The Department of Biological Sciences doctoral programs include tracks in the areas of animal physiology, ecology, evolution and systematic biology, microbiology, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and quantitative biology. Once admitted to a doctoral degree program, students may be required by their advisory committee to take a preliminary, diagnostic examination that includes subject matter usually required of undergraduates. If the preliminary examination reveals serious weaknesses in the student's subject-matter background, the student may be required to take remedial courses designated by the advisory committee. Doctoral students must have five members on their advisory committee. Otherwise, the basic degree requirements of the Graduate School determine the policy of the department.<br><br>The terminal basic research degree in Biological Sciences provides students with advanced training and research experience in biological fields ranging from ecology, evolutionary biology and genomics to cancer biology, comparative physiology and molecular biology, as well as in microbiology. You will study with world class research faculty working on every conceivable aspect of plants, animals and microbes. Current research projects are in progress in Texas and other parts of the United States, but also around the world in places like the Far East, Africa and Central and South America. Recent Ph.D. graduates from Biological Sciences have positions in colleges and universities as research and teaching faculty, in governmental agencies (e.g., the Center for Disease Control), and in research foundations (e.g., Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute).