MS Program - OUHSC Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

M.S. Program

The MS program of the department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology contains both coursework and research components. The curriculum has been recently redesigned to provide enhanced education opportunities for students who wish to extend their knowledge, experience, and opportunities for advancement in research laboratories at universities, research institutes or biotechnology companies. The curriculum, separate from that of the PhD program, emphasizes understanding of research procedures as well as development of technical and problem-solving skills. Completion time is 2 - 2.5 years for full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment is also possible, but all degree requirements must be completed within 6 years.

Curriculum:
Students complete at least 30 credit hours; 24 credit hours of coursework and at least 6 credit hours of research under the direction of a faculty mentor culminating in writing and defending a thesis.

The coursework includes a core biochemistry course, a course on techniques, instrumentation and experimental design, at least one advanced level course, a Current Issues course covering scientific ethics, report writing, regulatory issues, etc, and Journal Clubs. Students obtain practical experience in laboratory modules (5-8 weeks each) that will cover at least 5 different areas important in current biomedical research, such as molecular biology and informatics, protein purification and analysis, protein expression, immunology, cell culture and eukaryotic gene expression, and quantitative analysis. More specialized elective rotation topics include glycobiology, cell biology and virology, and biophysical methods such as mass spectrometry, calorimetry, Biacore, fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

There is flexibility in the program to meet students' interests and aims, and the program for each student will be determined by the Advisory Committee in consultation with the student and mentor. View a sample program of study here.

Financial support:
MS students are eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantships provided by the department or the faculty mentor. The current stipend is $21,500 p.a.

Application for Admission:
Applications may be submitted on-line here.
Note: When filling out the application, please use Academic Plan Code 0429M.

Applications will be accepted until the class is filled or until August 1. Early application is necessary to obtain financial support. International applications must be submitted by March 1.

In addition to the Application Form and official transcript submitted to the OUHSC Admissions Office, applicants must send the following to the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology:

a.	a copy of application
b.	a copy of all transcripts
c.	a statement of why you wish to enter the MS program and in which faculty laboratory(ies) you would like to work
d.	arrange for two letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work
e.	GRE scores
f.	TOEFL scores if English is not your primary language

Send these materials to:
     MS Admissions
     Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
     BMS 853
     PO Box 26901
     Oklahoma City, OK 73190

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