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.