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.

 

Concentration

  • Drug Discovery


Program Objectives

 

The program prepares students to:

  • 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.

  • perform innovative research in the field of Chemical Biology.

  • 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:

  • employ chemistry, physics, mathematics and computational tools to investigate and explain biological phenomena. (Scientific Foundations)

  • 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)

  • collect and interpret data via laboratory research, search genomic databases, read and interpret scientific literature. (Experimentation)

  • apply chemical methods such as infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas and liquid chromatography to identify biomolecules. (Tools)

  • prepare to enter the workforce as a scientist or for admission to U.S. medical, dental, osteopathic medical schools, or further graduate study.  (Professionalism)

  • demonstrate good work ethics and a collaborative attitude in the pursuit of knowledge. (Teamwork)

  • compose reports in journal article format and communicate research findings effectively in both written and verbal format.  (Communication) 

  • 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:

  • 4 core courses (12 credits) including:

    • 1 advanced chemistry course (3 credits) with recommendation of research advisor

    • prerequisites may be required

  • 6 unrestricted technical elective courses (18 credits)

    • including courses in biomedical engineering

  • 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)

 
BIO 586Immunology

3

BIO 690Cellular Signal Transduction

3

BIO 687Molecular Genetics

3

CH 700Seminar in Chemistry

0

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 507Applications of Statistics in Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences

3

BIO 509Clinical Research Methodology and Design

3

BIO 526Cancer Biology

3

BIO 568Computational Biology

3

BIO 583Physiology

3

BIO 682Biochemical Laboratory Techniques

3

BIO 683Microscopy Imaging in Biological Systems

3

BIO 684Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques

3

BIO 800Special Research Problems in Chemical Biology

1 - 6

BIO 900Master’s Thesis in Chemical Biology

1 - 10

CH 520Advanced Physical Chemistry

3

CH 550Spectra and Structure

3

CH 582Biophysical Chemistry

3

CH 561Instrumental Methods of Analysis

3

CH 580Biochemistry I - Cellular Metabolism and Regulation

3

CH 574Polymer Functionality

3

CH 581Biochemistry II: Biomolecular Structure and Function

3

CH 610Advanced Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry

3

CH 620Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

3

CH 640Advanced Organic andHeterocyclic Chemistry

3

CH 642Synthetic Organic Chemistry

3

CH 646Chemistry of Natural Products

3

CH 660Advanced Instrumental Analysis

3

CH 662Separation Methods in Analytical and Organic Chemistry

3

CH 664Computer Methods in Chemistry

3

CH 666Modern Mass Spectrometry

3

CH 669Applied Quantum Chemistry

3

CH 685Medicinal Chemistry

3

CH 800Special Research Problems in Chemistry

1 - 6

CH 900Masters Thesis in Chemistry/Chemical Biology

1 - 10

CH 701Practicum in Chemistry

1