Biochemistry MS

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (thesis or non-thesis) in Biochemistry (specialties: bioanalytical chemistry and peptide, protein, lipid and nucleic acid chemistry). These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in academic, industrial, and governmental settings. Individualized programs of study, which take advantage of modern instrumentation, provide a solid foundation for independent research.

Expert faculty bring biology and chemistry disciplines together and research opportunities link those lessons to the real world. You’ll take classes on our Hawk Hill campus and have the option to pursue research-based (thesis) or classroom-based (non-thesis) degrees.

Students entering the graduate program in biochemistry may have any undergraduate degree that satisfies all the prerequisites for these programs.

Biochemistry MS: Non-Thesis 

Goal 1: Students will develop a strong background and achieve advanced knowledge in major areas of biochemistry.

Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to explain a broad range of advanced biochemical concepts.

Goal 2: Students will conduct effective literature research in biochemistry and communicate the finding in both oral and/or writing form.

Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to give a presentation on a biochemistry subject in either oral or written format.

Biochemistry MS: Thesis 

Goal 1: Students will develop a strong background and achieve advanced knowledge in chosen areas of biochemistry.

Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to explain advanced biochemical concepts.

Goal 2: Students will develop proficiency in conducting research in biochemistry.

Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to design and carry out an experiment given a biochemical problem.

 

Thesis Requirements

Core Courses:6
CHM 786
Research Ethics (1 credit)
CHM 602
Research Seminar 1
MAT 704
Statistics for Research (3 credits)
Biochemistry Required Courses:9
Choose three advanced biochemistry courses from the list below. Courses must be approved by Advisor, Advisory Committee, or Program Director. May include other graduate level courses as approved by the Program Director.
CHM 570
Special Topics
CHM 610
Biophysical Chemistry
CHM 611
Medicinal Chemistry
CHM 621
Chemical Kinetics
CHM 628
Advanced Biochemistry
CHM 642
Genetics and Molecular Biology
CHM 648
Computer Aided Drug Design
CHM 670
Special Topics
CHM 680
Metals in Medicine
CHM 685
Enzyme Mechanisms
CHM 697
Scientific Proposals
Research Courses:15 (minimum)
CHM 678
Introduction to Research (1 credit)
CHM 699
Graduate Research 2
Total Hours:30 (minimum)

 In addition to the above coursework, thesis students have a number of progression milestones which include:

  1. Selection of Research Advisor
  2. Selection of Research Committee
  3. Preparing a committee approved Research Prospectus
  4. Presentation of your research efforts at an external venue at least once
  5. Preparing a committee approved Thesis on your original research
  6. Successful Defense of your thesis work

Non Thesis Requirements

Core Courses:6
CHM 786
Research Ethics (1 credit)
CHM 602
Research Seminar 1
MAT 704
Statistics for Research (3 credits)
Biochemistry Required Courses:9
Choose three advanced biochemistry courses from the list below. Courses must be approved by Advisor, Advisory Committee, or Program Director. May include other graduate level courses as approved by the Program Director.
CHM 570
Special Topics
CHM 610
Biophysical Chemistry
CHM 611
Medicinal Chemistry
CHM 621
Chemical Kinetics
CHM 628
Advanced Biochemistry
CHM 642
Genetics and Molecular Biology
CHM 648
Computer Aided Drug Design
CHM 670
Special Topics
CHM 680
Metals in Medicine
CHM 685
Enzyme Mechanisms
Elective Courses:15
Choose five additional CHM graduate level elective courses. Elective courses must be approved by Program Director. Up to 3 credits of graduate research may be applied towards this requirement. May include other graduate level courses as approved by the Program Director.
Total Hours:30
1

Must take Research Seminar at least twice for a minimum of 2 credits in total.

2

14 credits minimum, more may be required to complete a master's level research project