Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin

Biochemistry, Non-Thesis Option, M.S.


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This option is provided for students who desire a stronger foundation in chemistry for professional schools or personal knowledge. This option requires completion of six additional credit hours of coursework beyond that required for the thesis option as well as preparation of a master’s report.

During the first semester of enrollment and in consultation with the graduate advisor, the student will select a general area in which to write a report and a member of the faculty to supervise it. The report is a result of independent study and may involve extensive literature search, laboratory work, or review of an area. The report must follow the general guidelines for writing a thesis and is subject to the advisor’s approval.

Learning Outcomes


Students who complete the M.S. degree program in biochemistry will:

  • Focus on coursework and independent research supervised by a faculty advisor (thesis option);
  • Develop a working knowledge of basic biochemical principles, an understanding of their application in the laboratory, and the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in their field; and
  • Develop and implement an independent research project in the biochemical sciences that is expected to generate novel results contributing to their field.

Admission


To be admitted to graduate programs an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and an adequate background in chemistry or biochemistry. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is required; however, students with industrial experience in chemistry and averages below 3.0 may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the graduate advisor and with permission of the Graduate School.

Applicants must achieve acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries who have not received a degree from a United States university must satisfy English proficiency requirements, including a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS exam, or a minimum score of 105 on the Duolingo exam, or a minimum score of 56 on the Pearson English International Test. 

General Requirements


Upon admission, students will confer with the appropriate graduate advisor to plan course sequencing and discuss research or report options.

Satisfactory progress in coursework and a 3.0 G.P.A. in all graduate courses is required to remain in good academic standing.

Students without the necessary prerequisite undergraduate courses will be required to take those courses to make up the deficiencies.

Curriculum Requirements


Graduate Seminar (6 hours)


Master’s Report (6 hours)


Electives (9 hours)


Additional Courses


In addition to courses from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, students may consider the following courses from outside the department towards degree requirements, following consultation with the graduate program advisor. 

Total: 33 hours


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