Graduate Studies in Physical, Mathematical, and Life Sciences
M
ichigan State University is home to more than one thousand graduate students who are pursuing advanced degrees across the physical, mathematical,
and life sciences. A major research and teaching institution, MSU has outstanding faculty and provides world-class facilities.
Because the basic concepts and foundations of science and mathematics continually evolve, our approach to scholarship must adapt. An important evolution in science and mathematics is the blurring of the boundaries of the various disciplines. Among the
Choose your path of discovery
goals of our graduate programs is promoting an environment in
Advanced study is available through the following degree programs and specializations:
which students can easily cross traditional boundaries and engage in studies that involve collaborations among life, physical, and mathematical scientists. This collaborative research approach is synergetic with the university’s goal of advancing fundamental
Astrophysics and Astronomy Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Cell and Molecular Biology
knowledge in traditional areas. This interdisciplinary approach
Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology
prepares MSU graduate students for the complex challenges of
Chemistry
science in the future and for various careers.
Cognitive Science Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior
Graduate programs in the sciences at MSU are organized around traditional disciplines as well as nontraditional dynamic partnerships that evolve when faculty from different areas come together to solve new sets of problems.
Entomology Environmental Science and Policy Environmental Toxicology Food Science Genetics Geological Sciences
Collaboration and customization are the core of graduate studies in the sciences at MSU. Students are encouraged to explore their individual interests in the many areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The environment at MSU is
Human Nutrition Mathematics Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Neuroscience Pharmacology and Toxicology
welcoming, with flexible prospects for students to enhance their
Physics
education through opportunities that only a major research
Physiology
institution can provide.
Plant Biology Quantitative Biology and Modeling
MSU alumni enjoy diverse careers in academic institutions, government agencies, research institutes, and private industry. With nearly 400,000 alumni worldwide, MSU is a global leader in advancing knowledge and transforming lives.
MSU College of Natural Science Graduate Programs Enrollment
Student’s Home Residence
2005-2006
2005-2006
Master’s Students: 18%
Doctoral Students: 82%
Michigan: 25%
Out-of-State: 28%
Intenational: 47%
Source: Office of Planning and Budgets (http://opbweb.opb.msu.edu/)
Science and Mathematics Education Statistics and Probability Zoology
Left: Jerry Dodgson, professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, holds the first bird to have its genome sequenced— research that will lead to better disease treatments and new vaccines for human ailments. Center: Simon Billinge, professor of physics and astronomy, leads the research team examining the arrangement of atoms in nanoparticles and developing techniques for determining the atomic scale structure of nanostructured materials. Right: Graduate students working with Kay Holekamp, professor of zoology, study hyenas in Kenya as part of a research project on mammalian reproductive biology.
In addition to the many opportunities
Throughout their experience at MSU,
Faculty representing nearly all of
associated with a major research-
graduate students work closely with
MSU’s 14 colleges, including the three
intensive university, MSU offers one-on-
the faculty who possess a shared
medical schools, cooperate in funding,
one contact with faculty that enables
interest in scientific research and
advising, training, and providing career
students to customize their studies
graduate education. Many faculty have
development advice to students. The
according to personal strengths and
appointments in multiple departments
integrative nature of graduate education
interests.
across campus, which extends the
is the foundation of MSU’s philosophy
opportunities for collaborative and
that the future of science relies on
Graduate students are able to explore
broad-based training opportunities.
collaboration and connections among all
and develop their true academic interests
Many research programs utilize the
disciplines.
by utilizing the network of more than 350
clinical populations available through the
faculty and 23 programs that collaborate
veterinary, osteopathic, and allopathic
to enhance scholarship in the physical,
medical schools at MSU.
mathematical, and life sciences.
Left: The 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research, or SOAR, telescope can be controlled from the MSU campus to capture extraordinary deep-space images and spectra in both the optical and infrared. Above: Marcos Dantus, professor of chemistry, leads a research group on femtosecond chemical dynamics and coherent laser control that has developed a method for automated fast light pulse generated analysis.
The diverse research opportunities at MSU include programs with international scope. MSU recognizes the increasing importance of state-of-the-art resources in research instrumentation and is committed to providing world-class facilities for the research community.
Many of the major research instruments on campus are components of university-wide core facilities. These are available to researchers and graduate students across various areas of study.
On-campus research centers and facilities include: 900MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility Advanced Applications in Glycochemistry, Laboratory for Advanced Microscopy, Center for Core Flow Cytometry Facility Food Safety and Toxicology Center, National Global Change and Earth Observations, Center for High Performance Computer Center Macromolecular Structure, Sequencing, and Synthesis Facility Mass Spectrometry Facility Max T. Rogers NMR Facility Microbial Ecology, Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Center for Nutritional Genomics Initiative Plant Research Laboratory, Department of Energy Proteomics Facility Quantitative Biology and Modeling Initiative Quantum Science, Institute for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science, Center for Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, National Research Technology Support Facility Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope Statistical Training and Consulting, Center for Structural Biology, Michigan Center for
Top: Aizhuo Liu, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, directs the biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance facility that includes a 900 MHz NMR spectrometer used to examine the structurefunction relationships of biomacromolecules. Bottom: The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at MSU is the leading rare isotope research facility in the United States and provides a hands-on training ground for tomorrow’s nuclear scientists.
Students may enroll in any relevant graduate-level
Each program is unique, and prospective students
course and conduct research with a wide range
should consider a variety of options to determine the
of faculty members in a discipline related to the
plan that best fits their career goals and interests.
student’s field of study. While graduate programs are individualized for each student, the following outlines
In addition to the programs and specializations, there
the timeline for a typical, laboratory-based life science
are certificates, workshops, and seminars designed to
doctoral program:
prepare students for future roles as faculty.
During their first year, students begin coursework and
With few exceptions, students are fully funded. The
structured laboratory rotations that expose them to
type and quantity of support varies based on program,
different hands-on research environments. MSU’s size
research, and student interest.
allows students to explore different topics and research areas through a variety of rotations, thereby enabling
Students accepted into doctoral programs receive fully
them to discover specific interests among related
funded fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships—
programs.
including tuition, fees, health insurance, and a competitive stipend—regardless of financial need.
The second year of study entails more focused laboratory work following the choice of a research mentor. Students enroll in a limited number of advanced elective courses.
In the third year of study, students engage more fully in dissertation research in the laboratory of their choice; this research typically takes three to four years.
Some programs follow a more coursework-based model in which students spend several years taking classes and then conduct research at the end of their studies.
Below: Hira Koul, professor of statistics and probability, leads research in nonparametric and semiparametric statistical inference, time series analysis and weighted empirical processes that has gained international recognition. Right: Michele Fluck, professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, leads a lab centered on understanding neoplastic transformation and oncogenesis by Polyomavirus (PyV) and the characterization of mammary gland tumors that are induced following PyV infection. Below right: Rawle Hollingsworth, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, leads research in the application of carbohydrates in medicine and materials.
Brian Campbell Doctoral Student Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
“Visit the programs you are interested in so that you can talk to professors and students to find out what the experience is like. They can provide great advice and are a tremendous source of information.”
Kaliris Salas-Ramirez Doctoral Student Neuroscience
Rashad Simmons Doctoral Student Chemistry
“Prospective students should visit the Web sites and e-mail the faculty to find out who has funding and who has openings. This allows you to make a good decision so you know exactly what you are getting into since you are committing yourself to several years of your life.”
“Start the application process early since it gives you more opportunities and allows you to begin many of the other processes like selecting an adviser and starting on research.“
How to apply: MSU connects prospective students with the faculty in their programs of interest. This oneon-one connection enables students to begin building relationships while getting clear advice and direct answers. Once contact with a specific program or department has been made, prospective students receive detailed information on application procedures, deadlines, and financial assistance. Much of this information can be readily accessed through the programs’ Web sites. Applications for admission are due by the end of the calendar year. However, students are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. Students considered for admission are invited to campus for interviews. These are generally conducted early in the calendar year. Offers to students are made during the winter and spring—typically concluding in mid-April.
1. Visit the department and program Web sites for the broad array of options MSU offers. Be sure to consider departments and programs that may relate to your interests. Examine the various degree options available and explore the research interests of the faculty. 2. Contact the department(s) of interest. Faculty will help you make the mostinformed decision, so ask plenty of questions. 3. Review the departmental material including the specific steps for application. This varies based on the program and department, so review the information closely. 4. Begin the online application process at the MSU Graduate School (http://www. msu.edu/user/gradschl/apply.htm). The online system allows you to save your information as you collect all the necessary materials.
MSU’s Women in Chemistry group addresses concerns of women pursuing advanced degrees in all science disciplines and regularly conducts programs promoting cultural and gender diversity in the sciences.
Choose your path of discovery www.ns.msu.edu/graduate Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology http://www.bch.msu.edu/graduate Phone: (517) 353-0807
Department of Mathematics http://www.math.msu.edu/Graduate/ Phone: (517) 353-6338
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program http://medtech.cls.msu.edu/Masters/ Phone: (517) 353-7800
Mathematics Education Graduate Program http://www.dsme.msu.edu/mathed/ Phone (517) 355-1708 ext. 105
Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program http://www.ns.msu.edu/cmb/ Phone: (517) 355-8916
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics http://mmg.msu.edu/grad_overview.htm Phone: (517) 355-6463 ext. 1503
Department of Chemistry http://www.chemistry.msu.edu/Graduate/graduate.asp Phone: (517) 355-9715 ext. 343
Neuroscience Program http://www.ns.msu.edu/neurosci/ Phone: (517) 353-8947
Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Interdepartmental Graduate Program http://www.msu.edu/~eebb/ Phone: (517) 432-1359
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology http://www.phmtox.msu.edu/program/ Phone: (517) 353-7146
Department of Entomology http://www.ent.msu.edu/Programs/programs_index.htm Phone: (517) 355-4665 Environmental Science and Policy Program http://environment.msu.edu Phone: (517) 432-8296 Environmental Toxicology Program http://www.iet.msu.edu/grad_progs/gradprog.htm Phone 517/353-6469 Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition http://www.msu.edu/unit/fshn/ Phone: (517) 355-8474 ext. 129 Genetics Graduate Program http://www.ns.msu.edu/genetics/ Phone: (517) 353-9845 These microscopy images were generated by the MSU’s Center for Advanced Microscopy, which provides researchers access to scanning electron, transmission electron, scanning probe, and laser scanning confocal microscopy.
Department of Geological Sciences http://geology.msu.edu/ Phone: (517) 355-4626
Department of Physics and Astronomy http://www.pa.msu.edu/grad/ Phone: (517) 355-9200 ext. 2032 Department of Physiology http://www.psl.msu.edu/grad/ Phone: (517) 355-6475 Department of Plant Biology http://www.plantbiology.msu.edu/grad.shtml Phone: (517) 432-4429 Department of Statistics and Probability http://www.stt.msu.edu/programs/Graduate/gh.html Phone: (517) 355-9589 Department of Zoology http://zoology.msu.edu/academics/graduate.html Phone: (517) 355-4642
Collaboration and customization go together at MSU as students explore their individual interests in the areas of physical, mathematical, and life sciences. With the resources available only from a major research institution, graduate students enjoy a connected environment filled with opportunities to enhance their education.
Above: The portion of MSU’s 5,200-acre East Lansing campus south of the Red Cedar River is home to many of the laboratories, greenhouses, research centers, and departments for the physical, mathematical, and life sciences. Below: Xudong Fan operates the transmission electron microscope at MSU’s Center for Advanced Microscopy.
MSU is a place to explore areas of science that will forever shape the world.
Front top: The Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, which opened in 2002, provides classroom space, laboratories, and faculty offices to many science programs at MSU. Front center: Rita Sharma, a doctoral student in Michael Thomashow’s lab, harvests arabidopsis seeds. The lab conducts research to understand the molecular genetic mechanisms that plants have evolved to tolerate environmental stresses. Front bottom: Julius Jackson, professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, focuses on the integration of mathematics in biology while conducting research on bacterial genomics and physiology. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity institution. Supported by the National Science Foundation Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Program Produced for the College of Natural Science by Marketing and Creative Services, Division of University Relations, MSU 06-NAT-017