The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Natural Sciences, Microscope Imaging Technology Specialization program prepares graduate students for employment as microscopists or managers of light microscope cores in academic, government or private sector businesses, or in research laboratories. Students gain the scientific, business, and communication skills required to be competitive for management jobs in these positions. Students learn how to analyze images, automate data collection and analysis, deal with large data sets, and interface between bioscientists and engineers for experimental design, selecting the optimal imaging system, and in data acquisition and interpretation. Students also obtain skills for business management and operation.
The PSM in Natural Sciences, Microscope Imaging Technology Specialization is an affiliated Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Affiliation is administered by the Commission on Affiliation of PSM Programs (formerly named PSM National Office) to ensure a strong and distinctive PSM brand. The PSM is designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science or mathematics and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program. students will be able to understand:
- The basic principles of light and its detection.
- Engineering principles of optical design and imaging systems.
- Molecular and cell biological methods for making/expressing tagged molecules.
- Operation and applications of various microscope systems.
- Acquisition, automation, data storage, and analysis of imaging data.
- How to integrate this knowledge and communicate in a business setting.
Effective Fall 2019
Students may need to take additional coursework in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
| BC 665A | Advanced Topics in Cell Regulation: Microscopic Methods | 2 |
| GRAD 510 | Fundamentals of High Performance Computing | 3 |
| GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
| GRAD 550 | STEM Communication | 1 |
| MGT 340 | Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| NSCI 677 | Microscopic Image Collection & Processing | 2 |
| NSCI 687D | Internship: Microscopy (4 x 10 weeks; var. Cr) | 8 |
| NSCI 693D | Graduate Seminar: Microscopy | 1 |
| NSCI 696D | Group Study: Microscopy Proposal | 6 |
| Select one of the following Business/Marketing electives: | 2-3 | |
| Foundations for Business Impact | ||
| Business Communication–Multicultural Audience | ||
| Leadership and Social Responsibility | ||
| New Venture Management | ||
| Select one: | 2 | |
| Comprehensive Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Techniques in Molecular & Cellular Biology | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 35-36 | |
A minimum of 35 credits are required to complete this program.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |