Clinical Laboratory Science · Cell and Molecular Biology

Cell and Molecular Biology

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include the Graduate Record Examination General Test and a bachelor's degree in some field of science or engineering including at least two semesters each of biological sciences, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics including at least one semester of calculus.  Applicants may be admitted with deficiencies, to be corrected with appropriate coursework to be excluded from program credit.   The M.S. degree is not required to enroll in the Ph.D. program. Students may be accepted with deficiencies, which must be made up without program credit. If some question exists concerning the equivalence of organic chemistry courses taken elsewhere, any of the following may be used to satisfy the admission requirement.

• Obtain a grade of B or better in CHM226, 227 and 228.
• Pass a standardized examination in organic chemistry given by the Chemistry Department before classes begin in September.
• Obtain a grade of  B or better in CHM427 or 425, if the instructor for these courses agrees that the background of the student appears adequate to enroll in CHM427 or CHM425.
  

The biochemistry and molecular genetics graduate programs offer a broad, cutting-edge approach to the molecular basis of life and life processes and their applications in medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Areas of research interest include cancer, antimicrobial agents, microbial genetics, plant gene structure and function, plant developmental genetics, and biotechnology.

The graduate program combines the advantages of a broadly based education in microbiology and specialized independent research in one or more areas. The program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers in research, teaching, or government and is based on the principle that graduate education requires a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of microbiology and experience in research environment. Areas of research interest include cell biology, cellular development, ultrastructure, medical microbiology, microbial ecology, industrial microbiology, microbial genetics, physiology, and molecular microbiology.