Graduate courses in biology carry either a 5000 or 6000 course number. Although both 5000 and 6000 level courses count for graduate credit, no more than 30 percent of the hours required for a master's degree may derive from 5000 level courses. Candidates for the MS degree may elect an "area of specialization" within the field of biology. Those who elect to specialize must take at least nine (9) semester hours, in addition to research and thesis, in the area of specialization. Current areas of specialization include: botany (B), cell and molecular biology (C), ecology (E), genetics (G), microbiology (M), physiology (P), or zoology (Z). If an area of specialization is elected, it must be so indicated on the Research and Thesis Approval Form submitted to the Graduate Coordinator at or before the time the Candidacy Form is filed in the Graduate Office. At least nine semester hours must be taken in the declared area of specialization.