MS in Molecular and Cell Biology Curriculum

The 34 credits required for the Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology include five courses (20 credits) in the science core, elective courses chosen in consultation with the program director and a thesis or non-thesis option (the non-thesis option requires the successful completion of a comprehensive examination; the thesis option requires 2 additional credits, for a total of 36 credits). Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 to remain in the MCB program. A minimum grade of C is required in all graduate courses.

Curriculum

Thesis Option

Non-Thesis Option

Graduate Elective Courses

MS Thesis

The MS thesis option involves original laboratory research performed under the guidance of a thesis mentor, a thesis committee and the director of the molecular and cell biology program. The thesis option requires the successful completion of 3 courses: BIO 649, BIO 650 and BIO 651. Students must have a GPA >3.50 to be eligible for the thesis track and pre-approval by program director. The thesis committee evaluates a student’s progress by approving the research project, assessing student progress and advising the student whenever the need arises.

Comprehensive Examination

The written comprehensive exam (BIO 675) is a requirement of the non-thesis option for the MS in Molecular and Cell Biology. Students must demonstrate both breadth and depth of knowledge by illustrating a command of the subject matter obtained from individual courses into unified concepts, which link the student’s own specialization to other fields of study. Completion of a minimum of four of the five core curriculum courses is required to register for the comprehensive examination. A minimum grade of a B- is required to pass the comprehensive examination. Students must meet with the program director before registering for the comprehensive exam.