Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology
Program Contact: Lise Thomas 203-582-8497
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology program for both part-time and full-time students. Through the graduate program, the mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to prepare students for employment in research fields available in pharmaceutical companies, universities and hospitals as well as to provide an excellent foundation for students intending to pursue studies in professional health care fields and doctoral programs. To achieve this goal, the program provides the students with highly specialized lecture and laboratory courses relevant in this rapidly growing field.
MS in Molecular and Cell Biology
Program of Study
The 34 credits required for the Master's Degree in Molecular and Cell Biology include five courses (20 credits) in the science core, elective courses chosen in consultation with the program director and a thesis or non-thesis option (the non-thesis option requires the successful completion of a comprehensive examination; the thesis option requires two additional credits, for a total of 36 credits).
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| BIO 515 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 |
| BIO 568 | Molecular and Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 571 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 605 | DNA Methods Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO 606 | Protein Methods Laboratory | 4 |
| Thesis or Non-Thesis Option | ||
| Select one of the options | 14-16 | |
| Total Credits | 34-36 | |
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 20 | |
| BIO 650 | Thesis I in Molecular and Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 651 | Thesis II in Molecular and Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 688 | Independent Study | 2 |
| Graduate electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 20 | |
| BIO 675 | Comp Exam in Molecular and Cell Biology | 2 |
| Graduate electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
Graduate Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 505 | Writing and Science | 3 |
| BIO 562 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIO 650 | Thesis I in Molecular and Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 651 | Thesis II in Molecular and Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 675 | Comp Exam in Molecular and Cell Biology | 2 |
| BIO 688 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
| BIO 689 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
| BMS 510 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BMS 517 | Human Embryology | 3 |
| BMS 518 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| BMS 522 | Immunology | 3 |
| BMS 526 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| BMS 527 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| BMS 532 & 532L | Histology and Histology Lab | 4 |
| BMS 564 | Fundamentals of Oncology | 4 |
| BMS 565 | Leukemia | 3 |
| BMS 569 | Antimicrobial Therapy | 3 |
| BMS 570 | Virology | 4 |
| BMS 572 | Pathogenic Microbiology (with lab) | 4 |
| BMS 573 | Mycology | 3 |
| BMS 576 | Drug Discovery and Development | 3 |
| BMS 578 | Cellular Basis of Neurobiological Disorders | 3 |
| BMS 579 | Molecular Pathology | 3 |
| BMS 583 | Forensic Pathology | 3 |
| BMS 595 | Transplantation Immunology | 3 |
| PA 515 | Human Physiology | 4 |
The thesis involves original laboratory research performed under the guidance of a thesis committee and the director of the molecular and cell biology program. The thesis committee evaluates a student’s progress by approving the research project and subsequently advising the student whenever the need arises.
Comprehensive Examination
The written comprehensive exam (BIO 675) is a requirement of the non-thesis option for the MS in Molecular and Cell Biology. Students must demonstrate both breadth and depth of knowledge by illustrating a command of the subject matter obtained from individual courses into unified concepts, which link the student’s own specialization to other fields of study. Completion of a minimum of four of the five core curriculum courses is required to register for the comprehensive examination. Minimum grade of 3.0 is required to pass the comprehensive examination. Students must meet with the program director before registering for the comprehensive exam.
Admission
Students who have a bachelor’s degree in a biological, medical or scientific field are eligible for admission to the Molecular and Cell Biology graduate degree program. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions. and are accepted during the fall or spring semesters. A complete application consists of the following:
- application form and fee
- a letter of intent including a detailed autobiography of personal, professional and educational achievements
- two letters of recommendation
- official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work completed
- undergraduate course work in biochemistry, microbiology and genetics is highly recommended
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Although Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required, the scores can provide another indication of a student’s intellectual ability. Applicants should refer to the Graduate Admission Requirements found in this catalog.