Biochemistry and Biotechnology MS

Program Overview

The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Master's program offers three options: Non-Thesis, Thesis, and Professional Science. It provides advanced knowledge and skills in biochemistry and biotechnology, preparing students for careers in research, industry, or education. The program includes required courses in advanced biochemistry, bioinformatics, and biotechnology laboratory techniques, along with elective courses in various specialized areas. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and successfully complete assessments to graduate.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Program offers three types of Master of Science degrees: Non-Thesis, Thesis, and Professional Science.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in biochemistry and biotechnology, preparing them for careers in research, industry, or education.
• Program Description:
• Non-Thesis Option:
This is a 30-credit-hour non-thesis option suitable for those with laboratory research experience or for others, such as educators, who do not require research experience.
• Thesis Option: This option includes laboratory-based research under the supervision of one of the program faculty members, leading to a written thesis.
• Professional Science Option: This is a 32-credit-hour Professional Science emphasis area that includes a strong business component for students who are interested in learning more about the business aspects of companies.

Program Outline:

Course Schedule:

Required Courses:

• CHEM 5722: Advanced Graduate Biochemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 5774: Bioinformatics (3 credits) or BIOL 5436: Advanced Applied Bioinformatics
• BIOL 6615: Advanced Biotechnology Laboratory II (4 credits)
• BIOL 6602: Advanced Molecular Biology (3 credits) or BIOL 6608: Advanced Synthetic Biology or BIOL 6632: Advanced Nucleic Acid Structure and Function or BIOL 6642: Advanced Plant Biology and Biotechnology
• BIOL 6889: Graduate Seminar (2 credits)

Elective Courses (select 15 credits):

• CHEM 4733: Biochemistry Laboratory
• CHEM 5302: Foundations of Physical Chemistry
• CHEM 5772: Advanced Physical Biochemistry
• CHEM 5694: Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (when relevant)
• CHEM 5774: Bioinformatics
• CHEM 5794: Special Topics in Biochemistry
• CHEM 6787: Problem Seminar in Biochemistry 1
• CHEM 6905: Graduate Research in Chemistry
• BIOL 4122: Biostatistics
• BIOL 4842: Immunobiology
• BIOL 5012: Advanced Genetics
• BIOL 5069: Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology 1
• BIOL 5099: Biology Colloquium 1
• BIOL 5436: Advanced Applied Bioinformatics
• BIOL 6608: Advanced Synthetic Biology
• BIOL 6442: Advanced Developmental Biology
• BIOL 6550: Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis
• BIOL 6602: Advanced Molecular Biology
• BIOL 6622: Advanced Cellular Basis of Disease
• BIOL 6632: Advanced Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
• BIOL 6642: Advanced Plant Biology and Biotechnology
• BIOL 6652: Advanced Virology
• BIOL 6699: Graduate Internship in Biotechnology
• BIOL 6889: Graduate Seminar (when relevant)
• BIOL 6905: Graduate Research in Biology
• BIOL 6920: Advanced Topics in Biology (when relevant)
Students must have a 3.0 GPA in non-research courses.

Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including exams, quizzes, presentations, and research projects.
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.
• Students in the thesis option must successfully defend their thesis to graduate.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and industry.
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments, and research projects.
• The program provides students with opportunities to interact with industry professionals through guest lectures and internships.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Research and development
• Biotechnology industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Education
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations