Program Overview

Degree Programs

The university offers various degree programs in Biochemistry, including:

• Biochemistry BA, BS, and Minor
• Combined Bachelor's/MS in Biochemistry
• MS in Biochemistry
• Dual Degree Programs with MS in Biochemistry
• MS in Biotechnology
• Combined Bachelor's/MS in Biotechnology
• Certificate in Experimental Biotechnology
• PhD in Biochemistry

MS in Biochemistry

The MS in Biochemistry program can be completed in 15-21 months and requires 30 credit hours (for students following the General Bulletin) of which at least 18 hours must be letter graded. The program includes:

• Courses
• Seminars
• Research opportunities

MS Curriculum

The MS curriculum includes:

• Required courses:
  • BIOC 407: Introduction to Biochemistry: From Molecules to Medicine (4 credits)
  • BIOC 408: Molecular Biology (4 credits)
  • BIOC 500: Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology Basics (1 credit)
  • BIOC 501: Biochemical and Cellular Techniques for Biotechnology (3 credits)
  • BIOC 502A or BIOC 502B or BIOC 503: Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology and Biochemical Techniques or Biotechnology Laboratory: Eukaryotic Molecular and Cellular Biology or Biotechnology Laboratory: CRISPR (2 credits)
  • EXAM 600: Master's Comprehensive Exam (1 credit)
  • Electives (15 credit hours for students following the General Bulletin; 21 credit hours for earlier General Bulletins)
• Optional concentrations:
  • Cancer Biology
  • Experimental Biotechnology
  • Infectious Disease
  • Metabolism
  • Molecular Structure and Function

Optional Concentrations

The optional concentrations include:

Cancer Biology

• BIOC 450: Molecular Basis of Cancer (3 credits)
• BIOC 453: Biochemical Pathways in Cancer Therapeutics (3 credits)
• BIOC 460: Advanced Technologies for Cancer Research (3 credits)

Experimental Biotechnology

• BIOC 460: Advanced Technologies for Cancer Research (3 credits)
• BIOC 500: Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology Basics (1 credit)
• BIOC 511: Practice and Professionalism in Biotechnology (1 credit)
• Two of: BIOC 502A or BIOC 502B or BIOC 503: Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology and Biochemical Techniques or Biotechnology Laboratory: Eukaryotic Molecular and Cellular Biology or Biotechnology Laboratory: CRISPR (4 credits)

Infectious Disease

• BIOC 410: Microbial Physiology and Therapeutic Opportunities (3 credits)
• BIOC 411: Antimicrobial Therapies and Resistance (3 credits)
• BIOC 434: Structural and Computational Biology (3 credits)

Metabolism

• BIOC 412: Proteins and Enzymes (3 credits)
• Two of: BIOC 415 or BIOC 444 or BIOC 445: Lipids, Membranes, and Membrane Proteins or Molecular Endocrinology or Metabolic Regulation, Dysregulation, and Disease (6 credits)

Molecular Structure and Function

• BIOC 412: Proteins and Enzymes (3 credits)
• BIOC 415: Lipids, Membranes, and Membrane Proteins (3 credits)
• BIOC 434: Structural and Computational Biology (3 credits)

Research Opportunities

While research is not required, most students choose to participate in experimental biomedical research for course credit. Students work with faculty mentors in the Biochemistry program and can also choose from over 200 faculty mentors at CWRU School of Medicine and affiliated hospitals.