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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master’s degree program at IU School of Medicine is an in-depth 11-month program.

Master’s Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master’s degree program at IU School of Medicine is an in-depth 11-month program that includes faculty lectures, small-group problem-solving exercises and student-led seminar courses during the fall and spring semesters. Program participants develop a deep and thorough understanding of biochemistry and acquire skills that translate to employment in biomedical sciences, industry or academics. Graduates also pursue advanced study, and the MS degree enhances an individual’s academic credentials. The department has both a thesis and a non-thesis option.

Apply

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master’s degree program is accepting applications. A baccalaureate degree (typically in biology, chemistry or physics) that includes calculus and organic chemistry coursework is required for admission into this program.

Program Requirements

Thesis Option

  • A minimum of 30 credit hours consisting of required and elective courses
  • A scholarly thesis based on approved research with oversight from a faculty mentor
  • Potential research topics include structural biology, signal transduction, drug development, regulation of gene expression, cancer biology and metabolic disorders.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA and a B- or better in all MS coursework

Non-Thesis Option

  • A minimum of 30 credit hours consisting of required and elective courses
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA and a B- or better in all MS coursework

Fall course offerings (11 credits)

  • GRDM-G715 Biochemical Basis of Metabolic Disease (or B500, Intro Biochemistry): 2 credits
  • GRDM-G716 Molecular Biology: 2 credits
  • BIOC-B890 Biochemistry Seminar: 1 credit
  • BIOC-B854 Research Rotations in Biochemistry: 1 credit
  • GRDM-G505 Ethics: 1 credit
  • GRDM-G825 Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology: 2 credits
  • GRDM-G828 Concepts in Biotechnology: 2 credits

Spring course offerings (13 credits)

  • BIOC-B890 Seminar in Biochemistry: 1 credit
  • BIOC-B855 Research in Biochemistry: 6 credits
  • Three of the following courses:
  • GRDM-G807 Structural and Chemical Biology: 2 credits
  • GRDM-G817 Cell Biology: 2 credits
  • GRDM-G826-Synthetic biology and biologics: 2 credits
  • GRDM-G848 Bioinformatics: 2 credits
  • GRDM-G852 Cancer Biology: 2 credits

Summer Research (6 credits)

  • BIOC-B855 Research in Biochemistry

Non-Thesis Option

In lieu of research credits (BIOC-B855) and a thesis, students can opt to take BIOC-B811 or PBHL-B651 to fulfill the requirements for a non-thesis Masters.  Elective courses approved by the Graduate Advisor will be taken to reach a total of 30 hrs.


Grad School Bulletin

During the fall semester, students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master’s degree program engage in short research experiences to identify a topic of interest and suitable mentor for their thesis research project. The selection of a mentor and research project is completed by mutual agreement between the student and mentor. The research project begins in the spring semester and culminates with the writing and defense of a thesis at the end of the summer semester. The thesis document is developed through a combination of hands-on laboratory work and intensive literature research.

The written report should be a scholarly document that provides both an in-depth description of the student’s work and a detailed discussion of its importance and meaning. The thesis is evaluated by a graduate committee composed of the student’s mentor and two other Biochemistry and Molecular Biology faculty members. The thesis must be written to the satisfaction of the graduate committee for successful completion of the Master’s degree.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology does not offer financial support for students in the Master’s program. However, students may be eligible for financial aid and should contact the IU Indianapolis Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

The online application must be submitted to the Graduate Office by May 15 in order to be considered for fall admission. On the Application Information page, applicants interested in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master’s degree program should make the following selections:

  • Type of degree: Masters
  • Academic Program: Biochemistry (IU Graduate School)
  • Academic Plan: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology MS Track
  • Are you applying to a dual degree program: No
  • Term: select the appropriate term, Fall

Applicants should enter all score categories (e.g. for GRE, include verbal, quantitative and analytical). A complete application contains the following components:

  • PART 1: Online Admissions Application (includes personal statement and program information)
  • PART 1: Application Fee ($60 non-refundable fee)
  • PART 2: Official Transcripts
  • PART 2: Three Letters of Recommendation

After submitting the online admissions application, program applicants should email Clark Wells, PhD, professor and Graduate Program Advisor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, to notify him of submission. Official transcripts and letters of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Wells as well.