Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Life Sciences Major, MS


The program leading to the MS degree with a major in Life Sciences is intercollegiate. Faculty from two organizations Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, serve as advisers. The program is administered jointly. The concentration in Genome Science and Technology is housed in the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, while the concentration in Plant Physiology and Genetics is currently inactive.

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available


Genome Science and Technology (Thesis)

Plant Physiology and Genetics (Thesis)

Campus Code


Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures


Genome Science and Technology Concentration


  • Applicants are expected to have a background in the biological, physical, or computational sciences.
  • Requirements for admission are
    • one year of general biology or the equivalent;
    • two years of chemistry;
    • one year of calculus or equivalent college mathematics;
    • one year of physics;
    • at least 8 credit hours in cognate sciences related to the program;
  • a GRE (general) score;
  • three letters of recommendation; and
  • a minimum grade point average of 3.00 out of 4.00.
  • Coursework in genetics, cell biology, and computer sciences is advantageous.
  • The admissions committee especially values prior research experience.
  • Superior students, deficient in one or more of the above requirements, may be admitted at the discretion of the program admissions committee.
    • Deficiencies will be made up as a part of the courses taken by the individual student.

Plant Physiology and Genetics Concentration


  • Admission requirements are
    • a BA with a major in a biological, behavioral, or physical science;
    • GRE (general) score; three letters of recommendation; and
    • coursework including a year of calculus (differential and integral), one year of chemistry, and a year of physics.
  • Specific course deficiencies may be corrected during the first year.

Genome Science and Technology, Thesis


Albrecht von Arnim, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Director

The graduate program in Genome Science and Technology (GST) is a unique and multidisciplinary program for full time graduate study leading to the MS degree. The program trains students around the interface of the biological and computational sciences. Graduates typically pursue careers in biological science in academia, industry, or governmental organizations. The program is designed to take advantage of collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Students conduct research and develop a deeper understanding in emerging areas of life science, with emphasis on genomics, structural biology, proteomics, computational biology and bioinformatics, and bioanalytical technologies. Faculty with appointments in the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute teach GST courses and guide research projects for GST students.

Credit Hours Required


Minimum of 30 graduate credit hours

Additional Course Requirements


Non-Course Requirements


  • Preparation of a thesis and its oral defense.

Plant Physiology and Genetics, Thesis


Barry D. Bruce, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Interim Director

This program provides the opportunity for intensive training and research experience in areas transcending the usual boundaries of botany, biochemistry, and agricultural plant sciences. Solutions of problems concerning the interactions of physiology and genetics in applied and fundamental aspects of plant science are the focus.

Credit Hours Required


Minimum of 30 graduate credit hours

Additional Course Requirements


Participation in a plant science journal club course such as:

Non-Course Requirements


  • Preparation of a thesis and an oral examination