Biochemistry, Master of Science
In addition to a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000 admission into the Biochemistry (MS) program requires a minimum score of 300 on the GRE and submission of three letters of recommendation.
The graduate degree program outlined leads to the degree of Master of Science in Biochemistry. The degree program prepares graduates for professional employment or for further advanced studies at the interface of chemistry and biology, and in molecular biosciences, including biochemistry and biotechnology.
Course work for this degree option includes several important classes at the intersection of the biological and chemical sciences, including advanced topics in cellular biology, biochemistry, and laboratory techniques. This program also offers a 3+2 plan, described elsewhere, which allows students to simultaneously complete requirements for a BS and MS degree in five years.
The Master of Science in Biochemistry requires 30 semester credit hours of approved graduate course work in the thesis option.
Specific Admission Requirements
Admission to the Biochemistry MS program is in accordance with Colorado State University Pueblo and the Department of Chemistry requirements for master’s programs as specified in the University’s Catalog. The application file for admission to the Biochemistry MS program must include:
- A completed Biochemistry MS application form;
- A personal statement;
- A CSU-Pueblo transcript documenting an undergraduate GPA of 3.000 or higher;
- Three letters of recommendation from CSU-Pueblo faculty; and
- Combined GRE scores above 300 (students may be admitted into the Biochemistry MS program before taking the GRE; however, they must submit satisfactory GRE scores by the last day of finals at the end of their first semester in the Biochemistry MS program to remain in the program).
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Biochemistry MS or BS/MS, students will:
- Be able to understand and evaluate the scientific literature and use it in their courses and their research.
- Be able to effectively communicate scientific research, both their own and information from the research literature, in written and oral fashions.
- Develop and master the scientific problem solving skills required to define and solve basic or applied original scientific questions using the scientific method.
- Actively engage in research/internships and discourse with the faculty in the Chemistry Department and other STEM disciplines.
- Disseminate, in collaboration with faculty, the products of the Biochemistry-MS program within the CSU Pueblo community and with communities outside of the University in activities using their professional expertise.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
The faculty will use a variety of methods for evaluating student learning outcomes. These include required student enrollment in CHEM 510 Foundations in Graduate Studies (3 c.h.), which involves faculty directed instruction and practice in searching, evaluating, and discussing scientific literature, instruction in experimental design, and dissemination of scientific research results. Students completing this degree program will give a public research seminar (CHEM 593 Seminar (1 c.h.)) that will be evaluated by cognizant faculty members. A written research thesis will be publically presented and defended by students to demonstrate proficiency in their area of study and this will be evaluated by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. Students will collaborate with faculty to present the results of their thesis research within the greater Southern Colorado region, give seminars/posters on campus or at appropriate scientific meetings, publish the results of their research in peer reviewed scientific journals, or disseminate information through other appropriate media.
Specific Program Requirements
The course of study requires 11 semester credits of course work common to all students, and 6 credits of thesis research. Each student must complete 4 core courses (13 credit hours). Students are required to complete 6 additional credit hours of approved graduate level electives in Biology, Chemistry, Math, or Engineering as outlined in the graduation plan developed with the student’s advisor and graduate committee and approved by the Program Director. The signed graduation plan may be completed at any time, but is a requirement for successful completion of CHEM 510. Students are required to defend their research results before their graduate committee.
Each student must pass a total of three qualifying exams one each in biochemistry and biology (molecular and cellular biology) and one of four other areas of selected chemistry content (analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry). Qualifier examinations are scheduled during the week preceding the beginning of classes each term or in consultation with the program director or department chair. If an examination is failed, the requirement may be satisfied by completing the designated undergraduate coursework in the appropriate subdiscipline, as specified by the program director or department chair, with a minimum grade of “B”. Students enrolling into the 3+2 program will be exempt from the requirement to pass qualifying exams if they have completed courses at CSU Pueblo in analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry; as well as cellular biology and molecular biology with a grade of “B” or better. Students enrolled in the 3+2 program required to pass qualifying exams will schedule the exams in consultation with the Program Director.
Biochemistry program requirements are summarized as follows:
Thesis Option Only
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
CHEM 510 | Foundations in Graduate Studies | 3 |
CHEM 589 | Thesis Defense | 1 |
CHEM 593 | Seminar | 1 |
CHEM 599 | Thesis Research 1 | 6 |
Core Courses | ||
CHEM 512 | Biochemistry II 2 | 3 |
BIOL 512 | Cellular Biology 2 | 3 |
BIOL 540 & 540L | Advanced Biotechniques and Advanced Biotechniques Lab | 4 |
CHEM 531 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 |
Elective Courses | ||
Select 6 credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 30 |
- 1
Students may enroll for a total of 6 credit hours of CHEM 599 Thesis Research (1-6 c.h.).
- 2
Labs are not required.
Electives
Elective courses may be selected from the following courses or others may be added with permission of the graduate committee.
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 502 | Immunology | 3 |
BIOL 503 | Virology | 3 |
BIOL 552 & 552L | Advanced Microscopy and Advanced Microscopy Lab | 4 |
CHEM 501 & 501L | Advanced Organic Chemistry and Advanced Organic Chemistry Lab | 5 |
CHEM 513 | Molecular Basis of Disease | 3 |
CHEM 519 & 519L | Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab | 5 |
CHEM 521 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
CHEM 525 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
CHEM 529 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
CHEM 591 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
CHEM 592 | Research | 1-6 |
MATH 550 | Statistical Methods | 3 |