Program

BACKGROUND

Scholars in the IBMP will complete the Master of Science degree in the Biochemistry Department. Master of Science degrees require the successful completion of a thesis based upon an original research investigation. Scholars entering the IBMP are expected to have adequate background in organic chemistry, physics, calculus, physical chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology. Highly qualified students deficient in some areas may be admitted to the program but are expected to correct such deficiencies by completing appropriate undergraduate courses early in their career. All IBMP scholars will complete required core courses in Biochemistry as well as 18 elective graduate courses as determined by the scholars thesis committee.

COURSEWORK

Other course work may be prescribed by the scholar’s thesis committee based upon the scholar’s research and career goals as well as academic background. Previous graduate course work in appropriate areas completed at other institutions may be counted towards the required course work. This curriculum has been designed so that formal course work can be completed by the end of the third semester of graduate study, but may be extended to the fourth semester according to the scholar’s course of study. On average, completion of a Master of Science in Biochemistry, including thesis research, requires 2.5 to 3 years.

RESEARCH THESIS
The Master of Science is a research degree and students are required to defend their thesis research in a final oral examination. In addition, the Graduate School requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of classes, seminars and research. Students pursuing a Master of Science degree should consult the Graduate Catalog for additional details concerning the specific requirements of the Graduate School.

For more details, please consult the official program guidelines.