Biology: Applied Biomedical and Genomic Science, M.S.

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Graduate Coordinator: Lies Jeffers-Francis Email: ljeffers@ncat.edu Phone: (336)285-2506

Department Chair: Checo J. Rorie Email: cjrorie@ncat.edu Phone: (336)285-2160

The primary objective of the Applied Biomedical and Genomic Science Master’s concentration is to provide students with advanced didactic coursework and communication skills in biomedical and genomic sciences to prepare them for terminal degree and professional school programs in the biomedical and healthcare sectors. To support this objective, this program will develop all participants through training experiences and other enrichment activities, biomedical and scientific understanding, biomedical topics, and personal integrity. Specifically, this program is designed to enhance the students’ critical thinking skills, expand their knowledge in biomedical and genomic sciences, and improve their proficiency in oral and written communication. Students will have opportunities to enhance their understanding in the following biomedical research focus areas: genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, physiology, evolution, toxicology, neuroscience, and health disparities.

Additional Admission Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Considerations of performance in discipline-related coursework is a critical factor in the holistic admissions review process, along with a competitive cumulative Grade Point Average (typically 3.0 or above).

Three or more of the following pre-requisites are required:

One semester of Calculus
One year of Physics
One year of Cellular and Molecular Biology
Chemistry through Organic Chemistry II

Two or more letters of recommendation from academic and professional references, which describe the applicant’s background, strengths, and aptitudes for graduate study, should be submitted with the application. Letters of recommendation should be submitted by the same individuals who complete the recommendation form included in the standard Graduate College application. For more eligibility information, interested applicants should contact the departmental graduate program coordinator.

Program Outcomes

Communication skills: Students completing the MS degree program in Biology will exhibit effective communication skills (written, oral, graphic, and interpersonal) appropriate for professionals in this field of study at the master’s or doctoral level
Critical Thinking Skills: Students completing the MS degree program in Biology will effectively use quantitative and/or qualitative analytical problem-solving skills appropriate for professionals in this field of study at the master’s or doctoral level
Disciplinary Expertise: Students completing the MS degree program in Biology will demonstrate a level of discipline-specific expertise (knowledge, skills, and professionalism) appropriate for professionals in this field of study at the master’s or doctoral level
Research/Creative Engagement: Students completing the MS degree program in Biology will demonstrate the ability to engage productively in the review and conduct of disciplinary research and creative professional activity appropriate for professionals in this field of study at the master’s or doctoral level

Degree Requirements

Total credit hours: 30

Core Requirements

9 Credit Hours (Select one course from the 3 options below)

Option 1: BIOL 645

OR
BIOL 785 - Writing for the Biological Sciences 3 Credit(s)
Option 2: BIOL 640 - Intro Bioinformat & Genomi Rsc 3 Credit(s)
OR
BIOL 749 - Recent Advances in Cell Biology 3 Credit(s)
Option 3: CHEM 651 - General Biochemistry 3 Credit(s)
OR

BIOL 643

Electives

21 credit hours

Select graduate-level courses from BIOL, ANSC, CDSE, or others with the approval of the graduate program coordinator; an experiential component (i.e., BIOL 796 or BIOL 710) is recommended.