The Master of Science in Microbiology provides students with advanced training in microbiology and biotechnology, addressing the needs of industry and the private sector for students looking for a position right out of graduate school. It also prepares students who wish to earn a PhD in Biology with an emphasis in microbiology or other terminal degree (e.g., MD). Students work with world class researchers in areas as varied as immunology, electron microscopy, microbial ecology, and metagenomics. The 30-hour non-thesis option may be elected by students working toward the M.S. degrees in biology and microbiology. However, those students who expect to work beyond the M.S. degree and toward the Ph.D. degree are strongly encouraged to choose the 30-hour thesis option. The Department of Biological Sciences Master of Science programs include concentrations in the areas of animal physiology, ecology, evolution and systematic biology, microbiology, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and quantitative biology. Once admitted to a master's 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.