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M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

USA

2

What will I learn?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, which confers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, prepares graduate students for a career in science by expanding knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, and by developing the student's abilities in critical thought and creativity. The academic program emphasizes an in-depth study of the field with considerable flexibility to individually tailor course selection with regard to academic interests and area of specialization in the student's field of research.

A diversity of research programs is available for students. Areas of research specialization include molecular biology, physical biochemistry, molecular endocrinology, plant biochemistry and molecular biology, signal transduction, and biomedical research. Each program bestows a strong preparation for an academic research and teaching career, or a biochemical research career at both the pure and applied levels in private, governmental or industrial laboratories.

Faculty within the program consists of biochemists and molecular biologists from the Department of Biochemistry, as well as members of seven other departments, including: Entomology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Chemistry, Botany and Plant Sciences, and the Bourns School of Engineering. We believe that our program provides an excellent environment for graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biology by combining the facilities, quality and breadth of research of a larger university with close student-faculty interaction, and an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas usually found only in relatively small institutions.

The MS degree may be earned in either of two ways, one (Plan I) requiring a thesis describing the results of a laboratory research project, and the other (Plan II) requiring a comprehensive examination. The majority of MS candidates enroll in the Plan II course work MS degree.

Plan I: Thesis Plan

A minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper division undergraduate courses in or related to biochemistry are required (24 must be graduate level). Preparation and presentation of a thesis that is acceptable to a committee of three faculty members is also required of every candidate for the degree. After a student selects a research advisor, he or she is responsible for approval of courses and a thesis research project, and for guidance on the drafting and completion of an acceptable thesis.

Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Plan

A minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper division undergraduate courses in or related to biochemistry are required (18 must be graduate level). A faculty advisor is responsible, not only for the program of study, but also for guidance in preparation for the comprehensive examination in basic biochemistry. Upon the student's successful performance in the examination, the Program so advises the Dean of the Graduate Division and the MS degree is conferred. The normative time for an MS degree in Plan II is 3 quarters if all prerequisite courses have been completed as an undergraduate.

Which department am I in?

College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Study options

Full Time (A minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate)

Tuition fees
US$33,026.22 per year
Total Quarterly Fees for Graduate Non-Resident: USD $11,008.74
Start date

Expected September 2024

Venue

College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Geology Building, Room 2258,

900 University Avenue,

RIVERSIDE,

California,

92521, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

A bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited institution. The degree must represent the completion of a program equivalent in subject matter and scholarship to that offered by the University of California.

A minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or B-equivalent (if GPA is not on a 4.0 scale). We recommend that you check with the graduate program as they may have a higher standard for their GPA requirements. If your GPA is below this, follow up with the graduate program you are interested. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and the program can look at your other components and advise you on potential admission.

English Language Requirement: TOEFL - The minimum acceptable scores are: 550 for the revised TOEFL paper-delivered test and 80 for the TOEFL iBT; IELTS - The minimum acceptable overall score is 7 with no score less than 6 on any individual component.

The final priority deadline to be considered for financial support for Fall 2022 is December 1. Applications received after January 5th will be considered if space and funding are available.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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