Program Description
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemists and molecular biologists study life processes ranging from the level of individual molecules to the whole organism. This M.S. program provides the student with a strong foundational background to understand the molecular basis of life. An important career development aspect of the M.S. program is the availability of two options-a thesis-based or coursework-based program.
- Thesis-based option: A student will conduct valuable hands-on and cutting-edge laboratory research within a biomedical focus. The typical time to complete this program is two years.
- Coursework-based option: A student will gain an in-depth understanding of various areas within biochemistry and molecular biology through a curriculum involving coursework and seminars. This program can be completed within three semesters.
Students completing the M.S. program are well-equipped to continue their career development in a number of areas. Examples include:
- Preparation for continued study in a Ph.D. program. (Graduate study with faculty in the BMB department at Wright State leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree is available through the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program.)
- Preparation for continued studies in the health professions, including a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree program.
- Directly proceed to work in industry, academic, medical, or government research labs.
Major research interests of the department include diverse studies of life processes having a biomedical focus and include:
- Structure and function of biological macromolecules
- Molecular genetics
- Metabolomics
- Systems biology
Specific research projects (see the faculty research page for more details) deal with the structure and function of:
- Membranes
- Proteins and enzymes
- Nucleic acids
- Chromatin structure and function
- Molecular genetics of disease
- Nucleotide metabolism
- Microbial systems biology
- Magnetic resonance to study biochemical phenomena
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements for admission established by The Graduate School. A bachelor’s degree in the biochemical, biological, or chemical sciences, including coursework in organic chemistry, physics, and calculus, is generally required. In addition, letters of recommendation (three are required) are an important admission consideration.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the M.S. degree program in biochemistry and molecular biology will be able to:
- Read and assimilate the current literature in the field
- Write proficiently within the standard scientific format
- Understand the various technologies used in the field
- Apply critical thinking towards experimental design and the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data
Facilities
BMB General Facilities
The BMB department is well-equipped to support various biochemical and molecular biology research projects. Examples of key equipment available include visible-ultraviolet recording spectrophotometers, spectrofluorometers, DNA synthesizer, circular dichroism spectrophotometer, FPLC, DNA array systems, next-generation sequencers, real-time PCR system, stopped-flow reaction analyzer, liquid scintillation counters, gamma counters, ultracentrifuges, various kinds of electrophoresis equipment, gas-liquid chromatographs, high pressure liquid chromatographs, and tissue culture facilities. NMR, microscopy, mass spectrometry, and biocontainment facilities are available for departmental use. A modern, well-equipped laboratory animal facility is also available.
Center for Genomics Research
The Center for Genomics Research (CGR) is a Research Center of Excellence at the Boonshoft School of Medicine. The CGR’s primary mission is to provide support and core facilities for Wright State research faculty engaged in basic and clinical research in the areas of gene expression, flow cytometry, and genotyping. The center strives to cultivate collaborations between basic and clinical researchers at Wright State through training of personnel, collaborative projects undertaken at CGR, and joint grant submissions involving researchers and CGR members.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Laboratory
The Magnetic Resonance Laboratory houses a Varian INOVA 600 NMR Spectrometer equipped with multiple probes for analysis of any nuclide, and a robotics sample changer. The laboratory is particularly well-equipped to support ongoing NMR-based metabolomics research.
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