Biochemistry MS

The Department of Biochemistry is dedicated to excellence in biochemical research, with faculty members pursuing cutting-edge research in a variety of disciplines with a common theme of “how living cells work.” Our research utilizes modern techniques, including analysis of molecular structure, bioinformatics, high throughput proteomics and genetics to answer basic questions about how biological molecules determine cellular functions. An integral component of the program is one-on-one training from faculty members to graduate students, such that they develop their full potential as scientists.

Required Core (13 credits)

BCH 503LEC - Biochemical Principles Credits: 4
BCH 504SEM - Graduate Student Seminar Credits: 1 (taken for 2 semesters, 2 credits total)
BCH 510TUT - Lab Rotation Credits: 3
BMS 501LEC - Cell Biology I Credits: 4

Biochemistry Required Electives (4-6 credits)

Select at least 2 from:

GGB 502LEC - Essentials of Genetics & Genomics Credits: 3
BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2-3
BCH 508SEM - Gene Expression Credits: 2
BCH 512SEM - Developmental Genomics and Stem Cell Biology Credits: 3
BCH 519LEC - Bioinformatics & Comp Bio Credits: 3
BCH 603SEM - Signaling in Disease Credits: 2
BCH 607SEM - DNA Replication & Repair Credits: 2
BCH 611LEC - Advanced Microbial Genetics Credits: 2

Electives & Culminating Experience

Electives (3-12)

One additional elective course to be chosen in cosultation with the mentor.

Select graduate level electives* from:

Biochemistry (BCH) (excluding BCH 565 and BCH 590 ).
Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics (GGB)
Microbiology and Immunology (MIC)
Neuroscience (NRS) courses
Structural Biology (STB)

*At least one elective must be a lecture course.

Culminating Experience: Project (1-12 credits)

BCH 597TUT - Master’s Research Credits: 1 - 9

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Students will acquire, expand upon and deepen knowledge of the biomedical sciences beyond that acquired during undergraduate studies.

2) Students will plan and conduct research on a specific project under the guidance of an advisor.

3) Students will gain proficiency in basic laboratory techniques, critical evaluation of the literature and be able to apply the scientific method to the processes of experimentation and hypothesis testing.

4) Students will be able to effectively communicate the principles of scientific reasoning and data analysis in both written and oral forum.

5) Students will develop skills that improve confidence and identity, strengthen personal resources and ultimately gain better understanding and suitability of the various career paths in the academic or industry setting.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).