Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MS)

CIP Code

26.0210.00

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 Hours

BIOL 6312Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology

3

BIOL 6316Molecular Genetics

3

CHEM 6305Biochemistry

3

BIOL 6201Scientific Communication

2

Or

ENGL 6226Science and Professional Writing

2

Free Electives - 12 Hours

Chosen from the following:
CHEM 6360Special Topics in Physical Chemistry

3

CHEM 6330Special Topics in Organic Chemistry

3

CHEM 6380Special Topics in Biochemistry

3

CHEM 6390Physical Biochemistry

3

BIOL 5421Biotechnology

4

BIOL 5316Advanced Environmental Toxicology

3

BIOL 5317Advanced Bacterial Genetics

3

BIOL 5402Molecular Virology

4

BIOL 6301Molecular Techniques and Laboratory Instrumentation

3

BIOL 6305Biometry

3

BIOL 6313Advanced Endocrinology

3

BIOL 6321Applied Microbiology

3

BIOL 6330Molecular and Cellular Evolution

3

BIOL 6400Neuroscience

4

BIOL 6420Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

4

BIOL 6185Graduate Research

1

BIOL 6285Graduate Research

2

BIOL 6385Graduate Research

3

PHYS 5375Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

3

Prescribed Electives

Thesis - 7 Hours
BIOL 7100Thesis Proposal

1

Or

CHEM 7101Seminar I

1

BIOL 7300Thesis I

3

Or

CHEM 7300Thesis I

3

BIOL 7301Thesis II

3

Or

CHEM 7301Thesis II

3

Non-Thesis Option:

Required Courses - 11 Hours

BIOL 6312Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology

3

BIOL 6316Molecular Genetics

3

CHEM 6305Biochemistry

3

BIOL 6201Scientific Communication

2

Or

ENGL 6226Science and Professional Writing

2

Free Electives - 12 Hours

Chosen from the following:
CHEM 6360Special Topics in Physical Chemistry

3

CHEM 6330Special Topics in Organic Chemistry

3

CHEM 6380Special Topics in Biochemistry

3

CHEM 6390Physical Biochemistry

3

BIOL 5316Advanced Environmental Toxicology

3

BIOL 5402Molecular Virology

4

BIOL 5421Biotechnology

4

BIOL 6301Molecular Techniques and Laboratory Instrumentation

3

BIOL 6305Biometry

3

BIOL 6313Advanced Endocrinology

3

BIOL 6321Applied Microbiology

3

BIOL 6330Molecular and Cellular Evolution

3

BIOL 6400Neuroscience

4

BIOL 6420Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

4

BIOL 6365Biological Research Problems

3

PHYS 5375Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

3

Prescribed Electives - 7 Hours

CHEM 6370Special Topics in Chemical Education

3

BIOL 5136Current Issues in Biology

1

BIOL 5300Graduate Biology for Educators

3

Total Credit Hours: 30