Molecular biology and genetics, interdisciplinary master’s curricula with Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Human Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology M.S. programs
Christie, Dr. Gail E.
Graduate Program Director and Recruitment Contact
christie@vcu.edu
(804) 828-9093
Web:
www.vcu.edu/mbg/
The molecular biology and genetics curriculum is an integrated interdisciplinary program of study that builds on the graduate programs of participating departments in the School of Medicine. The master’s program is designed to be an intensive course of study that will prepare students for research-oriented careers in biotechnology or provide the foundation for further graduate study toward a Ph.D. It is expected that the program should be completed in approximately two to two-and-one-half years. The curriculum includes core, specialization and elective courses. Electives drawn from various departments allow individual specialization. The final three semesters include a research project conducted under the guidance of a selected faculty mentor and culminates in the presentation and defense of a masters thesis.
The departments through which an M.S. with a concentration in molecular biology and genetics can be pursued include Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Human and Molecular Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology. Participating faculty are associated not only with programs and departments within the School of Medicine, but also VCU Massey Cancer Center, Philips Institute for Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology (School of Dentistry), Institute of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery (School of Pharmacy) and the VCU Center for the Study of Biological Complexity (VCU Life Sciences). The interdisciplinary approach to the solution of biological problems provided by this training is designed to teach students the flexibility and problem-solving skills necessary for success in a variety of scientific career opportunities or further graduate study.
Curriculum
Course plan for the full-time student. Some departments may require specific electives.
credits |
|
| Fall 1 | |
| BIOC/MICR 503 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| MICR 512 Laboratory Safety | 1 |
| MICR 608 Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology Research | 3 |
| MICR 690 Microbiology Research Seminar | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Spring 1 | |
| BIOC/MICR 504 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| MICR 690 Microbiology Research Seminar | 1 |
| Directed research | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Summer 1 | |
| Directed research | 1-6 |
| Fall 2 | |
| MICR 510 Scientific Integrity | 1 |
| MICR 607 Techniques in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 2 |
| MICR 690 Microbiology Research Seminar | 1 |
| Directed research | 11 |
| Spring 2 | |
| MICR 690 Microbiology Research Seminar | 1 |
| MICR 691 Special Topics in Microbiology – MBG Journal Club (must take at least once) | |
| Directed research | 13 |
For additional information visit www.vcu.edu/mbg/.