the thesis and non-thesis options and a focus area by the end of their second semester of study when the plan of study is filed. The non-thesis option with the Geosciences focus is available in person or fully online. All other options and areas of focus are available in person only.
Thesis students are required to form a committee (advisor and two additional committee members) during the second semester of study. Students who do not have a thesis committee formed by the end of the second semester are automatically transferred to the non-thesis option.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the University and College admission requirements for graduate study, applicants for the master's degree in the Department of Geosciences must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline from an accredited college or university;
- Have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work attempted;
- A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a reference familiar with the applicant's recent academic and/or professional experiences;
- Applicants applying to the thesis option must provide a written letter of support from a Geosciences facuty member with graduate faculty status at FAU or an approved cognate faculty member with graduate faculty status at FAU indicating a willingness to supervise the applicant's thesis research;
- International students whose native language is not English must score at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, at least 61 on the computer-based test or an IELTS band score of at least 6.0.
General Degree Requirements
- Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout their graduate program. Failure to do so will subject the student to dismissal from the program.
- Students must achieve a grade of at least "C+" in order for a course to be counted as part of the minimum credits toward the degree.
Course Requirements
All courses must be taken at the 5000 level or higher. No more than 3 credits of directed independent study (such as GEO 6908 or GLY 6908) may be used to fulfill the minimum credits for either degree option. A minimum of 24 credits should be taken from the Geosciences curriculum.
Thesis Option - 31 credits | ||
Core Courses - 7 credits | ||
Research in the Geosciences | GEO 6118 | |
Thesis Seminar | GLY 6931 | |
Geosciences Colloquium Series | GEO 6920 | |
Geosciences Focus - 12 credits | ||
Choose 12 credits from one of the following areas of focus: | ||
Geology: course prefix GLY | ||
Human Environment and Sustainable Science: course prefixes EVR, GEA or GEO | ||
Geographic Information Science: course prefix GIS | ||
Thesis - 6 credits | ||
Complete a minimum of 6 credits from one of the following two options | ||
Master's Thesis (may be taken over multiple terms) | GEO 6971 | |
Master's Thesis (may be taken over multiple terms) | GLY 6971 | |
Electives - 6 credits | ||
Choose two courses (total of 6 credits) at the 5000 or 6000 level from the following course prefixes: EVR, GEA, GEO, GLY, GIS and no ore than 3 credits of independent study (GEO 6908 or GLY 6908). May choose up to 6 credits from cognate areas approved by the student's advisor. Any 5000 or 6000 level course within the College of Science or any 5000 or 6000 level course with the prefix of URP. | ||
Non-Thesis Option - 34 credits | ||
Core Courses - 7 credits | ||
Human-Environmental Interactions | GEA 6277 | |
Research in the Geosciences | GEO 6118 | |
Geosciences Colloquium Series | GEO 6920 | |
Geosciences Focus - 12 credits | ||
Choose 12 credits from one of the following areas of focus. | ||
Geology: course prefix GLY | ||
Human Environment and Sustainable Science: course prefixes EVR, GEA or GEO | ||
Geographic Information Science: course prefix GIS | ||
Electives - 15 credits | ||
Choose five courses (total of 15 credits) at the 5000 or 6000 level from the following course prefixes: EVR, GEA, GEO, GLY, GIS and no ore than 3 credits of independent study (GEO 6908 or GLY 6908). May choose up to 6 credits from cognate areas approved by the student's advisor. Any 5000 or 6000 level course within the College of Science or any 5000 or 6000 level course with the prefix of URP. |
Other Requirements
Students enrolled in the thesis option must defend their thesis proposal successfully no later than the beginning of the third semester for full-time students or the beginning of the fourth semester for part-time students.
Geographic Information Systems
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 15 credits required)
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate for graduate students is offered jointly by the Department of Geosciences and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the Charles E. Schmidt College Science. Graduate students who complete the program below with a grade of "B" or better in each course are entitled to receive the certificate. Students should consult with the director of the GIS Center or their graduate advisor about registration for this program. Students shall use the courses below to complete the certificate. The certificate is available in person or fully online.
Required Courses - 9 credits | ||
Principles of Geographic Information Systems*
|
GIS 5051C | 3 |
OR | ||
Introduction to GIS in Planning | URP 6270 | 3 |
AND | ||
Applications in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5100C | 3 |
Spatial Data Analysis | GIS 6306 | 3 |
Choose two of the following courses (6 credits) | ||
Programming in Geographic Information Systems | GIS 5103C | 3 |
Web GIS | GIS 6061C | 3 |
Geospatial Databases | GIS 6112C | 3 |
Environmental Analysis in Planning | URP 6425 | 3 |
Managing GIS Projects | URP 6272 | 3 |
* If the undergraduate version of this course was already counted for the undergraduate GIS certificate, this graduate version cannot be counted toward the graduate GIS certificate.
Remote Sensing
Graduate Certificate
(Minimum of 12 credits required)
The Department of Geosciences offers graduate students a certificate in Remote Sensing. Graduate students who complete the required courses with a grade of "B" or better in each course will earn the certificate program. Students should consult with the director of the GIS Center or their graduate advisor about registration for this program. Students shall use the courses below to complete the certificate. The certificate is available in person or fully online.
Choose four of the following courses. | ||
Remote Sensing of the Environment* | GIS 5038C | 3 |
Digital Image Analysis* | GIS 5033C | 3 |
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing | GIS 6127 | 3 |
LiDAR Remote Sensing and Applications | GIS 6032C | 3 |
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation | GIS 6028C | 3 |
Doctoral Program
Geosciences
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University offers advanced graduate training leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geosciences. This professionally oriented program combines department specialties in geography and geology with other cognate areas in the College and the University through an innovative curriculum that includes ecology and conservation biology, chemistry, anthropology, civil engineering, ocean engineering and urban and regional planning. The program provides advanced research and technical training to allow its graduates to find solutions to problems. While the main focus of the degree is on traditional, full-time students, the degree program also welcomes part-time students who wish to maintain their professional employment while earning their doctoral degree.
Admission Requirements
Individuals will be admitted to the doctoral program in Geosciences based on the following requirements:
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field of geosciences or related area. Students who have already earned a master's degree or equivalent in geography, geology or related field may be admitted to the doctoral program and may be awarded up to 30 credits toward the Ph.D. in Geosciences. Geosciences-related areas include anthropology, biology, chemistry, civil engineering, environmental science, public administration and urban and regional planning.
- International students whose native language is not English must score at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or at least 79-80 on the computer-based test or a score of 6 or higher on the IELTS.
- A minmum of three letters of recommendation from references familiar with the applicant's recent academic and/or professional experiences.
- A written letter of support from a Geosciences faculty member with graduate faculty status at FAU or an approved cognate faculty member with graduate faculty status at FAU indicating a willingness to supervise the applicant's doctoral research.
Degree Requirements
A total of 90 credits beyond the bachelor's degree or 60 credits beyond an earned master's degree in a related field (as defined under Admission Requirements), admission to candidacy and successful defense of a research dissertation in an approved area within the geosciences will earn students the Ph.D. in Geosciences. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a grade of "B" or higher in any course applied to the degree program.
A minimum of 54 credits out of the 90 credits presented for the degree must be earned from the Geosciences Department (courses with EVR, ESC, GEA, GEO, GIS and GLY prefixes). Therefore, no more than 36 credits for those admitted with a bachelor's degree or 6 credits for those entering with a master's degree may come from outside the Geosciences Department.
All students are required to complete a core of 9 credits in the Geosciences as listed below. All must be completed prior to applying for candidacy.
Geosciences Core - 9 credits required | ||
Research in the Geosciences | GEO 6118 | 3 |
Thesis Seminar | GLY 6931 | 3 |
Geosciences Colloquium Series* | GEO 6920 | 3 |
* This is a 1-credit course with content that varies each semester. Students are required to take this course for three semesters for a total of 3 credits. Students may not apply for candidacy until all colloquium requirements have been completed.
Additional Courses
For students entering directly from a bachelor's degree program, 57 additional course credits are required. For students entering with a master's degree in geography, geology or a related field, 27 additional course credits are required. All coursework must be at the 5000 or 6000 level in geography, geology and interdisciplinary cognates as appropriate to the student's research plan. These courses must be approved by the student's dissertation advisor and the director of the Ph.D. program. No more than 18 credits beyond the bachelor's degree and 9 credits beyond the master's degree of 5000-level work may be applied to the degree without approval from the student's dissertation advisor and the director of the Ph.D. program.
No more than 3 credits of Directed Independent Study (GEO 6908 or GLY 6908) may be used to meet course requirements without approval from the student's dissertation advisor and the director of the Ph.D. program.
No more than 15 credits beyond the bachelor's degree and 9 credits beyond the master's degree of GEO 6918, Graduate Research, may be used to meet the course requirement without approval from the student's dissertation advisor and the director of the Ph.D. program.
Note: Courses designated as undergraduate deficiency courses, generally for students coming into the program with a non-related undergraduate degree, may not be used to satisfy course requirements for the degree. Undergraduate deficiency courses will be outlined in the admissions notification.
Admission to Candidacy
- Formation of a dissertation committee. This committee includes a minimum of the advisor plus three other members. All members must have graduate faculty status in the FAU Graduate College. The majority of the committee members must be from the FAU Geosciences Department. The remaining committee members may include affiliate graduate faculty from another department at FAU, another university or doctoral holding professionals with expertise pertinent to the research program designed. Affiliate graduate faculty members may not serve as the sole committee chair but may co-chair a committee with a FAU Geosciences graduate faculty member.
- Satisfactory completion of written and oral examinations covering graduate-level material in the field of geosciences. The material for the exams will be determined by the student's committee as appropriate to the student's research plan. The exam should be taken during the academic term immediately following the completion of the coursework outlined in section 1 of the degree requirements. Two attempts at the examinations are permitted. A second failure on the qualifying exams will result in dismissal from the program. Full-time students should become candidates by the end of their fifth semester in the program. Part-time students should become candidates by the end of semester seven.
- Submission, public presentation and successful defense of an original research proposal.
Doctoral Research
- Dissertation research must be conducted under the direction of a graduate faculty member in the Geosciences Department serving as chair or co-chair of the student's dissertation committee. While conducting the doctoral research, a minimum of 24 credits must be included comprised of any combination of credits from GEO 7978, Advanced Research, and GEO 7980, Dissertation, including at least 6 credits of GEO 7980. A student may not enroll in GEO 7978, Advanced Research credits, until the semester the student plans to take the candidacy exams and may not enroll in GEO 7980, Dissertation credits, until the student has reached candidacy.
- Written submission, public presentation and defense of a satisfactory research dissertation. The defense will include an oral examination of the research presented by the student's dissertation committee.
mathematics and Statistics
Faculty:
Wang, Y., Chair; Abraha, Y.; Bai, S.; Bhattacharjee, P.; Booton, B. O.; Chang, L-C.; Drees, K.; Edwards, P. B.; Escuder, A. T.; Ford, T. J.; Greenberg, A.; Hahn, W.; Hoffman, F.; Ito, K.; Kalies, W. D.; Klingler, L. C., Emeritus; Kuchta, V.; Li, Y.; Lin, Y.; Locke, S. C.; Long, H.; Lubarsky, R.; Lundberg, E.; Magliveras, S. S., Emeritus; Meyerowitz, A. D.; Milman, M. M., Emeritus; Mireles-James, J.; Moosai, S.; Motta, F.; Mullin, R. C., Emeritus; Murray, M.; Naudot, V.; Nawarathna, R. H. H.; Niederhausen, H., Emeritus; Nikolova, D. B.; Peitgen, H. O., Emeritus; Persichetti, E.; Pina, P. A.; Radulovic, A. B. S.; Radulovic, D.; Richman, F., Emeritus; Rosen, Z.; Sagher, Y.; Schmidmeier, M.; Schonbek, T. P.; Schroeck, F. E., Emeritus; Sica, F.; Stadnik, M.; Tuncer, N.; Voss, R.; Winkowska-Nowak, K.; Yin, Z.; Yiu, P., Emeritus; Zhang, X. D.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Either of these two programs, with suitably chosen electives, constitutes an excellent background for a wide range of careers, in particular as a systems analyst, mathematics teacher, actuary and statistician. Students interested in advanced or professional degrees, for example in the medical sciences, benefit from rigorous training in mathematics. Furthermore, the Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to prepare students for graduate work in mathematics and related areas. Two certificate programs, one in Statistics and one in Actuarial Science, are also available for undergraduates, as well as an Honors Program in Mathematics and two minors, one in Mathematics and one in Statistics.
The department offers an accelerated five-year program leading to both the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees. Students in this combined program take graduate credits in their senior year that count toward both degrees. An additional combined programs is offered in conjunction with the Wilkes Honors College.
A
Data Science certificate
program, designed jointly by the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mathematics and Statistics, provides an in-depth study of the methods to manage, analyze and extract knowledge from data.
For graduate students, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs leading to the Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Outstanding scholarship in the mathematics program is recognized by membership in the Florida Zeta Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honorary society for university students, and by the annual Pi Mu Epsilon award at the Honors Convocation. Students in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics have performed well on the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Examination, the annual North American mathematical competition for undergraduates.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics works in close cooperation with the Career Planning and Placement Office and the Cooperative Education Office in counseling and assisting mathematics students seeking permanent, part-time or vacation employment.
Students are strongly urged to meet with an advisor so that their programs can be tailored to individual needs and interests. Students in the major programs in mathematics are required to consult with a faculty advisor each year.
Link to B.S. with Major in Data Science and Analytics
Link to Undergraduate Certificates
Link to Cyber Security Graduate Certificate
Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
(Minimum of 120 credits required)
In addition to the University and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science requirements, students seeking a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics must satisfy the following requirements.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the General Education Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Calculus 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 |
Calculus 2 | MAC 2312 | 4 |
Calculus 3 | MAC 2313 | 4 |
Discrete Mathematics | MAD 2104 | 3 |
Introduction to Computational Math | MAD 2502 | 3 |
Matrix Theory or Linear Algebra | MAS 2103 | 3 |
Introduction to Advanced Mathematics | MHF 3202 | 3 |
Introductory Complex Analysis | MAA 4402 | 3 |
Vector Calculus | MAS 3156 | 3 |
Modern Algebra | MAS 4301 | 3 |
Probability and Statistics 1 | STA 4442 | 3 |
Upper-division math electives | 12 | |
Mathematics Total | 48 | |
Required Minimum GPA 2.2 |
Mathematics
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
The B.S. degree program in Mathematics consists of four concentrations:
- Mathematical Biology
- Mathematical Cryptology
- Pure Mathematics
- Statistics and Data Science
To complete the B.S. degree program, students will take the specific courses for one of the four concentrations. All students will take two courses in Calculus, at least one statistics course, Discrete Mathematics and at least one programming course.
Mathematical Biology Concentration | ||
Methods of Calculus | MAC 2233 | 3 or |
Life Science Calculus 1 | MAC 2241 | 3 or |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 | MAC 2311 | 4 or |
Mathematics for Biological Sciences 1 | MAP 2491 | 3 |
Biological Principles | BSC 1010 | 3 |
Biodiversity | BSC 1011 | 3 |
Applied Machine Learning and Data Mining | CAP 4612 | 3 |
General Chemistry 1 | CHM 2045 | 3 |
General Chemistry 2 | CHM 2046 | 3 |
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Biology | IDS 4139 | 3 |
Discrete Mathematics | MAD 2104 | 3 |
Introduction to Computational Mathematics | MAD 2502 | 3 |
Mathematics for Biological Sciences 2 | MAP 2492 | 4 |
Applied Mathematical Modeling | MAP 4103 | 3 |
Genetics | PCB 3063 | 3 or |
Principles of Ecology | PCB 4043 | 3 |
Introductory Statistics | STA 2023 | 3 |
Introduction to Biostatistics | STA 3173 | 3 |
Choose two upper-division math electives | 6 | |
Choose two upper-division science electives with BCH, BOT, BSC, CHM, IDS, MCB, OCB, PCB, PHY, PHZ, ZOO prefixes | 6 | |
Choose one Research-Intensive elective | 3 | |
RI: Introduction to Data Science | CAP 3786 | 3 |
RI: Industrial Problems in Applied Math | MAP 4913 | 3 |
RI: Neurophysiology | PCB 4832C | 3 |
RI: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | PSB 4810 | 3 |
RI: Statistical Learning | STA 4241 | 3 |