Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science degree requires completion of at least 30 semester credits (including research and thesis), achievement of an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), satisfactory preparation of a thesis, and a successful performance on an oral examination covering course work and thesis-related material. Emphasis is placed on the research experience.

Requirements

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours including research and thesis.
2. A grade of at least C in BIMD 500.
3. Completion of BIMD 510, 513, and 516.
4. Completion of three credits of BMB533.
5. Completion of 1 credit each of BMB 514 and 521.
6. An overall GPA of at least 3.0.
7. An acceptable thesis.
8. Minimum Course Requirements as follows:

1. BIMD 500 Cellular & Molecular Foundations 6 credits
2. BIMD 510 Basic Biomedical Statistics 2 credits
3. BIMD 513 Seminar in Biomedical Sciences 1 credits
4. BIMD 516 Responsible Conduct of Research 1 credits
5. BMB 514 Current Literature 1 credits
6. BMB 521 Seminar 1 credits
7. BMB 533 Advanced Biochem. & Molec. Biol. 3 credits
8. BMB 590 and 998 Research & Thesis 14 credits
9. Minimum Total Credits 30 credits

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy requires completion of at least 90 semester credits (including six credits outside the department, a scholarly tool and research and dissertation), achievement of an overall grade point average of at least 3.0, and satisfactory preparation and oral defense of the dissertation. Strong emphasis is placed on an original research project intended to result in peer-reviewed publication.

Requirements

1. Performance of original research suitable for publication in a refereed journal and the preparation of a dissertation.
2. A minimum of 90 credit hours, including research and dissertation.
3. A scholarly tool (normally met by taking BIMD 510 or its equivalent).
4. A grade of at least B in BIMD 500.
5. Completion of BIMD 510, 513, 515 and 516.
6. Completion of six credits of BMB 533.
7. Completion of two credits each of BMB 514 and 521.
8. An overall GPA of at least 3.0.
9. At least 6 credits of formal course work outside of the department.
10. Passing performance on oral and written comprehensive examinations covering the course work in the major and related areas.
11. Preparation and oral defense of a satisfactory dissertation.
12. Minimum Course Requirements as follows:

1. BIMD 500 Cellular & Molecular Foundations 6 credits
2. BIMD 510 Basic Biomedical Statistics 2 credits
3. BIMD 513 Seminar in Biomedical Sciences 1 credits
4. BIMD 516 Responsible Conduct of Research 1 credits
5. BMB 514 Current Literature 2 credits
6. BMB 521 Seminar 2 credits
7. BMB 533 Advanced Biochem. & Molec. Biol. 6 credits
8. Electives 6 credits
9. BMB 590 and 999 Research & Dissertation 63 credits
10. Minimum Total Credits 90 credits

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Additional Notes

A student with excellent credentials may be admitted directly into the Ph.D. degree program. After one calender year in the program, the faculty will review the progress of the student. To remain in the Ph.D. program, the student must meet the following requirements:

• Accumulation of a minimum of 26 graduate credits with a GPA of 3.5 or greater.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in BIMD 500, 510, 512 and 513 and either BMB 531 or 532.
• A minimum of 8 credits of BMB 590.

A student initially admitted to the Master's degree program may be allowed to proceed toward the Ph.D. degree without obtaining a M.S. in the Department. Advancement into the doctoral program requires approval by the student's Advisory Committee, the Dean of the Graduate School, and fulfillment of the following requirements:

• Accumulation of a minimum of 26 graduate credits with a GPA of 3.5 or greater.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in BIMD 500, 510, 512 and 513 and either BMB 531 or 532.
• A minimum of 8 credits of BMB 590.
• Approval of change in program status by two-thirds of the faculty members in the department after review of the student's academic accomplishments, research performance and professional conduct.

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