Graduate Student Handbook
Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences
The Graduate Program in Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences (ABBS) is a training program within the Veterinary and Animal Sciences Department at the University of Massachusetts and operates under the guidelines of the University Graduate School. Requirements of the ABBS program cannot circumvent those of the Graduate School (see the UMass Graduate School Student Handbook), but the department may impose additional requirements. Both sets of guidelines must be adhered to in order to successfully complete the degree. Fulfilling the ABBS requirements will also fulfill those of the university. All ABBS graduate student forms are available on the Graduate Forms page.
I. Introduction
The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences offers degrees of Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences. The Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program encompasses several scientific disciplines with particular strengths in reproductive and developmental biology, toxicology, and immunology and infectious disease. Research topics focus on issues directly relevant to humans and agriculturally important animals.
The Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (ABBS) emphasizes research and all degree candidates complete a research-based program of study. Research is done for the Ph.D. dissertation while independent study research is done for the Master’s thesis program. Coursework is required for all degree programs. Teaching experience (as a teaching assistant) is required for Ph.D. students. It is expected that the research for all levels of graduate work will form at least one research publication or a major contribution to a publication in a referred scientific journal for Master’s level and generally more than one for Ph.D. Additionally, our program offers a fifth year Master’s degree that requires transfer of six graduate credits taken in the senior year of a Bachelor’s degree at UMass, previous research experience with a faculty member and at least four semesters of residence (including summers).
All requirements described herein are in accordance with and supplemental to the Graduate Student Handbook published by the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts. Rules of individual departments do not circumvent those established by the Graduate School, but the department may impose additional requirements to those established by the Graduate School. Thus both sets of guidelines must be adhered to in order to obtain a graduate degree in Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences (ABBS). The Departmental and Graduate School requirements complement one another as some requirements of the ABBS program will also satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School.
It is to the student’s advantage to become familiar with both the Graduate School and Departmental requirements early in their degree program and to establish a tentative schedule for completing the requirements in consultation with their Major Professor (who serves as faculty advisor and research supervisor) and the Graduate Program Director. An example typical course of study is provided to help guide the student.
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