Overview
The Master of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is a full-time, 30 credit program, designed to be completed in one year. This program offers laboratory-based training in an intellectually stimulating learning environment with opportunities for students to become critical thinkers. Students are taught by faculty members who are leaders in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and span a broad area of research within the scientific community.
It is an ideal degree option for those seeking:
· A gap year before applying for MD and MD- Ph.D. programs
· Hands-On research exposure for careers in industry
· Additional training for admission to Ph.D. programs
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program at the Miller School must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and sufficient undergraduate coursework in the areas of biological sciences, physical sciences, medicine, agricultural sciences, or chemical sciences.
Competitive candidates will have the following:
- Excellent academic record (minimum overall cumulative GPA = 3.0)
- Strong letters of recommendation
- Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research or a career in medicine
Full application instructions can be found online.
Curriculum Requirements
The requirements for graduation with MS degree include the following:
- Successful completion of 15 credit hours of required courses and up to 15 credit hours of research work totaling 30 credit hours.
- A final oral comprehensive examination of the research performed- A student failing the comprehensive may be allowed one opportunity to retake it if the student's committee so advises. The re-examination may not be taken during the same semester or summer session and must be taken within one calendar year.
Research Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| BMB 605 | Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2 | 3 |
| BMB 612 | Medical Genetics | 3 |
| BMB 618 | Scientific Communications Journal Review | 2 |
| BMB 630 | Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| BMB 634 | Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II | 6 |
| BMB 635 | Research In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III | 6 |
| Electives: Choose 7 elective credits from the list below: 3 | 7 | |
| BMB Graduate Research Seminars 3 | ||
| Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3 | ||
| Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery (Masters) 3 | ||
| Basis of Mitochondrial Medicine 3 | ||
| Clinical Diagnostics and Biosensors 3 | ||
| Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression 3 | ||
| Essentials of Biotechniques I II | ||
| Independent Studies in BMB Scientific Research 3,4 | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Successful completion of 15 credit hours of required courses and up to 15 credit hours of research work totaling 30 credit hours.
- 2
If you have taken BMB 401 as an undergraduate at the University of Miami and earned a grade of B or higher, this course may be substituted. Substitutions require advisor approval.
- 3
Students must complete 7 elective credits selected with their academic advisor.
- 4
Course may be repeated for credit in Fall and Spring; Approval from Advisor required for course enrollment.
Industry Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| BMB 601 | Research Journal Club | 1 |
| BMB 605 | Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BMB 614 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BMB 641 | Essentials of Biotechniques I II | 1 |
| BMB 642 | Essentials of Biotechniques II | 3 |
| BMB 680 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| BMB 610 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BMB 615 | Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery (Masters) | 3 |
| Internship | ||
| BMB 632 | (Internship) 4 | 1-9 |
| Capstone | ||
| BMB 633 | Capstone project in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1-3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Suggested Plans of Study
Research Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| BMB 605 | Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2 | 3 |
| BMB 618 | Scientific Communications Journal Review | 2 |
| BMB 641 | Essentials of Biotechniques I II | 4 |
| BMB 630 | Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| BMB 602 | BMB Graduate Research Seminars | 1 |
| BMB 612 | Medical Genetics | 3 |
| BMB 621 | Clinical Diagnostics and Biosensors | 2 |
| BMB 634 | Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II | 6 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| BMB 635 | Research In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III | 6 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Industry Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| BMB 680 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| BMB 601 | Research Journal Club | 1 |
| BMB 605 | Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BMB 614 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BMB 641 | Essentials of Biotechniques I II | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| BMB 601 | Research Journal Club | 1 |
| BMB 642 | Essentials of Biotechniques II | 3 |
| BMB 633 | Capstone project in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1 |
| BMB 615 | Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery (Masters) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| BMB 632 INTERNSHIP | 9 | |
| BMB 633 CAPSTONE | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 11 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
