Master of Science in Biochemistry

The graduate program in biochemistry offers a challenging and broad-based graduate program of research and coursework leading to the MS degree. The aim of the graduate program is to train scientists to identify, address, and solve biomedical problems at the molecular level. The themes of molecular structure, molecular mechanisms, and molecular regulation are recurrent throughout the diverse research areas represented by the biochemistry faculty. A minimum of two years of full-time study is required for an MS degree. Master’s graduates typically look forward to careers in clinical biochemistry, in pharmaceuticals and medical research equipment sales, or as research technicians in university and industrial laboratories. Background courses in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology are taken during the first academic year. In addition, every student carries out short research projects in three different laboratories chosen by the student. This exposure to research not only gives the student broad research training, but also helps the student to select a thesis advisor at the end of the first academic year. In the second year, the student begins thesis research and takes several advanced courses, tailored to the student’s individual interests. All students participate in student seminars and are encouraged to attend seminars in the department and University.