Program type:

Major
Format:

On Campus
Est. time to complete:

2-3 years
Credit Hours:

30-36
Research new frontiers at the cellular level and unlock an understanding of the inner workings of life as we know it.
UNT's Master of Science with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology is designed to provide a graduate-level foundation followed by advanced study and research. Faculty research interests in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) reflect the broad nature of this discipline, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, systems biology, developmental biology, cell biology, metabolism, and organism interactions with the environment in microbial, plant and animal systems. A specially tailored degree plan is determined in consultation with the student's major advisor and graduate committee members.

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Why Earn a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master's?

The Department of Biological Sciences provides a high-quality education while you pursue a graduate degree in Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or Environmental Science at the University of North Texas.

Scholarly research, strong professor-student mentoring, high-quality instruction and professional community service are the foundation of the department.

The cornerstone of our graduate programs is the creation of new knowledge through research. Research is supported through numerous federal, state, private and nonprofit sources. We offer opportunities to conduct research in:

  • Aquatic biology
  • Aquatic toxicology
  • Cell and molecular biology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental science
  • Forensic biology
  • Genetics
  • Neurobiology
  • Physiology
  • Plant sciences

Faculty research interests in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) reflect the broad nature of this discipline, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, systems biology, developmental biology, cell biology, metabolism and organism interactions with the environment in microbial, plant and animal systems.

You can choose to pursue a Master of Science research program that includes a thesis, or a non-thesis Professional Science Master's degree that prepares students interested in biotechnology for careers in industry and government.

Our program offers a specially tailored degree plan determined in consultation with the student’s major advisor and graduate committee members.

Our research laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art growth facilities and instrumentation for in-depth study of functional genomics, gene discovery, metabolomics, protein/nucleic acid structure and function, and molecular and cellular imaging

Marketable Skills
  • Explain complex ideas and concepts
  • Adapt protocols to new applications
  • Data retention and retrieval
  • Basic experimental design
  • Laboratory health and safety experience

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master's Highlights

The department’s facilities for research and graduate training occur in the Life Sciences Complex; Science Research Building; and the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building. The Life Sciences Complex, which has Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for sustainability, includes an aquatics laboratory and four climate-controlled rooftop research greenhouses.
The BioDiscovery Institute (BDI) operates through a pipeline linking sustainable plant production platforms, metabolic engineering and the development of new materials. The institute touts a multidisciplinary team of researchers committed to collaborating on large research projects with an emphasis on application of findings and solutions to meet market issues and needs.
Qualified students are supported through competitive teaching assistantships or research assistantships funded by research grants to faculty members. Nine-month stipends and tuition scholarships are available for entering masters and doctoral students. Out-of-state and international students who are supported at least one-half time are eligible for in-state tuition.
Our faculty members include internationally renowned researchers who have earned recognition from the National Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Society for Microbiology, among others.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master's Courses You Could Take

Organic Chemistry (3 hrs)
Survey of organic chemistry involving a systematic study of classes of reactions with an integration of fact and theory.
Biochemistry I (3 hrs)
Chemistry and biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins, and nucleic acids; biochemical energetics, enzyme catalysis, vitamins and coenzymes, and their inter-relationships in energy-producing cycles and pathways. A recitation period is scheduled for problem-solving and student reports from the current biochemical literature.
Biochemistry II (3 hrs)
Metabolic pathways in biosynthesis and degradation of lipids, nucleic acids, proteins and carbohydrates, photosynthesis, nitrogen cycle, biochemical genetics and metabolic regulation. A recitation period is scheduled for problem-solving and student reports from the current biochemical literature.
Molecular Toxicology (3 hrs)
In-depth discussion of toxicology at the biochemical and molecular level to include a discussion of a variety of toxic modes of action, modern techniques used in molecular toxicology, and current toxicological research literature. Includes the writing of a mock grant proposal.
Biological Sciences Seminar Series (3 hrs)
Weekly seminar series covering a broad range of biological research topics. Invited speakers are prominent local, regional or national researchers.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 hrs)
Mechanisms and regulation of genetic expression, chromosome replication, mutagenesis and DNA repair, and gene cloning in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.

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