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Biomolecular Sciences

 

Faculty
 
Tom King (Department Chair, Copernicus 204), Michael A. Davis, Barry Hoopengardner, Martin A. Kapper, Kathy A. Martin-Troy, James P. Mulrooney, Timothy Shine, Cheryl L. Watson

 

(Dept. phone: 832-3560)

 

      Department Overview

The Department of Biomolecular Sciences (BMS) offers instruction in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and physiology that is strongly integrated with the theory and practice of molecular biological research.  The Department offers an M.A. degree and an Official Certificate in Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as courses that may serve as part of the general education requirement for students preparing to teach in fields other than molecular biology or physiology.  The Department also contributes to the interdisciplinary Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Health Studies program (OCP 500; see below). 

Located in Copernicus Hall, the Department of Biomolecular Sciences includes a wide range of modern research equipment in laboratories designed both for class instruction and for independent student research.  Special facilities include  a protein purification and analysis facility, a cell culture facility, a molecular genetics research laboratory, a laboratory animal care suite, and a computer laboratory. Student-centered biomolecular research activity is also promoted, fostered, and supported by the Biotechnology Institute at CCSU, an interdisciplinary organization (housed in the Department of Biomolecular  Sciences) that is dedicated to developing graduates with excellent research skills. 

      Admission Requirements

The application process begins with the submission of an application for admission to graduate study, and official transcripts from all institutions where graduate or undergraduate work has been done to the Graduate Admissions Office (Davidson 115; 832-2350). In addition, applicants should submit a narrative statement describing their academic goals and two or three letters of recommendation directly to the Biomolecular Sciences Department Chair. These materials will be reviewed by the Department Graduate Committee, and students who are accepted will be assigned a program committee who will work with the student to develop a planned program of academic study.

      Programs

MASTER OF ARTS IN BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES

 

The Master of Arts in Biomolecular Sciences program is designed to fulfill the educational needs of biologists who desire further specialization and/or knowledge of recent advances in cell and molecular aspects of biology;  students who seek an immersion in cell and molecular biology as an intermediate step toward preparation for work at the doctoral level;  and teachers who are interested in furthering their knowledge in molecular and cellular biology.  Each student will be assigned a graduate advisory committee that will help the student plan a sound program of study.

There are two options (Plan A and Plan B) leading to the The Master of Arts in Biomolecular Sciences: Cell and Molecular Biology degree, both of which require a total of 30 credits, made up of a Course Component and a Capstone Component.

Course Component (24-27 cr.)

 

BMS 500

Seminar in BMS

1

BMS 540

Topics in Advanced BMS

3-4

BMS 572

Laboratory Rotation in Cell & Molecular Biology

1

 

 

 

 

Biomolecular course electives (18-22 cr. in BMS or related fields) from the following courses or others as approved by the advisor:

 

BMS 412 (413)

Human Physiology (with optional lab)

3-4

BMS 505

Molecular Biology

4

BMS 506 (497)

Biosynthesis...(with optional lab)

3-4

BMS 540

Topics in Advanced BMS

3-4

BMS 562

Developmental Biology

3

BMS 570

Advanced Genetics

3

BMS 590

Focused Study in Advanced BMS

1-4

CHEM 454 (455)

Biochemistry (with optional lab)

3-4

CHEM 456

Toxicology

3

BIO 449 (450)

Plant Physiology (with optional lab)

3-4

BIO 530

Immunology

3

 

Capstone Component (3-6 cr.)

Plan A:

Option 1, BMS 599 Thesis (6 cr.) and a thesis defense or

Option 2, BMS 599 Thesis (3 cr.) and BMS 591 Independent Research Project in BMS (3 cr.)

and a thesis defense

or

Plan B:

BMS 591 Independent Research Project in BMS (3 cr.) and a Comprehensive Exam.

 

Note:  No more than 9 credits at the 400-level will be allowed in the graduate Planned Program of Study.

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM:

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Cell and Molecular Biology (OCP 501)

      Program Overview

This non-degree certificate program is designed for college graduates wishing to expand or update their knowledge of modern cell and molecular biology, but who are not ready to commit to a graduate program leading to a master’s degree.  This post-baccalaureate certificate program provides these students a formal option for acquiring both advanced instruction and academic advisement.

Admission

Students must have completed a bachelors degree to participate in the program.  Potential students should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to request an application packet.  The application requires official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, three letters of recommendation, and an essay describing why the student is interested in the program.  Completed applications will be filed with the Graduate Admissions Office.  The Biomolecular Sciences Chair will schedule an interview with the applicant, during which an advisory committee  will work with the candidate to develop an individualized plan of study in keeping with their academic background and professional goals.  The  advisory committee will make admission recommendations to the Department which will make final admission decisions on a rolling basis.  Successful applicants will have a 2.70 undergraduate cumulative grade point average and  course prerequisites must be met, including BMS 102 (or BIO 121), BMS 190, 201, 290; and CHEM 121 and 122; or equivalent.  Post-baccalaureate students will be classified as graduate students; they may be either part-time or full-time and may qualify for financial aid.  Only students matriculated as full-time may take nine or more credits a semester.  Part-time and non-matriculated students are limited to less than nine credits/semester.

Program Requirements

The Official Certificate  Program in Cell and Molecular Biology will require 18-20 credits in approved cell and molecular biology courses (see below), including BMS 572, BMS 590, and at least two cell and molecular biology courses that include laboratory instruction.   Any individual program must be selected and approved in consultation with the Biomolecular Sciences advisor.  A minimum of 15 credits in the planned program must be taken at CCSU.

Research Component:

BMS 572 Laboratory Rotation in Cell and Molecular Biology  1
BMS 591 Independent Research Project     2

Laboratory Science Component:
Two courses with lab from the following:


BMS 505            Molecular Biology                                                            4
BMS 506/497     Biosynth., Bioenerget, and Met. Regulation (with Lab.)        4
BMS 540           Topics in Advanced Biomolecular Science                           4
BIO 449/450     Plant Physiology / Investigations in Plant Physiology            4

 Elective Component:
7- 9 credits elected from any additional Lab. Science course(s) listed above
and/or from the following:
BMS 540             Topics in Advanced Biomolecular Science                         3
BMS 570             Advanced Genetics                                                         3
BMS 506             Biosynthesis, Bioenergetics, and Metabolic Regulation         3
BIO 449             Plant Physiology                                                             3
BIO 530            Immunology                                                                   3
CHEM 454          Biochemistry                                                                  3
CHEM 456         Toxicology                                                                      3

Note:  To enroll in BMS 572, students need to have a planned program approved by the Biomolecular Sciences advisor. 

The student must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average in order to be in good academic standing and to receive the post-baccalaureate certificate. Upon completion of the planned certificate program, a certificate will be issued from the Office of Continuing Education.  (While completion of this program does not lead to a graduate degree, courses at the 400- level or above that are taken as part of the post-baccalaureate certificate program may be counted towards a master’s degree, provided that: the graduate-syllabus option is elected at the time of course registration in all 400-level courses, all master’s program admissions and degree requirements are met, and the courses are part of a planned program of study approved by the master’s degree advisor.)

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM:

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Health Studies (OCP 500)

The Department of Biomolecular Sciences contributes to the interdisciplinary Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-health Studies, a non-degree program that is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate background does not yet
meet the requirements for admission to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine, etc. 

Official Certificate Program: POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE in Pre-Health Studies

The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (Pre-PAC) individually advises post-baccalaureate students seeking to prepare themselves for entry into professional training programs in the health sciences. The Pre-PAC is composed of eight faculty members (three from Biology, two from Chemistry, one from Physics and Earth Sciences, and two from Psychology), including the Chief Health Professions Adviser (P. Osei, Biology; Copernicus 339; 832-2657) and the Pre-PAC Chair (C. Watson, Biomolecular Sciences; Copernicus 344; 832-2684).

For further information regarding Pre-Health Studies, please click here.

Program Overview

This non-degree certificate program is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate background does not meet the requirements for admission to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc. This rigorous program provides post-baccalaureate students with the foundational courses and the advisement they need to prepare for applying to professional training schools.

Admission

Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree to participate in the program. Potential students should contact the Graduate Admissions Office to request an application packet. The application requires official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and an essay describing why the student is interested in the program. File completed applications with the Graduate Admissions Office. The Pre-PAC Chair will schedule an interview with the applicant, during which an advisory committee (including the Chief Health Professions Adviser) will work with the candidate to develop an individualized planned program of study in keeping with their academic background and professional goals.

To begin the program during the summer session, applications must be received by April 15. If students wish both to begin during the summer session and to be considered for financial aid, applications must be received by January 15. However, students may begin the program in any semester and applications will be accepted throughout the year. Post-baccalaureate students in this program are classified as graduate students but need not be matriculated. However, only matriculated graduate students may take a full-time (minimum 9 credits/academic semester) load and may qualify for financial aid.

Program Requirements

While each student’s academic program will be tailored to meet the individual’s specific academic needs and professional goals, a model program that would be appropriate for a student with a minimal science background is shown below. This model program also illustrates the 45-credit upper limit for this certificate program. Smaller academic programs may be possible for students with some science background, with a lower limit of 26 credits. All individual programs must be designed and approved in consultation with the Pre-PAC advisory committee at the admission interview. A minimum of 18 credits in the planned program must be taken at CCSU.

Model Program* 
(45 credits)

Biology (21 cr.), including:
BIO 122 General Biology II 
BIO 201 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology
BIO 306 Genetics 
or 
BIO 316 Microbiology
BIO 318 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 490 Studies in Biology
BIO 319 Anatomy and Physiology II 
or 
BIO 411 Cellular Physiology and Metabolism
or 
BIO 412/413 Human Physiology

Chemistry (16 cr.), including:
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II
CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry II

Physics (8 cr.) including:
PHYS 121 General Physics I
PHYS 122 General Physics II

*For course descriptions and prerequisites for courses numbered lower than 400, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

Students must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average in order to be in good academic standing and to receive the post-baccalaureate certificate. Upon completion of the planned certificate program, a certificate will be issued from the Office of Continuing Education. (While completion of this program does not lead to a graduate degree, courses at the 400-level or above that are taken as part of this program may be counted towards a master’s degree, provided that the graduate-syllabus option is elected at the time of course registration in 400-level courses.)

 

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