Master of Science - Biology - Biology and Society - Microbes

In the biology and society concentration of the Master of Science program in biology, students examine topics in which biology intersects with society.

The concentration tailors individual plans of study to individual needs and interests, with a solid grounding in the life and related sciences and with a rigorous analytical and interdisciplinary education. The program offers suggested courses for those who wish to focus on these areas: bioethics, policy and law; biology education research; ecology, economics and ethics of the environment; and history and philosophy of science.

Bioethics, policy and law --- Students are trained in the pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by the biosciences and biomedicine and in the disciplinary methods necessary to address these issues.

Biology education research --- This area focuses on carrying out education research to identify ways to improve undergraduate biology education broadly.

Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment --- Students are trained in the theory and empirical methods for understanding, analyzing and shaping policy for coupled human-natural systems.

History and philosophy of science --- Students are trained in the conceptual foundations of science, especially the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science and its progress through time