The thesis or research Master of Science degree provides training for individuals who will become technicians involved in biomedical research in universities or in the biotechnology industry. The non-thesis Master of Science degree provides content appropriate for secondary teachers seeking advanced training in areas such as molecular biology, cancer biology, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine; and for students seeking admission to a professional school, such as medicine or dentistry.
A minimum of 45 units is required for the M.S. degree, as detailed in the table below. Two options, a research track and a course work track, are available. Students must maintain a G.P.A. of at least 3.0. Students must adhere to all University and program policies as published in the Student Handbook, University CATALOG, or Student Guide. Policies and requirements are subject to change.
Basic science core | ||
IBGS 501 | Biomedical Communication and Integrity | 2 |
IBGS 502 | Biomedical Information and Statistics | 2 |
IBGS 511 | Cellular Mechanisms and Integrated Systems I | 6 |
IBGS 512 | Cellular Mechanisms and Integrated Systems II | 6 |
IBGS 522 | Cellular Mechanisms and Integrated Systems II Journal Club | 2 |
IBGS 523 | Cellular Mechanisms and Integrated Systems III Journal Club | 2 |
Seminars (all required) | ||
IBGS 604 | Introduction to Integrative Biology Presentation Seminar | 1 |
IBGS 605 | Integrative Biology Presentation Seminar | 1 |
Religion | ||
REL_ ____ | Graduate-level religion course (RELE, RELR, or RELT) | 3 |
Program specific courses | 12 | |
Choose from the following: | ||
Stem Cell Biology and Medicine | ||
Human Embryology Lecture | ||
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry | ||
Seminar in Stem Cells and Cancer | ||
or BCHM 530
|
Biochemical Basis of Human Disease SM | 2 |
IBGS 525 | Translational Research Training | 2 |
MDCJ 520 | Basis of Medical Genetics | 2 |
MDCJ 560 | Basis of Medical Genetics | 2 |
MICR 515 | Introduction to Bioinformatics and Genomics | 2 |
MICR 530 | Immunology | 4 |
MICR 537 | Selected Topics in Molecular Biology | 1-3 |
PHSL 541 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
PHSL 587 | Physiology of Reproduction | 2 |
1 |
Registration and attendance required every quarter in residence, but units do not count toward total required for graduation. |
2 |
May substitute with another religion course at the 500-level or greater. |
Noncourse requirements
Course work track: a comprehensive written examination over the graduate course work in lieu of preparing a thesis.
Research track: pass an oral examination given by his/her graduate guidance committee after the thesis has been completed.
Normal time to complete the program
Two (2) years— based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted
Comparison
See the comparison of the M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs.