Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Program Mission: The Master's degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology is an advanced interdisciplinary program for students interested in pursuing a career in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Students will gain the skill sets to improve products and services through molecular-biological and analytical techniques while also being trained in the fundamental business strategies to succeed in the fast-paced field of biotechnology and medical services. Graduates from this program will be well prepared to take positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or pursue advanced degrees especially in the medical sciences. The program size and design facilitates the personal development of students using the combined expertise of faculty from the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Highly specialized techniques-based courses will train students on the most modern approaches to scientific problem solving while giving them the academic foundations they will need to succeed in the national and global markets.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs"). In addition, each applicant must have completed a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field (contact the program coordinator for more information).
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements: Degree requirements include those outlined for the master's degree by the Graduate School (see "Requirements for the Master's Degree"). All candidates must complete a minimum of 34 semester hours.
Additional requirements are outlined below.
Core Courses
(19 semester hours) Students will take core courses in the biochemical sciences as well as an introductory techniques course.
OR
OR
Electives
(9 semester hours) Students will choose from an elective set providing a theoretical background needed in biochemical sciences with an applied laboratory experience.
Internship/Practicum
(6 semester hours) Students will participate in a total of 6 semester hours of internship/practicum experience. Ideally, this can be achieved through a 6 semester hour external internship equaling 270 hours of hands-on experience in the biochemical and/or biotechnology fields (BCT 5980 – see below).
Alternatively, this can be achieved through a combination of external internship (BCT 5980 - 3 sh- 135 hours) and internal (at EIU) practicum experience (BCT 5001 – 3 sh – 135 hours; see below). If necessary, the entire internship/practicum experience could be achieved through 6 semester hours of BCT5001.
May be repeated once to fulfill 6 hours
Information sourced from the 2019-2020 EIU Graduate Catalog.