1. Training Objectives for Degree Authorization

The program aims to cultivate high-level, research-oriented, and application-focused biology professionals who:

• Systematically grasp foundational theories, specialized knowledge, and practical skills in biology.

• Demonstrate strong innovation capabilities and the ability to conduct independent research or specialized technical work.

Specific Requirements:

1. Uphold the values of the Communist Party of China, show patriotism and commitment to socialism, possess strong moral values, social responsibility, and abide by the law.

2. Master core biological theories, specialized knowledge, and practical skills to conduct research, teaching, or technical work independently. Stay informed about the latest advancements in biology and adhere to rigorous scientific methods.

3. Be proficient in reading biology literature in English and writing English abstracts for scientific papers.

4. Exhibit strong abilities in information gathering, knowledge acquisition, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and social interaction.

2. Degree Standards

Based on the Academic Degree Regulations of the People's Republic of China, the Interim Measures for the Implementation of the Academic Degree Regulations, and the Detailed Rules for Degree Conferral at Changchun Normal University, master’s degree candidates must meet the following standards:

1. Have a solid theoretical foundation and specialized knowledge in biology.

2. Maintain good academic ethics and a strong foundation in scholarship.

3. Show proficiency in research or specialized technical work, including reading foreign literature in their field.

4. Complete required courses, earn a minimum of 34 credits, and pass the thesis defense. Candidates must publish at least one academic paper in a provincial or higher-level journal as the first author to be eligible for the thesis defense.

3. Research Directions

1. Botany: Focuses on plant life from individual organisms to communities, covering the impact of ecological conditions on plant reproduction, soil improvement through plant-microbe systems, and physiological and ecological adaptation mechanisms. Botany is closely linked to agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and environmental protection.

2. Zoology: Studies the principles of life activities in humans and animals, the effects of internal and external environmental changes, and mechanisms of these effects. Areas of focus include neurophysiology and bionics, exploring pain modulation, sleep mechanisms, and biological information principles, utilizing techniques like immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and ion fluorescence imaging.

3. Cell Biology: Applies modern concepts from physics, chemistry, and molecular biology to study cell morphology, physiology, and signaling pathways at the cellular level. Key research areas include molecular mechanisms of tumor metastasis, differentiation induction, chromatin epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation), and the relationship between chromatin structure dynamics and gene transcription.

4. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: As a foundational and interdisciplinary field of life sciences, it explores the molecular nature of life, structure-function relationships, metabolic regulation, and applications of biopolymers like polysaccharides in drug and food development.

4. Duration of Study

The standard period of study for full-time master's students is 3 years, with a maximum of 5 years.

5. Training Methodology

1. Mentor and Team Training: Mentors bear primary responsibility for guiding students, with a supporting mentor group involved in planning and overseeing coursework, research, and moral development.

2. Regular Group Meetings: Implemented to foster research and innovation, the group meeting system includes research reporting, literature review, experimental updates, and open discussion sessions. These meetings, held at least 8 times per semester, help students refine academic skills, critical thinking, and scientific rigor.

3. Independent Research: Under mentor guidance, students engage in research to develop independent research skills. Academic achievements must meet the standards outlined in Changchun Normal University Doctoral and Master’s Degree Conferment Rules.

6. Coursework

Coursework includes:

• Compulsory public courses

• Foundation courses in the discipline

• Directional compulsory courses

• Elective public and specialized courses

• Mandatory components such as seminars and research activities.

The program uses a credit-based system, requiring at least 34 credits: 21 for degree courses, 8 for non-degree courses, and 5 for required activities.