Master of Science Requirements
A candidate for the degree of MS in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology is expected
to demonstrate a general knowledge in the field and the ability to do original research
in a specialized area of the field of biochemistry and chemical biology, with a thesis
as the final product. The original research is started as early as possible in the
student’s graduate education and requires the selection of a research advisor. In
addition, the satisfactory completion of appropriate courses and examinations is required.
The BCCB graduate committee recommends, for the degree of MS in Biochemistry and Chemical
Biology, students who complete the following requirements:
- An acceptable research project and thesis (BCHM 599)
- Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
- Three semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM 593)
- Completion of the two core courses BCHM 507 and 508 for a total of 8 credits
- An additional two graduate courses in biochemistry and chemical biology from the list
of approved courses for a total of 8 credits
- Passing an oral examination on the subject of the research thesis
- A total of at least 34 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements
- The examining committee for each candidate consists of at least three faculty members
appointed by the BCCB graduate committee.
Master of Arts Requirements
The MA program in biochemistry and chemical biology satisfies the needs of students
who desire a master’s degree based primarily on coursework.
The departmental graduate committee recommends, for the degree of MA in Biochemistry
and Chemical Biology, students who complete the following requirements:
- An acceptable research project (at least 4 credits of BCHM 597 and 4 credits of BCHM
598)
- Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
- Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
- Completion of the two core courses, BCHM 507 and 508, for a total of 8 credits
- Four graduate courses in biochemistry and chemical biology from the list of approved
courses for a total of 16 credits
- Public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project
- A total of at least 36 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements
Curriculum
Core courses
-
BCHM 507 - Advanced Biochemistry
Advanced biochemistry course for first year graduate students in the Biochemistry
and Chemical Biology, Chemistry and Biological Sciences graduate programs. The course
will teach principles of structure and function of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids
and membranes. Other concepts included are metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino
acids, protein synthesis, bioenergetics and regulation of metabolism. The format is
based on lectures and discussions of original literature. Offered every fall. 4 credits.
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
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BCHM 508 - Advanced Biochemistry Methods
Advanced biochemistry methods for first year graduate students in the Biochemistry
and Chemical Biology, Chemistry and Biological Sciences graduate programs. The course
will be taught in 2-week modules and focus on hands-on laboratory training in contemporary
biochemical methods. Topics covered will recombinant protein expression, protein purification,
bioconjugation, enzymatic assays, mammalian cell culture, and computational drug/target
docking. The format is based on discussions of peer-reviewed research literature and
laboratory experiments. Restricted to Graduate students only. Offered every spring.
4 credits.
Levels: Graduate
-
CHEM 592 - Graduate Seminar
Seminar discussion of current research topics. Attendance required of all degree
candidates. Credit granted in those semesters student presents seminar report. May
be repeated for credit.
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
CHEM 593 - Frontiers In Chemistry
Seminars on current topics in chemistry. Students attend presentations, participate
in discussion, and write reports. Visiting speakers included. May be repeated for
credit to be counted toward fulfilling residency requirement; may not substitute for
specified course requirements (including seminars). Two credits required of all graduate
students. Prerequisite: graduate standing in chemistry. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
grading only. Offered: every semester
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
Research courses
Master of Science students:
-
BCHM 599 - Thesis Research
Credit determined in advance by consultation with advisor. Does not count toward
residency requirement. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
Levels: Graduate
Master of Arts students:
-
BCHM 597 - Independent Study
Directed study in a field of biochemistry, under guidance and with approval of
instructor and department. May be counted toward residency requirement, but does not
ordinarily fulfill specified course requirements. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading
unless departmental approval has been obtained in advance for regular letter grading.
Levels: Graduate
-
BCHM 598 - Pre-Thesis Research
Independent research toward preparation of master's thesis. Limited to six
credits, to be counted toward fulfilling residency requirement, but may not be used
to satisfy specific course requirements. Prerequisite: must be accepted as candidate
for the master's program, with entrance examinations and majority of coursework
complete. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
Levels: Graduate
