Program Overview

Biochemistry (M.S.) Program

The M.S. in Biochemistry combines a rigorous curriculum in biochemistry and related disciplines with interdisciplinary research opportunities at the frontiers of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. Graduates of the program are equipped for successful careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, or in academic and government research laboratories. Graduates are also prepared for doctoral programs, medical school, or other health-related professional programs.

Distinctive Features of the Program

• Advanced course offerings include signal transduction pathways, pharmacology, physical biochemistry, proteomics, endocrinology, structural biology, bioinformatics, and cancer biology
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary research training
• Well-equipped research laboratories and core facilities on the UNH campus
• Laboratory rotations upon entry to the program to become familiar with different research laboratories
• Weekly graduate student seminar presentations, as well as a departmental seminar series of invited speakers
• Opportunities to gain teaching experiences as a Graduate Teaching Assistant
• Accelerated M.S. program available to UNH students enrolled in the B.S. program in Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cellular Biology or related disciplines.

Research Opportunities

• Tumor cell biology
• Protein structure, function, and regulation
• Signal transduction pathways
• Molecular and cellular neuroscience
• Genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics
• Regenerative biology
• Molecular immunology
• Chemical biology

Financial Support

• Students admitted to the M.S. Program are typically supported by Research Assistantships or Teaching Assistantships
• Teaching Assistantships are not available for students enrolled in the Accelerated M.S. program
• Internal summer and academic year fellowships are available to students on a competitive basis.

Career Prospects

• Research scientists in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
• Lab managers in academic research labs and research institutes, state and federal government agencies
• Continuing education in doctoral programs and professional health programs (e.g., medical school)

Admission Requirements

• Completion of foundational courses in biology, chemistry (including organic chemistry), physics, and mathematics
• Otherwise well-qualified applicants can correct academic deficiencies with enrollment in appropriate courses or independent study during the first year of graduate studies
• Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement, including research interests and identification of two or three potential Biochemistry faculty thesis advisors.

M.S. Degree Requirements

Student must meet the Graduate School's requirements for the master's degree and are expected to develop a culminating thesis based on the completion of a research project. Demonstration of proficiency in biochemistry will be assessed in the first year by examination or coursework. All candidates for the M.S. degree must pass an oral examination based on the thesis or project report and on the graduate courses completed in the degree program.

Credits

• A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required including 6-10 master's thesis credits (MCBS 899 Master's Thesis).
• Graduate credits are earned for courses numbered 800-999.
• Up to 12 credits earned at UNH in co-listed 7XX/8XX courses may be taken for graduate credits upon approval of the Graduate School.

Thesis Committee

• During the first semester, the Graduate Program Coordinator will assist the student in choosing courses.
• Following selection of the thesis advisor, the student and the advisor jointly agree on the members of the Thesis Committee no later than during the second semester and communicate this recommendation to the Biochemistry Graduate Program Coordinator.
• The Master's Supervisory Committee Nomination Form must be completed and submitted to the Graduate School.
• The Thesis Committee consists of the advisor as chair and two other members.

Written Thesis and Oral Presentation

• Students must prepare a written master's thesis for submission to their Thesis Committee.
• A copy of the complete thesis must be made available to the committee at least 14 days before the date of the final examination.
• The oral examination of the master's thesis consists of two parts: an oral presentation of the research that is open to the public and an oral defense of the master's thesis conducted by the Thesis Committee.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master's programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor's degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master's degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master's degree program students: Earn up to 12 graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor's degree.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8 graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor's degree.

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor's degree in most programs.

Biochemistry (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

• Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology (B.S.)

Course List

• BCHM 802: Endocrinology (4 credits)
• BCHM 825: Cell Phenotyping and Tissue Engineering Laboratory (4 credits)
• BCHM 850: Physical Biochemistry (3 credits)
• BCHM 851: Principles of Biochemistry I (4 credits)
• BCHM 852: Principles of Biochemistry II (4 credits)
• BCHM 853: Cell Culture (5 credits)
• BCHM 854: Molecular Biology Research Methods (5 credits)
• BCHM 855: Protein Biochemistry Laboratory (5 credits)
• BCHM 860: Pharmacology (4 credits)
• BCHM 863: Biochemistry of Cancer (4 credits)
• BCHM 894: Protein Structure and Function (4 credits)
• BIOL 806: Data Science with R for the Life Sciences (4 credits)
• MICR 805: Immunology (3 credits)
• CHEM 855: Advanced Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
• GEN 804: Microbial Genetics and Genomics (5 credits)
• GEN 805: Population Genetics (3 credits)
• GEN 806: Human Genetics (4 credits)
• GEN 811: Genomics and Bioinformatics (0 credits)
• GEN 813: Microbial Ecology and Evolution (4 credits)
• GEN 815: Molecular Evolution (4 credits)
• GEN 817: Molecular Microbiology (5 credits)
• GEN 821: Comparative Genomics (4 credits)
• GEN 871: Molecular Genetics (4 credits)
• NUTR 850: Nutritional Biochemistry (4 credits)

Additional Information

Admission Requirements

• Thesis advisor identified who supports entry into the program.
• Two letters of recommendation (one must be from the thesis advisor).
• A personal statement of research interests and career aspirations.

Program Learning Outcomes

All MCBS Graduates Will Be Able To:

• Critically apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address fundamental questions in their primary area of study.
• Pursue research of significance in the discipline (or an interdisciplinary or creative project).
• Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient to present and publish work in their field, and to prepare grant proposals.
• Follow the principles of ethics in their field, and in academia, as well as adhere to scientific standards for rigor and reproducibility.
• Demonstrate, through service, the value of their discipline to the academy and community at large.
• Demonstrate a mastery of skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate teaching in their discipline and assessment of student learning.
• Interact productively with individuals from diverse backgrounds in the roles of team members, leaders and mentors with integrity and professionalism.

Graduates of the Biochemistry M.S. Degree Program Will Be Able To:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of fundamental biochemistry principles and their area of specialization in the field.
• Critically apply theories and methodologies to address fundamental questions in biochemistry through research activities.
• Design and conduct biochemical experiments in their area of specialization, analyze and interpret research data, and draw critical conclusions.
• Communicate biochemical concepts and experimental results effectively in writing and orally both in scientific technical language as well as at an appropriate level tailored for the general audience.