Biomedical Sciences (MS) - Metabolic & Cardiovascular Science

Program Overview

The Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences Track within the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program prepares students for doctoral training or professional education in medicine by providing advanced knowledge in metabolic and cardiovascular sciences through coursework, capstone research, and teaching experience. Students complete 30 credit hours of required and elective courses, culminating in a capstone project that includes a written report and oral presentation. Graduates are qualified for careers in research, medicine, or academia focused on metabolic and cardiovascular sciences.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences Track in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program is a nonthesis plan of study for students who want to further their knowledge in the metabolic and cardiovascular sciences field and who may pursue doctoral training or professional education focused on medicine and metabolic and cardiovascular sciences. Students interested in research and thesis work should apply to the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program.

Outline:

• Required Courses (18 Total Credits):
• ZOO6737 - Clinically Oriented Human Anatomy (4)
• MCB6226 - Molecular Diagnostics (3)
• PCB5815 - Molecular Aspects of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (3)
• PCB6595 - Regulation of Gene Expression (3)
• At least 1 of the following:
• BSC6407C - Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
• BSC5418 - Tissue Engineering (3)
• Earn at least 2 credits from the following types of courses:
• MCB 6938 - Seminar 1 Credit Hour (to be repeated)
• MCB 6314 - Industrial Perspectives Seminar 1 Credit Hours
• Elective Courses (12 Total Credits):
• Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
• MCB5415 - Cellular Metabolism (3)
• PCB5834C - Advanced Human Physiology (4)
• PCB5265 - Stem Cell Biology (3)
• CHM5305 - Bioconjugate Chemistry (3)
• BSC5436 - Biomedical Informatics : Structure Analysis (3)
• BSC5418 - Tissue Engineering (3)
• PCB5709C - Laboratory Virtual Simulations in Physiology (3)
• MCB5225 - Molecular Biology of Disease (3)
• APK6168 - Exercise, Nutrition and Weight Control (3)
• APK6107C - Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology (3)
• Other elective courses must be approved by the Program Coordinator.
• Capstone (3 Total Credits):
• MCB6026 - Molecular Biology and Microbiology Capstone (3)
• An in-depth current literature research report on a relevant subject will be required for each student.
• The student will select a faculty adviser to chair a faculty committee of two members for the evaluation of the report.
• An oral presentation on the written capstone report will be used as a final examination.
• Capstone Process:
• Students are encouraged to contact faculty as early as possible to identify a faculty whose research focus complements the student's interest.
• Students must submit a signed Capstone Committee and Capstone Topic form to the Program Coordinator for approval as soon as the registration for the course is complete.
• Capstone Report Evaluation:
• Evaluation of the capstone project requires a written report (in the format of a mini-review manuscript) and a presentation (project defense) in front of the capstone committee.
• Students may ask for advice and guidance from the project mentor/chair.
• The average capstone report ranges from 10 to 15 single-spaced pages in a manuscript format with proper citations.
• The student's Committee Chair will be responsible for checking the report for plagiarism using iThenticate before the report is shared with the committee.
• The committee must receive the report at least one week before the time of presentation.
• Capstone Defense:
• The defense (presentation) must be held no later than one week before the final exam week.
• The capstone defense and comprehensive exam evaluation is designed to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the project and other relevant subjects in the field.
• Questions asked by the capstone committee to evaluate the student as competent in the field will satisfy the requirement of the comprehensive exam.
• The oral presentation will take place in the form of a 30-40 minute seminar and will be followed by questions and discussion.
• The student will be evaluated on performance in all three sections (written report, oral presentation, and ability to answer questions).
• Should the student fail, a second opportunity will be provided within two weeks of the first attempt.
• A second failure will result in an Unsatisfactory (U) grade in the course and dismissal from the program.
• Comprehensive Examination (0 Total Credits):
• Students must pass an oral comprehensive exam to qualify for the Master of Science.
• The oral comprehensive exam tests the student's understanding of the basic concepts in the field and relevant applications.
• The comprehensive exam will be conducted during the capstone defense and will be administered by the capstone committee.
• Should the student fail this exam, a second opportunity will be provided within two weeks of the first attempt.
• A second failure will result in dismissal from the program.
• Teaching Requirement (0 Total Credits):
• Students without significant prior teaching experience, such as, but not limited to, a minimum of a year in secondary schools or colleges, are required to serve as Classroom Laboratory Teaching Assistants for a minimum of one semester (one semester in at least one lab section).
• Research Shadowing (Optional) (0 Total Credits):
• Students are encouraged to discuss with their capstone mentor the possibility of joining the lab for research shadowing of other graduate students.
• Acquired lab skills should assist students with the capstone project and with future endeavors.
• Independent Learning (0 Total Credits):
• In the final semester of study, students will complete a capstone course that requires an in-depth current literature research report on a relevant subject, which will serve as the independent learning experience.
• The student will select a faculty adviser to chair a faculty committee of two members for evaluation of the report.

Assessment:

• Capstone Report Evaluation:
• Evaluation of the capstone project requires a written report (in the format of a mini-review manuscript) and a presentation (project defense) in front of the capstone committee.
• Students may ask for advice and guidance from the project mentor/chair.
• The average capstone report ranges from 10 to 15 single-spaced pages in a manuscript format with proper citations.
• The student's Committee Chair will be responsible for checking the report for plagiarism using iThenticate before the report is shared with the committee.
• The committee must receive the report at least one week before the time of presentation.
• Capstone Defense:
• The defense (presentation) must be held no later than one week before the final exam week.
• The capstone defense and comprehensive exam evaluation is designed to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the project and other relevant subjects in the field.
• Questions asked by the capstone committee to evaluate the student as competent in the field will satisfy the requirement of the comprehensive exam.
• The oral presentation will take place in the form of a 30-40 minute seminar and will be followed by questions and discussion.
• The student will be evaluated on performance in all three sections (written report, oral presentation, and ability to answer questions).
• Should the student fail, a second opportunity will be provided within two weeks of the first attempt.
• A second failure will result in an Unsatisfactory (U) grade in the course and dismissal from the program.
• Comprehensive Examination:
• Students must pass an oral comprehensive exam to qualify for the Master of Science.
• The oral comprehensive exam tests the student's understanding of the basic concepts in the field and relevant applications.
• The comprehensive exam will be conducted during the capstone defense and will be administered by the capstone committee.
• Should the student fail this exam, a second opportunity will be provided within two weeks of the first attempt.
• A second failure will result in dismissal from the program.

Other:

• Students without significant prior teaching experience are required to serve as Classroom Laboratory Teaching Assistants for a minimum of one semester.
• Students are encouraged to discuss with their capstone mentor the possibility of joining the lab for research shadowing of other graduate students.