Master of Science in Chemical Biology
The Master of Science in Chemical Biology degree gives students unparalleled preparation for a range of satisfying careers in research, medicine, and industry with a focus on molecular, cellular and computational methodologies. Examples of course content include cell and molecular biology, bioanalytical techniques and genetics. Along with advanced theoretical studies, students pursue original research in world-class laboratories under the mentorship of leading experts in the field and acquire in-depth lab experience.
Concentrations
Program Objectives
The program prepares students to:
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solve problems in Chemical Biology using computational, molecular and cellular approaches and be able to articulate these solutions to a broad audience in oral and written formats.
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perform innovative research in the field of Chemical Biology.
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critically evaluate the scientific literature in the field of Chemical biology and be able to articulate their critiques, and to explain their ideas in oral and written formats.
Program Outcomes
By the time of graduation, students will be able to:
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employ chemistry, physics, mathematics and computational tools to investigate and explain biological phenomena. (Scientific Foundations)
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demonstrate proficiency to Isolate, quantitate, and identify biomolecules (e.g. nucleic acids and proteins) using electrophoresis, polymerase chain reactions, spectrophotometry, Western blot procedures; characterize the structure and function of cells and their subcellular organelles using microscopy, cell culture techniques, staining and antibody probes. (Technical Foundations)
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collect and interpret data via laboratory research, search genomic databases, read and interpret scientific literature. (Experimentation)
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apply chemical methods such as infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas and liquid chromatography to identify biomolecules. (Tools)
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prepare to enter the workforce as a scientist or for admission to U.S. medical, dental, osteopathic medical schools, or further graduate study. (Professionalism)
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demonstrate good work ethics and a collaborative attitude in the pursuit of knowledge. (Teamwork)
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compose reports in journal article format and communicate research findings effectively in both written and verbal format. (Communication)
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observe and practice laboratory safety rules, procedures and protocols in an ethically safe manner. (Ethical)
Degree Requirements
The program is a 30-credit degree program. Students are required to complete:
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4 core courses (12 credits) including:
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6 unrestricted technical elective courses (18 credits)
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2 semesters of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Seminar (CH 700) for 0 credits
Research is encouraged and can be included in the master's degree program, either as a Special Research Problem (BIO 800 or CH 800) or a Master's Thesis (BIO 800 or CH 900), and counted towards the 30 credits required for the degree.
Students are encouraged to choose their electives toward fulfillment of a graduate certificate, especially Drug Discovery, Analytical Chemistry or Computational Chemistry and Biology.
Core Courses in Chemical Biology (Prerequisites may be required)
One Advanced Chemistry Course (with recommendation of research advisor) is required as a core course
Technical Elective Courses
Students are required to complete 18 credits of technical electives, which includes 6 credits of unrestricted electives including courses in biomedical engineering. Research is encouraged and can be included in the master's degree program, either as a Special Research Problem (BIO 800 or CH 800) or a Master's Thesis (BIO 800 or CH 900), and counted towards the 30 credits required for the degree. Students need to complete two semesters of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Seminar (CH 700) for 0 credits.
Students are encouraged to choose their electives toward fulfillment of a graduate certificate, especially Drug Discovery, Analytical Chemistry or Computational Chemistry and Biology.
| BIO 507 | Applications of Statistics in Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences | 3 |
| BIO 508 | Clinical Research Methodology and Design | 3 |
| BIO 526 | Cancer Biology | 3 |
| BIO 568 | Computational Biology | 3 |
| BIO 583 | Physiology | 3 |
| BIO 682 | Biochemical Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| BIO 683 | Microscopy Imaging in Biological Systems | 3 |
| BIO 684 | Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| BIO 800 | Special Research Problems in Chemical Biology | 1-6 |
| BIO 900 | Master’s Thesis in Chemical Biology | 1-10 |
| CH 520 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 550 | Spectra and Structure | 3 |
| CH 582 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 561 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 3 |
| CH 580 | Biochemistry I - Cellular Metabolism and Regulation | 3 |
| CH 581 | Biochemistry II: Biomolecular Structure and Function | 3 |
| CH 610 | Advanced Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 620 | Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics | 3 |
| CH 640 | Advanced Organic and Heterocyclic Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 642 | Synthetic Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 646 | Chemistry of Natural Products | 3 |
| CH 660 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CH 662 | Separation Methods in Analytical and Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 664 | Computer Methods in Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 666 | Modern Mass Spectrometry | 3 |
| CH 669 | Applied Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 574 | Polymer Functionality | 3 |
| CH 685 | Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 800 | Special Research Problems in Chemistry | 1-6 |
| CH 900 | Masters Thesis in Chemistry/Chemical Biology | 1-6 |
| CH 701 | Practicum in Chemistry | 1 |