Doctoral studies in biology at Saint Louis University emphasize intensive research training under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Once biology Ph.D. students at SLU successfully complete the required coursework and the written and oral qualifying examinations, they are expected to design and conduct an original research project and to work independently. Students are required to present their work at local or national professional meetings and may also be expected to seek external funding to support the research project. Ideally, a student's research will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Graduates will be able to critically analyze primary literature articles by evaluating the scientific contributions of peer-reviewed publications in biology. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas. Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional integrity. Graduates will be able to use appropriate instrumentation and analytical methods to collect data. Graduates will be able to draw statistically valid conclusions from quantitative data. Graduates will be able to design novel research that advances knowledge of their field. Graduates will be able to conduct self-directed research. Past biology Ph.D. students at SLU have gone on to careers as research scientists, teachers, university faculty and in various capacities at pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. For students interested in ecology, evolution or systematics, additional coursework in some of the following areas is also recommended: genetics, general ecology, evolution, introductory statistics, general botany, and a taxonomically oriented course. For students interested in cell or molecular biology, additional coursework in some of the following areas is recommended: genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, microbiology or immunology.
Career Path
Graduate career path includes Principal Investigator (Biology Research Lab),Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Scientific Journal Editor (Biology Focus), Curriculum Developer (Advanced Biology Programs), Academic Advisor (Graduate-Level STEM), Research Director (Biological Sciences), Genomics Research Director, Senior Biotech Research Scientist, Interdisciplinary Research Coordinator, Pharmaceutical Development Scientist, Immunology Research Scientist, Neurobiology Research Scientist, Synthetic Biology Researcher, Drug Discovery Scientist, Clinical Trials Director (Biology Focus), Senior Conservation Biologist, Climate Change Research Scientist, Environmental Policy Advisor (Biology Focus), Restoration Ecology Scientist, Marine Biology Research Director, Wildlife Biology Program Director, Global Sustainability Consultant, Environmental NGO Research Director, Biomedical Research Scientist, Public Health Research Director (Biology Focus)
