The Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry program at Coppin State University is designed to provide an ideal framework for studying and understanding the advanced concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology, develop interdisciplinary and integrative abilities in order to prepare competent professionals to solve problems in the field of applied biochemistry and molecular biology. In addition, this program is designed to acquire hands-on experimental skills which are required to test the principles governing Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry by using advanced methods and techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology in laboratories. The program also provides ample opportunities for students to develop research skills, including critical thinking and analysis, as graduate students will be required to undertake dissertation work in infectious diseases, molecular aspects of ophthalmology, metabolic studies in various tissues, chemistry of biomolecules, protein engineering, biopolymers and cell culture methodologies.
Specific Program Objectives
- Students will acquire hands on laboratory experiences in molecular and computation biology used in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in investigating and resolving normal and abnormal structures and functions of biological molecules and learn to design and conduct research projects.
- Understand that several experimental methods can be used to achieve a specific goal. Understand limitations for each research method and explore how each method is used to answer a wide range of biological questions.
- Learn how to articulate and critique scientific papers and writings and acquire necessary skills in oral and poster presentation.
- Acquire sound knowledge in theoretical aspect of molecular biology and its applications.
- Learn to write research reports, manuscripts and Master’s thesis.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry must be in the last semester of undergraduate study or hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related science from an accredited college or university. Applicants with business or law degrees will also be considered provided they have successfully cleared undergraduate courses in cell biology, molecular biology, 2 courses (8 credits) each of general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, 8 credits of physics, statistics and calculus. Special consideration is given to applicants with work experience. Students can be admitted for full-time or part-time studies. The program admissions committee makes all recommendations on a case-by-case basis.
Students apply to the Coppin State University School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must submit:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from the undergraduate degree granting institution, and all other colleges and universities attended
- Three (3) current letters of reference from the current employer, instructors, or other persons who can attest to their character, integrity, and academic potential
- A personal statement (2 pages) describing educational preparations, goals and careers. You should outline your short and long-term educational and career objectives in relations to your chosen field. Please include at least two (2) top research areas, together with the names of particular faculty members with whom you wish to perform your research work and explain why you want to be mentored by that faculty. In addition, you could include other relevant information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships or other experiences you may have had to document your preparedness for graduate studies in your chosen field.
- A partial check list of courses that must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.8 or above includes General Physics (8 credits), General Chemistry (8 credits), Organic Chemistry (8 credits), Cell Biology (4 credits), Biochemistry (3-4 credits), Molecular Biology (4 credits), Calculus (3-4 credits) and Statistics (3 credits).
- TOEFL is required if the applicant is from a non-English speaking foreign country. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional.
- Resume
Plan of Study: Total Credit Hours - 34
Core Courses (24 credits):
- BIOL 501 - Advanced Biochemistry: Chemistry of Macromolecules (4 credits)
- BIOL 502 - Advanced Molecular Biology: Organization and Expression of Genetic Information (4 credits)
- BIOL 503 - Protein Engineering: Structural and Functional Analyses of Proteins Enzymes (4 credits)
- BIOL 504 - Molecular and Biochemical Signaling (4 credits)
- BIOL 505 - Systems Biology: Genomics, Transcriptomes, Proteomics and Metabolomics (4 credits)
- BIOL 508 - Seminar I: Learnings from Nobel Discoveries in Chemistry, Physiology and Medicine (2 credits)
- BIOL 509 - Seminar II: Current Topics in Molecular Biology (2 credits)
Elective courses (4 credits)
- BIOL 506 - Biological Membranes (4 credits)
- BIOL 507 - Biomarkers and molecular diagnostics (4 credits), or
- CHEM 507 - Instrumentation (4 credits), or
- BIOL 511 - Techniques in Molecular Biology
BIOL 510 Thesis (6 credits)
An independent, original, and scholarly research investigation is required for the M.S. Degree in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. A proposal needs to be submitted to the AMBB Program Coordinator following research template specified by the Coppin State University Graduate School Guidelines for Thesis/Dissertation. The proposal will then be reviewed by the student’s potential research advisor(s) and the faculty reader. The Department Graduate Committee will approve the thesis proposal.
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