Biomolecular Sciences M.A.
Program Rationale:
The Master of Arts in Biomolecular Sciences is designed to fulfill the educational needs of biologists who desire further specialization and/or knowledge of recent advances in cell and molecular aspects of biology, students who seek an immersion in cell and molecular biology as an intermediate step toward preparation for work at the doctoral level, and teachers who are interested in furthering their knowledge in molecular and cellular biology.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Graduate students will:
- demonstrate knowledge in biomolecular science, including an understanding of:
- the connection between molecular properties and cellular activities,
- the connection between cellular activities and biological responses,
- cellular structure and function, including chemical composition, physiochemical and functional organization of organelles, and basic cellular metabolism,
- major cellular processes, including DNA replication, gene regulation, protein structure and function, cell signaling, and differentiation,
- the role of molecular and cellular processes in human health and disease,
- contemporary techniques used in cell and molecular biology;
- be able to evaluate papers from the scientific literature and present oral and written critiques;
- develop research questions and the approach they will use to address that question; and
- successfully complete a research project, analyze and evaluate the data generated and present their findings in both an oral and written format.
Course and Capstone Requirements:
Each student will be assigned a graduate committee that will help the student plan a sound program of study.
There are two options (Plan A and Plan B) leading to the Master of Arts in Biomolecular Sciences degree, both of which require a total of 30 credits, made up of a Course Component and a Capstone Component.
TOTAL CREDITS FOR PROGRAM IS 30 CREDITS
Course Component
| BMS 501 | Fundamentals of Biomolecular Science | 2 |
| BMS 540 | Advanced Topics in Biomolecular Science | 1 to 4 |
and biomolecular course electives (19-22 credits in BMS or related fields) from the following courses or others as approved by the advisor:
| BMS 412/BIO 412 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| BMS 415 | Advanced Exploration in Cell, Molecular, and Physiological Biology | 3 |
| BMS 505 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BMS 506 | Biosynthesis, Bioenergetics, and Metabolic Regulation | 3 |
| BMS 516 | Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| BMS 519 | Physiology of Human Aging | 3 |
| BMS 540 | Advanced Topics in Biomolecular Science | 1 to 4 |
| BMS 562 | Developmental Biology | 3 |
| BMS 570 | Advanced Genetics | 3 |
| BMS 590 | Focused Study in Advanced Biomolecular Sciences | 1 TO 4 |
| CHEM 456 | Toxicology | 3 |
| CHEM 458 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 |
BIO 416
| | |
| BIO 449 | Plant Physiology | 3 |
BMS 412, BMS 506, BIO 449: with optional lab
Capstone Component
Plan A:
| BMS 599 | Thesis | 3 |
| BMS 591 | Independent Research Project in Biomolecular Sciences | 1 TO 4 |
| Thesis defense | |
| or | |
Plan B:
| BMS 591 | Independent Research Project in Biomolecular Sciences | 1 TO 4 |
| Comprehensive Exam | |