Program Objectives

The objectives of the M.S. in Molecular Biology Program are to:

1. prepare graduates to remain abreast of the most recent advances in molecular biology.
2. prepare graduates for further graduate studies and for careers in related fields.

Program Outcomes

Students in the M.S. in Molecular Biology will be able to:

1. Integrate advanced concepts in molecular biology and related fields
2. Develop analytical and critical-thinking skills
3. Evaluate recent advances in molecular biology and their impact on society
4. Conduct research in molecular biology and related fields as individual and part of a research team
5. Demonstrate effective verbal and oral scientific communication
6. Assess ethical issues in biological research

Program Requirements

The M.S. in Molecular Biology curriculum comprises a total of 30 credits, distributed as follows:

Molecular Biology Core Courses (9 credits)

• BIO805 Protein Research Methods (3 cr.)
• BIO806 Genomics Research Methods (3 cr.)
• BIO822 Advanced Molecular Biology (3 cr.)

Elective Courses (15 credits)

Choose five courses:

• BIO841 Molecular Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO820 Applied and Industrial Microbiology (3 cr.)
• BIO825 Diagnostic Microbiology and Immunology (3 cr.)
• BIO850 Genomics and Proteomics (3 cr.)
• BIO826 Advances in Cell Biology (3 cr.)
• BIO829 Endocrinology and Metabolism (3 cr.)
• BIO834 Environmental Health and Toxicology (3 cr.)
• BIO852 Nutrition and Diet Therapy (3 cr.)
• BIO848 Fungal Genetics and Pathogenicity (3 cr.)
• BIO845 Diagnostic and Applied Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO835 Microbial Pathogenesis (3 cr.)
• BIO888 Current Topics in Microbiology (3 cr.)
• BIO881 Special Topics in Biology (3 cr.)

Thesis (6 credits)

• BIO899 Thesis* (6 cr.)

*The thesis can be in the following fields of research: Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Human Genetics, Fungal Genetics, Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Cell and Cancer Biology, Physiology and Nutrition.