Biochemistry M.S.

Program Overview

Acceptance into the Master’s Degree (MS) program requires an acceptable undergraduate major in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. Though the GRE is not required, it is helpful in making admissions decisions. Our MS Program no longer has a foreign language requirement. For students who do not use English as their primary language, an English as a second language course offered by the University may be required (but will not provide any credits toward the MS degree).

To be accepted into the program students must have completed year long courses in: biology, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and physics. In addition, a quantitative chemistry course and mathematics (preferably through differential and integral calculus). If a physical chemistry course has not been taken previously, a student must take Physical Chemistry (CHEM 2600) in their first year (for which they do not receive credit toward the MS degree).

MS students are expected to have contacted a potential advisor and negotiated a potential project prior to submitting their application. It is expected that you will name the potential advisor in your application. At this time the Department has no funds to support a MS student and therefore we are only accepting students who have their own fellowship or can finance the degree program on their own. Application instructions can be found here.

Curriculum

Thesis Track: At least nine (and up to 13) credits of BIOC 391 Master’s Thesis Research are required.  In addition, a written thesis and defense of this thesis must occur according to the guidelines laid out by the Graduate College.

Non-Thesis Track: At least six (and up to 9) credits of Independent Literature Research (BIOC 392) and two credits of independent research set up as a special topics course (BIOC 395) with your mentor are required.  In addition, a manuscript in the format of a review article must be submitted to the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee and a seminar on the manuscript must be presented to the Department.

UVM Catalogue:

Biochemistry M.S. Requirements

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Comprehensive Exams: 

Phase I exam: The Phase I exam will occur within three weeks after the Spring semester exams (Year 1). Students must master material from coursework, seminars, and rotations, focusing on integrating first-year content and demonstrating foundational Biochemistry knowledge. The exam format (written, oral, or both) will be determined by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee and communicated to students beforehand.

Satisfactory performance in this exam, along with good academic standing, is necessary to continue in the program.

Phase II Exam: MS students will take a written Phase II exam at the end of their first summer, presenting and defending their Master’s dissertation plan to a committee chosen by the student and their advisor. The Dissertation Committee consists of three members: the advisor, one department member, and one external member.

Written Phase II exam must include:

• 1 page of hypothesis-driven specific aims
• 1-2 pages of background/significance with references
• 1-2 pages of preliminary work, summarizing design/methods, submitted to the Dissertation Committee at least one week in advance

The presentation should detail the methodology for addressing specific aims. During the meeting, students will be questioned about their research scope, background, technical approach, alternative strategies, controls, and relevant coursework. Successful performance on this exam is also required for program advancement.