Program Overview

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Chemical Biology, M.S.

The Master of Science in Chemical Biology from Saint Louis University provides advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. The core of this degree includes organic and medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology and can be tailored to match a students interests in chemical biology.

Program Highlights

• Excellent preparation for further studies toward a Ph.D. or transitioning to a professional career in the life sciences industry.
• Employment opportunities include a variety of jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials industries.
• Graduate students have access to a number of research tools, including:
  • Bruker 400 and 700 MHz NMR spectrometers
  • Bruker-EMX EPR, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectrometers
  • Research-grade spectrofluorometers
  • GC-MS, LC-MS, and specialized mass spectrometers
  • Computational facilities with modern molecular modeling software
  • Bruker CCD X-ray diffractometer facility
  • Core facilities in the School of Medicine (e.g., protein, microscopy, etc.)

Curriculum Overview

• The requirements for the thesis-based M.S. degree include:
  • A minimum of 24 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework (exclusive of thesis research)
  • Six credits of thesis research (CHEB 5990)
  • A thesis
  • A public oral presentation and a private oral examination
• Required coursework includes medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology taught by faculty from the corresponding departments.
• Electives are chosen to complement a students interests and the research program that they join.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

• Graduate students are active in the research areas of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and pharmacology.
• Research groups regularly publish in top-ranked journals and present at national and international conferences.

Careers

• Chemical biology graduates are employed in a diverse array of fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, patent law, biomedical engineering, and academic research.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants should possess sufficient GPA and TOEFL (if applicable) scores, and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, usually in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology, although other science majors will be considered.
• Admission normally requires undergraduate coursework including (minimum credits in parentheses):
  • Calculus (4)
  • Organic chemistry with labs (8)
  • Physics with labs (8)
  • Physical chemistry (3)
  • Biochemistry (3)
  • Biology (6)

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Interview (desired)

Requirements for International Students

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted.
• Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadlines

• Students who want to be considered for the summer and fall semesters must submit their applications by Jan. 15.

Review Process

• A three-person committee votes on whether to accept applicants.

Tuition

• Tuition Per Credit: $1,400
• Additional charges may apply.

Scholarships, Assistantships, and Financial Aid

• For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed.
• Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.

Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature in chemical biology.
2. Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories, or research methodologies in chemical biology.
3. Graduates will be able to apply chemistry principles to biology.
4. Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations in both oral and written forms.
5. Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly and professional integrity in chemical biology.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CHEM 5630	Introduction to Chemical Biology and Biotechnology	3
CHEM 5470	Medicinal Chemistry	3
PPY 5410	Molecular Pharmacology	3
CHEB 5110	Introduction to Chemical Biology Research I	1
CHEB 5120	Introduction to Chemical Biology Research II	2
CHEB 5970	Research Topics	3
CHEB 5990	Thesis Research	6
Electives	Select 9 credits in 5000 level courses in Chemistry, Biology, or Pharmacology	9
Total Credits	30

Non-Course Requirements

• A public oral presentation and a private oral examination.

Continuation Standards

• Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmap

The roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for programs and assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.

• Year One:
  • Fall: CHEM 5630, CHEM 5000, Elective
  • Spring: PPY 5410, CHEM 5470, CHEB 5120
• Year Two:
  • Fall: CHEB 5990, Elective
  • Spring: CHEB 5990, Elective, Submit written thesis and give oral thesis defense
• Summer: CHEB 5970