The thesis option is intended primarily for students wishing to focus on certain areas of biology and for those considering further graduate education. Each student must enroll in BIOS 699, Master's Thesis, and submit a written thesis. A maximum of 18 and a minimum of 12 semester hours of combined credit in BIOS 699 and BIOS 770 may be applied toward the degree. The student's research advisor will serve as chair of the graduate committee that will administer a final oral comprehensive examination including a defense of thesis.<br>Students pursuing the non-thesis degree must demonstrate teaching proficiency in Human Anatomical Sciences by either (a) completing a minimum of 4 hours of credit in BIOS 626 - Methods of Teaching Human Anatomy, or (b) by submitting an acceptable teaching portfolio to the students committee. The teaching portfolio will include a record of courses taken and grades, classes taught or assisted as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, a statement of teaching philosophy and practice, and other evidentiary materials demonstrating teaching experience and competency. The teaching portfolio must be submitted to and approved by the student's advisory committee no later than the date of the final comprehensive examination.