Biology with focus in Fisheries Biology

Type of degree: Ph.D.

Brief overview of program: The Department of Biology offers graduate studies leading to the Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis options) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These programs are designed to prepare students for academic teaching and research, research in government service, research and developmental opportunities in industry, and functioning as a professional biologist. The department offers graduate work in the following areas: Ecology; Behavior; Fisheries Biology; Wildlife Biology; Genetics; Cell Biology and Neurobiology; Morphology; Physiology; Systematics and Molecular Biology. A reputation for excellence in the area of “Ecology of the Northern Great Plains” has been developed, and the Ph.D. program has been designated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) as a Western Regional Graduate Program because of its uniqueness and strength. It is, therefore, open to residents of the 13 western states at resident tuition rates.

Website: Click here for program website

Description of Facilities: The department is located in Starcher Hall which was completed in 1981. This structure contains greenhouse facilities, herbarium, controlled environment chambers, animal rooms for terrestrial and aquatic organisms, observation rooms for behavioral studies, vertebrate and invertebrate research museums, tissue culture, isotope, chromatography, DNA sequencing, data analysis rooms, molecular biology laboratories, and a darkroom. The department operates two field stations for research and class use. The Forest River Biology Area consists of 160 acres and is 40 miles from the campus. It includes habitats suitable for studies in aquatic and woodland biology: spring brook, swamp, moist and dry woods, and a section of the Forest River. The Oakville Prairie Station consists of 950 acres of virgin lowland prairie and is located 12 miles from the campus. The Biology Department and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department have a history of cooperative research involving the management of sport and commercial fisheries and wildlife.

Student Support: Financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships and internships are available on a competitive basis. Students seeking teaching assistantships should complete their applications by February 15, since most offers for appointments are made beginning in early March. Teaching assistantships are renewable if progress toward the degree and instructional service are satisfactory. Research assistantships may be offered by faculty members for work on specific research projects for nine or twelve month periods.

Program Point of Contact: Isaac Schlosser

Email: isaac.schlosser@und.nodak.edu