Biochemistry of Health & Disease MS
Major: Biochemistry of Health & Disease
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 36.0 (non-thesis); 48.0 (thesis)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0210
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1021
About the Program
The graduate program in Biochemistry of Health & Disease offers a challenging and broad-based curriculum of research and coursework leading to the MS or PhD degree. The aim of the graduate program is to train the next generation of biomedical scientists in the theory and practice of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, in an environment of experiential learning that fosters new discoveries in biomedical research. Graduate students will be challenged to become independent and critical thinkers, and prepared for the demands of scientific careers in industry, academia and government. The themes of molecular structure, molecular mechanism and molecular regulation are recurrent throughout the diverse research areas represented by the program faculty.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Biochemistry of Health & Disease program website.
Admission Requirements
A minimum of two years of full-time study is required for an MS degree. This program is designed to prepare students for competitive industry jobs and for acceptance into PhD programs.
In addition to the thesis-based MS program, Drexel offers a non-thesis degree program in which students can earn the degree without a research project by taking additional classes and writing a literature review paper.
Applicants may only apply to one program. All documents submitted by you or on your behalf in support of this application for admission to Drexel University become the property of the University, and will under no circumstances be released to you or any other party. Please note, an application fee of $75 U.S. is required.
Transcripts
Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
International students: If you have already graduated from your previous institution at the time of your application, please email your graduation certificate(s) attached as PDF or Microsoft Word documents to enroll@drexel.edu.
- International Transcript Evaluation (international applicants only)
Transcripts must be evaluated by the following agency for admittance into this program:
World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
Bowling Green Station, PO Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087
212.966.6311
Applicants are responsible for supplying all necessary documentation and paying all necessary fees to have your transcripts evaluated by by WES. Please have the course-by-course evaluation sent to the mailing address listed below.
Standardized Test Scores
Submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores. Electronic submission is preferred through our school code, 2194.
TOEFL scores are required for international applicants or applicants who earned a degree outside the U.S. IELTS scores may be submitted in lieu of TOEFL scores. Scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores.
Essay
Please write approximately 500 words explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel; your short-term and long-term career plans; and how your background, experience, interest, and/or values, when combined with a Drexel degree, will enable you to pursue these goals successfully.
Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Resume
Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. To electronically request recommendations, you must list your recommenders and their contact information on your application. We advise that you follow up with your recommenders to ensure they received your recommendation request — they may need to check their junk mail folder. Additionally, it is your responsibility to confirm that your recommenders will submit letters by your application deadline and follow up with recommenders who have not completed their recommendations.
Request recommendations with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Math Science GPA Form
Complete your Math Science GPA form through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Degree Requirements (Thesis)
Required Courses | ||
BIOC 502S | Biochemistry 1st Lab Rotation | 4.0 |
BIOC 506S | Biochemistry Journal Club * | 4.0 |
BIOC 507S | Biochemistry Seminar Series * | 4.0 |
BIOC 508S | Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems | 3.0 |
BIOC 521S | Introduction to Biochemical Data | 2.0 |
BIOC 600S | Biochemistry Thesis Research ** | 18.0 |
IDPT 500S | Responsible Conduct of Research | 2.0 |
IDPT 502S | Learn Early As Professionals I (LEAP I) | 1.0 |
IDPT 504S | Learn Early and Practice (LEAP II) | 1.0 |
IDPT 533S | Core Principles in Biochemistry & Cell Biology | 4.0 |
MCBG 515S | Techniques in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics | 2.0 |
Advanced Elective | 3.0 | |
Select at least one of the following Advanced Electives for a minimum of three credits | ||
Communication for Researchers | ||
Biotechnology Practicum I | ||
Biotechnology Practicum II | ||
Macromolecular Structure & Function | ||
Biochemistry of Drug Discovery & Design | ||
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | ||
Cancer Biology | ||
Advanced Cancer Biology | ||
Advanced Cell Biology | ||
Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis | ||
Advanced Molecular Virology | ||
Advanced Molecular Biology | ||
Graduate Neuroscience II | ||
Graduate Physiology | ||
Graduate Pharmacology | ||
Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
Total Credits | 48.0 |
- *
This 1.0 credit course is taken 4 times.
- **
This 9.0 credit course is taken 3 times.
Approved Electives
Students may opt to take additional approved electives from the list below in consultation with their advisor.
BIOC 503S | Biochemistry 2nd Lab Rotation | 4.0 |
BIOC 504S | Biochemistry 3rd Lab Rotation | 4.0 |
IDPT 507S | Teaching Practicum I | 1.0-4.0 |
IDPT 508S | Teaching Practicum II | 1.0-4.0 |
IDPT 509S | Teaching Practicum III | 1.0-4.0 |
IDPT 600S | Thesis Defense | 9.0 |
Degree Requirements (Non-Thesis)
Required Courses | ||
BIOC 506S | Biochemistry Journal Club * | 4.0 |
BIOC 507S | Biochemistry Seminar Series * | 4.0 |
BIOC 508S | Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems | 3.0 |
BIOC 521S | Introduction to Biochemical Data | 2.0 |
IDPT 500S | Responsible Conduct of Research | 2.0 |
IDPT 502S | Learn Early As Professionals I (LEAP I) | 1.0 |
IDPT 504S | Learn Early and Practice (LEAP II) | 1.0 |
IDPT 533S | Core Principles in Biochemistry & Cell Biology | 4.0 |
IDPT 850S | Literature Review Non-Thesis MS | 5.0 |
MCBG 515S | Techniques in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics | 2.0 |
Advanced Electives | 8.0 | |
Select a minimum of eight credits | ||
Biochemistry 1st Lab Rotation | ||
Communication for Researchers | ||
Biotechnology Practicum I | ||
Biotechnology Practicum II | ||
Macromolecular Structure & Function | ||
Biochemistry of Drug Discovery & Design | ||
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | ||
Cancer Biology | ||
Advanced Cancer Biology | ||
Advanced Cell Biology | ||
Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis | ||
Advanced Molecular Virology | ||
Advanced Molecular Biology | ||
Graduate Neuroscience II | ||
Graduate Physiology | ||
Graduate Pharmacology | ||
Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
Total Credits | 36.0 |
- *
This 1.0 credit course is taken 4 times (once per semester).
Approved Electives
Students may opt to take additional approved electives from the list below in consultation with their advisor.
BIOC 502S | Biochemistry 1st Lab Rotation | 4.0 |
BIOC 503S | Biochemistry 2nd Lab Rotation | 4.0 |
BIOC 504S | Biochemistry 3rd Lab Rotation | 4.0 |
BIOC 600S | Biochemistry Thesis Research | 9.0 |
IDPT 507S | Teaching Practicum I | 1.0-4.0 |
IDPT 508S | Teaching Practicum II | 1.0-4.0 |
IDPT 509S | Teaching Practicum III | 1.0-4.0 |
Sample Plan of Study (Thesis)
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOC 502S | 4.0 | BIOC 506S | 1.0 |
BIOC 506S | 1.0 | BIOC 507S | 1.0 |
BIOC 507S | 1.0 | BIOC 521S | 2.0 |
IDPT 502S | 1.0 | IDPT 504S | 1.0 |
IDPT 533S | 4.0 | IDPT 500S | 2.0 |
MCBG 515S | 2.0 | Advanced Elective | 3.0 |
13 | 10 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOC 506S | 1.0 | BIOC 506S | 1.0 |
BIOC 507S | 1.0 | BIOC 507S | 1.0 |
BIOC 508S | 3.0 | BIOC 600S | 9.0 |
BIOC 600S | 9.0 | ||
14 | 11 | ||
Total Credits 48 |
Sample Plan of Study (Non-Thesis)
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOC 506S | 1.0 | BIOC 506S | 1.0 |
BIOC 507S | 1.0 | BIOC 507S | 1.0 |
IDPT 502S | 1.0 | BIOC 521S | 2.0 |
IDPT 533S | 4.0 | IDPT 504S | 1.0 |
MCBG 515S | 2.0 | IDPT 500S | 2.0 |
Advanced Elective | 2.0 | ||
9 | 9 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOC 506S | 1.0 | BIOC 506S | 1.0 |
BIOC 507S | 1.0 | BIOC 507S | 1.0 |
BIOC 508S | 3.0 | IDPT 850S | 5.0 |
Advanced Elective | 4.0 | Advanced Elective | 2.0 |
9 | 9 | ||
Total Credits 36 |
Program Level Outcomes
- Develop technical skills in modern biochemical science research.
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental biochemical processes in living systems.
- Demonstrate ability to define the significance of scientific discovery in health and disease.
- Evince creative and critical thinking skills by developing and testing novel hypotheses
- Clearly communicate scientific knowledge and discovery in written and oral formats.
- Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, evaluating and utilizing scientific literature and other resources.
- Exhibit the highest standards of ethics and scientific integrity.
- Be prepared for work in industrial, academic, and governmental settings