Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MS)

Mission

The Masters of Sciences in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will provide an advanced multidisciplinary program for students in the medical, bio-medical research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and health care fields. This program will provide students with skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities for careers and leadership roles not only in the medical/bio-medical fields but also in education, administration and many healthcare related areas.

 

Admission Requirements

Multiple factors are considered in the decision to admit new graduate students. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:

  1. Undergraduate degree with a major in a Science Technology Engineering or Math (STEM) area.
  2. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in STEM courses.
  3. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources. For example: A professor or work supervisor.
  5. Statement of Interest explaining objectives in pursuing the degree and area of interest within the advance Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree. Please specify in the Statement of Interest if you would like to pursue a thesis or non-thesis option.
  6. GRE General Test: GRE test are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral in a STEM field).

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Program Requirements

 

Thesis Option:

Required Courses (11 Credits)

CourseCourse Name
BIOL 6312Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL 6316Molecular Genetics
CHEM 6305Biochemistry
BIOL 6201Scientific Communication

Free Electives (12 Credits)

Chosen from the following:
CourseCourse Name
CHEM 6360Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 6330Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 6380Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 6390Physical Biochemistry
BIOL 5421Biotechnology
BIOL 5316Advanced Environmental Toxicology
BIOL 5317Advanced Bacterial Genetics
BIOL 5402Molecular Virology
BIOL 6301Molecular Techniques and Laboratory Instrumentation
BIOL 6305Biometry
BIOL 6313Advanced Endocrinology
BIOL 6321Applied Microbiology
BIOL 6330Molecular and Cellular Evolution
BIOL 6400Neuroscience
BIOL 6420Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BIOL 6185Graduate Research
BIOL 6285Graduate Research
BIOL 6385Graduate Research
PHYS 5375Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

Prescribed Electives

Thesis (7 Credits)
CourseCourse Name
BIOL 7100Thesis Proposal
Or
CHEM 7101Seminar I
BIOL 7300Thesis I
Or
CHEM 7300Thesis I
BIOL 7301Thesis II
Or
CHEM 7301Thesis II

Non-Thesis Option:

Required Courses (11 Credits)

CourseCourse Name
BIOL 6312Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL 6316Molecular Genetics
CHEM 6305Biochemistry
BIOL 6201Scientific Communication

Free Electives (12 Credits)

Chosen from the following:
CourseCourse Name
CHEM 6360Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHEM 6330Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 6380Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHEM 6390Physical Biochemistry
BIOL 5316Advanced Environmental Toxicology
BIOL 5402Molecular Virology
BIOL 5421Biotechnology
BIOL 6301Molecular Techniques and Laboratory Instrumentation
BIOL 6305Biometry
BIOL 6313Advanced Endocrinology
BIOL 6321Applied Microbiology
BIOL 6330Molecular and Cellular Evolution
BIOL 6400Neuroscience
BIOL 6420Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BIOL 6365Biological Research Problems
PHYS 5375Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

Prescribed Electives (7 Credits)

 
CourseCourse Name
CHEM 6370Special Topics in Chemical Education
BIOL 5136Current Issues in Biology
BIOL 5300Graduate Biology for Educators

Total Credit Hours: 30