Biotechnology and Chemical Science
2005-2007 Graduate Academic Catalog | Catalogs

Master of Science (MS) in Biotechnology and Chemical Science

The master’s program in biotechnology and chemical science prepares students for work in a variety of professional settings or for further graduate study. It is an interdisciplinary graduate program in which a student may concentrate primarily in biotechnology, medical science, or chemistry. The emphasis of the program is to develop practical laboratory skills and a strong conceptual foundation in the crossover disciplines of chemistry and biology.

The program is appropriate for students holding a baccalaureate degree in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, or who have taken the required undergraduate prerequisite courses. Postbaccalaureate students preparing for medical school are also encouraged to enter this program. The majority of the graduate course work for this program is offered during evening hours and on Saturdays, affording an opportunity to those employed full-time to extend their professional training.

The program includes a one-semester research experience, but not a thesis. Those who complete the program and wish to develop their research skills further may choose to continue their graduate work at the doctoral level.

Admission

Students must consult the general requirements for admission to graduate study covered in the section on graduate admission policies. Graduate transfer credit toward the degree must be approved by the faculty in each concentration and is limited to six semester hours.

General prerequisites

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and must have completed satisfactorily the following undergraduate requirements and the specific requirements for the three concentrations: One year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of physics.Some electives that may be taken as part of the graduate program have additional prerequisites.

Prerequisites specific to the concentrations

Biotechnology: basic cellular and molecular biology

Medical science: mathematics through integral calculus, physics with calculus recommended, organismic biology, basic cellular and molecular biology

Chemical science: mathematics through integral calculus, physics with calculus, quantitative chemistry

Advising

New students must consult with a chemistry or biotechnology graduate advisor upon being admitted. Each graduate student is required to meet with a graduate advisor at least once each semester to select appropriate courses for the following semester.A student who has completed approximately 10 semester hours in the program with a grade average of B or higher should consult with members of the chemistry, biotechnology, or medical science faculty to select a research advisor for the research project (Biol 492 or Chem 492). A student’s program of study must be approved by a graduate advisor.

Requirements

To earn the MS in biotechnology and chemical science, students must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours, at least 30 of which must be completed at Roosevelt.

Students may concentrate in biotechnology, medical science, or chemical science. Biotechnology and medical science students must take at least seven semester hours in chemical science. Chemical science students must also take seven semester hours in biotechnology. All students must complete one of the research courses, either Chem 492 or Biol 492.

Courses in biotechnology:

	Biol/Chem 454	Biochemistry Laboratory	2-3
	Biol/Chem 455	Biochemistry Lecture	3
	Biol 460	Microbiology	5
	Biol 461	Information Technology for the Sciences	3
	Biol 467	Immunology	5
	Biol 453	Molecular Biology	5
	Biol 458	Cell Biology	5
	Biol 480	Applications of Biotechnology	3
	Biol 492	Research	3

Courses in medical science:

	Biol 438	Organ System Physiology	3
	Biol 451	Genetics	5
	Biol 454	Biochemistry Laboratory	2-3
	Biol/Chem 455	Biochemistry Lecture	3
	Biol 456	Developmental Biology	3
	Biol 491	Medical Internship	3
	Biol 492	Research	3

Courses in chemical science:

	Chem 413	Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory	4
	Chem 418	Synthetic Organic Chemistry	3
	Chem 419	Organometallic Chemistry	3
	Chem 421	Physical Chemistry I	3
	Chem 422	Physical Chemistry II	3
	Chem 425	Physical Chemistry Laboratory	4
	Chem 437	Instrumental Analysis	4
	Chem 441	Inorganic Chemistry	3
	Chem/Biol 454	Biochemistry Laboratory	2-3
	Chem/Biol 455	Biochemistry Lecture	3
	Chem 473	Environmental Chemistry	3
	Chem 481	Polymer Chemistry	3
	Chem 492	Research	3

Certificates

Students completing the appropriate courses may also earn a Certificate in Biotechnology and/or a Certificate in Chemical Science. See the undergraduate catalog for certificate requirements.