Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
The Master’s program is designed to provide an ideal framework for studying and understanding the advanced concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology and to develop interdisciplinary and integrative abilities in order to prepare competent professionals to solve problems in the field of applied biochemistry and molecular biology. Students will acquire hands on experimental skills and ample opportunities for research invoking the critical thinking and analysis necessary to undertake dissertation work and flourish in the careers beyond graduating from the program. Specifically, students will examine the structure, function and biological processes of macromolecules in complex biological systems.
Learn how to:
- Examine structure, function, and biological processes of macromolecules in complex biological systems
Why earn a master’s degree?
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates 18% of all jobs will require a master’s degree by 2022. A master’s degree can make it easier to transition into senior management and leadership positions and boost potential earnings. Over time, people with a master’s degree earn 35% more than those with a just a bachelor’s degree.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of this program can continue their careers as PhD candidates and focus their careers on research activity, as specialists or scientists in biomedical laboratories, as research and design scientists, as well as in marketing and sales in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
750+ Course Options
The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.
Admission requirements and process
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry program, submit or prepare for the following:
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Coppin State University online admission application and application fee
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2.8 minimum grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate courses, including but not limited to:
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General Physics (4 credits)
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General Chemistry (4 credits)
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Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
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Cell Biology (4 credits)
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Biochemistry (3-4 credits)
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Molecular Biology (4 credits)
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Calculus (3-4 credits)
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Statistics (3 credits)
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2-page personal statement detailing your academic and professional qualifications, as well as your short and long term academic goals and professional careers goals for your chosen field of study
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Official transcripts from each college or university attended
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3 letters of recommendation from a current employer, instructor, or other person who can speak to your character, integrity, and academic potential.
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Official English equivalency scores (for International Student applicants only)
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Curriculum vitae or resume (optional)
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Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (optional)
We still encourage you to submit your application and transcripts even if you haven’t taken all of the courses listed above. Some courses may be eligible for transfer credit, per University policies.
Graduate program requirements
To graduate with a Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (AMBB), students must complete 34 credit hours. These credit hours split between:
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Core courses (28 credits)
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Thesis (6 credits)
Scholarly research proposal
All program students must conduct an independent, original, scholarly research investigation to be eligible for graduation. Before conducting research, each student must submit a proposal to the program coordinator. The proposal must follow the research template specified by the CSU Graduate School Guidelines for Thesis/Dissertation. The student’s potential research advisor(s) review the proposal along with an additional faculty reader. Ultimately, the Department Graduate Committee approves each thesis proposal.
Core Courses (24 credits + 6 thesis credits of BIOL 510)
| course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 501 | 4 | Advanced Biochemistry |
| BIOL 502 | 4 | Advanced Molecular Biology |
| BIOL 505 | 4 | Bio-OMICS: Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics |
| BIOL 509 | 3 | Techniques in Molecular Biology |
| BIOL 507 | 4 | Biological Membranes |
| BIOL 508 | 2 | Seminar: Learnings from Nobel Discoveries in Biochemistry, Physiology, and Medicine |
| BIOL 510 | 6 | Research and Dissertation |
| BIOL 521 | 3 | Advanced Biostatistics |
Electives (4 credits)
| course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 503 | 4 | Protein Engineering |
| BIOL 506 | 4 | Biomarkers and Molecular Diagnostics |
| BIOL 504 | 4 | Molecular & Biochemical Signaling |
Graduate Course Descriptions
Learn more about the courses part of the AMBB program.
This course focuses on structure and function of biological macromolecules, viz. proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nuclei acids. It includes study of enzyme catalysis and kinetics, metabolic pathways and their regulation, and information pathways.
This course is designed to provide an advanced level of understanding on the structure of DNA, RNA and protein. Understanding on the physical and chemical properties of DNA, RNA AND proteins coupled with their roles in cellular metabolism. Emphasis will be placed on the contemporary scientific findings on the principles, processes, and methodology of molecular Biology.
This course is designed to understand the concepts, principles and applications of various expression systems for protein production and bio-separations, protein purification. Emphasis will be placed on protein engineering by directed mutagenesis and rational design for the production of novel proteins. Understanding the in vitro synthetic enzymatic biosystems for biomanufacturing.
This course is designed to study the fundamental principles of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics by meta-analysis of structural and functional aspects of genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various organisms. Bioinformatics principles and tools will be applied and analyzed both in theoretical and experimental approaches.
This course is designed for students to understand how cells communicate by means of extracellular signaling molecules. The mechanism of synthesis, assembly and delivery of these signaling molecules will be discussed. Also, a detailed mechanism that these signaling molecules recognize and bind to receptors on the surface of the target cells will be studied in detail. The interaction of signaling molecules and the elicitation of signal transduction pathways for an effective communication within the cells will also be addressed in detail. Also, how intracellular cascades of molecules transduce various signals for a functional response of the downstream molecules within the cells will also be analyzed.
This course is designed to understand detailed biochemical, molecular biological, and cell biological approaches used in the diagnosis of various abnormalities in human population by using -Nucleic Acids, -protein, -carbohydrate and lipid –based biological markers. This course will also provide the opportunity for students to understand the latest technological advances, diagnostic applications and improve the future prospects for molecular approaches to disease diagnosis.
The course will provide an integrated perspective on the architecture, biogenesis, dynamics and the physiological functions of biomembranes and cellular micro-compartments. The acquired knowledge will be used in understanding membrane-associated diseases and the rationale for novel therapeutic interventions.
This course is designed for students to do literature search, analyze invited speakers lectures and student presentations, their significant findings presented at the lectures, the findings significance and how the findings strengthen science in general. Students should write a report and submit for evaluation to the course director.
This course is designed to provide hands-on experience in various advanced molecular biological and immunological techniques for the development of diagnostics for various clinical manifestation related to human health. This course is also designed for students to learn molecular, biochemical and pharmacological aspects of various diagnostic methodologies.
An independent, original, and scholarly research investigation is required for a M.S. Degree. The thesis must be submitted to the Master’s Program Office as a research thesis in the form specified by the CSU Graduate School Guidelines for Thesis and Dissertations. A Candidacy Exam/proposal of the thesis topic must be completed by the beginning of the second year of the program. The graduate program coordinator will then form a committee to evaluate the candidacy proposal and submit his/her recommendation to the Chair of the Natural Sciences Department and the Dean of the Graduate School for approval.
This course is designed for an understanding of the principles of experimental design and experimental data analysis; hypothesis testing; application of statistical methods for comparing discrete and continuous data including ANOVA, t-test, correlation, and regression.
Study Plan
To graduate, each student must complete a minimum of 34 credits, including any transfer credits. Students must meet with the department chair or program director for advice and periodical evaluation of student’s progress towards the completion of courses for graduation.
Fall Semester (8 credits)
| Course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 501 | 4 | Advanced Biochemistry |
| BIOL 502 | 4 | Advanced Molecular Biology |
Spring Semester (10 credits)
| course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 507 | 4 | Biological Membranes |
| BIOL 509 | 3 | Techniques in Molecular Biology |
| BIOL 521 | 3 | Biostatistics |
Fall Semester (Any 2 courses, 8 credits)
| Course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 504 | 4 | Bio-omics |
| BIOL 505 | 4 | Molecular & Biochemical Signaling |
| BIOL 506 | 4 | Biomarkers & Molecular Diagnostics |
| BIOL 503 | 4 | Protein Engineering |
Spring Semester (8 credits)
| Course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 510 | 6 | Thesis |
| BIOL 508 | 2 | Seminar |
Related Natural Science Programs
Biology: Pre-Medicine
Biology: Pre-Pharmacy
Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant
Biology
Biochemistry
Computational Chemistry
Biology and Life Sciences
Polymer and Material Sciences lives in the Department of Natural Sciences in the School of Arts & Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.