Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Graduate

Because many of the opportunities in biochemistry require advanced course work, a major part of the program in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is concerned with its graduate program leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. This graduate program is an integral part of extensive basic research activities in the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.

Prerequisites

Although the B.S. in chemistry or biochemistry is preferred, students with strong backgrounds in other biological or physical science disciplines are eligible. Individuals not having at least eight semester credit hours each of organic chemistry and calculus plus four credit hours each of analytical and physical chemistry must take appropriate undergraduate courses to make up deficiencies. The results of the three general GRE exams (verbal, quantitative, analytical) are required for entrance. An advanced GRE subject matter exam (biochemistry, chemistry or biology) is also recommended. A cumulative GRE score of 1500 is normally required.

Degree Requirements

A more detailed description of the graduate study program in biochemistry is available from the department upon request. The requirements listed below complement the general graduate requirements described in the "Graduate College" section of the Catalog. After the first semester, continuous attendance and participation in the departmental seminar is expected.

The Master of Science Degree

Twenty-four credit hours of formal graduate courses are required, including BIOC 5753, 5824, 5853, and 5930. In addition, a student must present an acceptable research thesis (six hours) and pass a final oral examination covering it and related material. Research advisers are selected at the end of the first semester.

A non-thesis Master of Science degree is also available. It does not require a research thesis, but requires a report and extensive technical training in the laboratory. The non-thesis M.S. is not recommended for students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. later.

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The course requirements are determined with the aid of the student's graduate advisory committee. Usually they follow these guidelines: total of 30-40 credit hours of formal graduate course work which includes all the courses listed for the M.S. degree, at least four of the advanced graduate courses in biochemistry (6000 level) and two offerings of Special Topics (6820). Additional course requirements, appropriate to the student's interests, are determined by the advisory committee. The advisory committee is selected at the end of the second semester. Each student will take a series of cumulative examinations beginning in January of his or her first year. A more comprehensive qualifying examination is also given, usually during the fourth semester of graduate study.

One year of a foreign language at the college level is required. The student must present, and defend in a final oral examination, an acceptable research thesis which contains a substantial original contribution to the field of biochemistry. The department offers research experience in a variety of areas of biochemistry.

Please visit the department homepage to learn more about this major and its options!!!

You may also wish to view the general information about this area of study here.