Structural Biology Master’s Program

Our program, which confers a Master of Science degree, will prepare you to:

• develop research skills and a variety of structural and analytical skills in the study of important biological macromolecules
• acquire experimental skills that are in demand in pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries
• expand your educational and practical skills to strengthen your application to professional schools in biomedical sciences
• build your research resume, allowing you to advance your training into doctoral programs

As a student in our structural biology master’s program, you will take courses in basic elements of the biochemistry of proteins and other biological macromolecules, protein production and purification, protein structure determination and structural analysis.

In addition to experimental techniques of protein structure and functional analysis, you will become proficient in bioinformatic and structural informatic tools. You will choose a lab in which to perform experimental or computational research and will complete your degree with an oral thesis defense.

The master’s degree requires 30 credit hours, of which 15 derive from core courses in protein structure and function, cell biology, principles of protein production and analysis, and structural pharmacology, as well as courses in literature analysis and presentation.

Additional elective coursework may be included to tailor training toward your interests and experience.

• BCH 503: Biochemical Principles, 4 credits
• BMS 501: Cell Biology, 3 credits
• STB 612: Structural Biology Seminar, 1 credit
• STB 700: Research, 4 credits

• STB 531: Principles of Protein Production and Analysis, 3 credits
• STB 535: Structural Pharmacology, 3 credits
• STB 612: Structural Biology Seminar, 1 credit
• STB 700: Research, 5 credits

• STB 612: Structural Biology Seminar, 1 credit
• STB 700: Research, 2 credits

• STB 612: Structural Biology Seminar, 1 credit
• STB 700: Dissertation Research, 2 credits 

During year 2, the student will maintain full-time status and will be fully engaged in their MS research project.