Program Overview

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Master of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

The Master of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology is a graduate program offered by the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles of molecular biosciences, as well as specialized knowledge in their specific research area.

Overview of the Program

The Department of Molecular Biosciences is an interdisciplinary group of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students who perform cutting-edge research across a wide range of areas, including biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, bioinformatics, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, immunology, microbiology, virology, neurobiology, molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. The department offers Master of Science degrees in Biochemistry and Biophysics, in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB), and in Microbiology.

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements, is required.
• Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required.

Graduate Admission

The Department of Molecular Biosciences recognizes the importance of investing in the careers of future biomedical scientists. All students seeking a graduate degree must submit a formal application to the Molecular Biosciences graduate program. Application materials include:

1. An application form
2. Official copies of all academic transcripts
3. A Curriculum Vitae or résumé
4. Three letters of recommendation from qualified individuals
5. A Statement of Research Interests and Goals
6. Application Fee
7. Non-native speakers of English must meet the English proficiency requirements

Required Coursework

The program requires the following coursework:

• BIOL 985: Advanced Study (Minimum 1 lab rotation in first semester)
• BIOL 807: Graduate Molecular Biosciences
• BIOL 817: Rigor, Reproducibility and Responsible Conduct in Research
• BIOL 752: Cell Biology
• BIOL 755: Mechanisms of Development
• One of the following courses:
  • BIOL 772: Gene Expression
  • BIOL 757: Carcinogenesis and Cancer Biology
  • BIOL 650: Advanced Neurobiology
  • BIOL 680: Genomics
• Plan of Study: 13 hours, determined in consultation with the faculty advisor and graduate committee
• Completion Option: 1 hour, select one of the following culminating effort options

Culminating Effort

The Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology M.S. allows for three different culminating effort options to complete the degree:

1. Write a thesis resulting from original research on a laboratory problem.
2. Write a library thesis on a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee.
3. Publish a research paper in a national, referred journal.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Understand fundamental general concepts in molecular biosciences as well as principles of their specific research area.
• Understand methods and designing experiments.
• Interpret results and the formulation of testable hypotheses.
• Be aware of broader significance and effective communication to a wide audience.

Seminar Enrollment

Starting with the first year of graduate study, students are required to continuously enroll each fall and spring semester in 1 credit hour of one of the following seminar courses, selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor:

• BIOL 701: Topics in
• BIOL 905: Advanced Molecular Genetics

The University of Kansas is committed to enhancing diversity in the life sciences and strives to foster an inclusive research and training environment for all faculty, students, and staff. The department encourages participation from individuals with diverse life experiences.