Biomedical Science, M.S.

Program Director: Ann Boyd, Ph.D.; boyda@hood.edu; 301-696-3683

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science is a 33-credit program of graduate research and academic study developed for:

  • Persons holding a bachelor’s degree and currently employed in a biomedical or biotechnological research establishment who are seeking additional academic background as part of a career and professional growth program;
  • Teachers and other professionals with interests in biomedical science who wish to obtain a graduate degree; and
  • Professionals already holding advanced degrees who desire to update or extend their previous academic experiences in biomedical or biotechnological sciences.

The courses are taught in the evenings, thus, the program offers an alternative to conventional graduate education for those who work full time.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be accepted into the program based on selection criteria that include undergraduate coursework, grade point average, area of research interest and experience. Relevance of the undergraduate degree is considered.  Priority is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry or chemistry.  Undergraduate coursework required includes completion of the the following with a grade of B or better: microbiology, organic chemistry, pre-Calculus, upper level genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316), and cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339).  All official transcripts must be submitted. In addition, an essay that discusses the student’s work experience and future goals is required.

For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission.

The program in biomedical science is administered within the Department of Biology by the director of the Biomedical Science Program, assisted by an Advisory Council and Administrative Committee for Biomedical Science.

Program Requirements

Prerequisite Course

The prerequisite course provides background knowledge and skills necessary for the completion of the degree requirements.  Students admitted to the BMS program that do not meet all of the academic requirements for admission to the program will be required to take this course in addition to the 33 credits required for program completion.

BMS 501/BIFX 501Foundations in Life Sciences

3.0

Core Courses (all concentrations)

The core courses provide a foundation for electives in either curricular concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biology or Microbiology/Immunology/Virology
BMS 511/BIOL 411Protein Biochemistry

3.0

BMS 523Cell Structure & Function

3.0

BMS 524/BIOL 424Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells

3.0

BMS 537/BIOL 437Introduction to Bioinformatics

3.0

Curricular Concentrations

Students are encouraged to select elective courses within a concentration. The curricular concentrations are the faculty’s suggestions to help ensure a cohesive program of coursework. However, students, in consultation with their academic advisers, may select a combination of elective courses individualized to their own needs and interests.

Concentration in Biotechnology/Molecular Biology

BMS 512/BIOL 412Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism

3.0

BMS 520Protein Purification and Characterization

3.0

BMS 525/BIOL 425Virology

3.0

BMS 528/BIOL 428Immunology

3.0

BMS 534/BIOL 434Basic Principles & Methods in Molecular Genetics

3.0

BMS 535Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Transfer, Expression, and Detection

3.0

BMS 539Molecular Immunology

3.0

BMS 540Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Genome Analysis & Mapping

3.0

BMS 541Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function

3.0

BMS 542Ethics In Science

3.0

BMS 590Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques

3.0

BMS 597Internship

1.0-3.0

ENV 505Biostatistics

3.0

Concentration in Microbiology/Immunology/Virology

BMS 512/BIOL 412Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism

3.0

BMS 525/BIOL 425Virology

3.0

BMS 527Pathogenic Microbiology

3.0

BMS 528/BIOL 428Immunology

3.0

BMS 533Medical Virology

3.0

BMS 539Molecular Immunology

3.0

BMS 541Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function

3.0

BMS 542Ethics In Science

3.0

BMS 543Advanced Immunology

3.0

BMS 590Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques

3.0

BMS 597Internship

1.0-3.0

ENV 505Biostatistics

3.0

Thesis Track Requirements

Four core courses

12.0

Four elective courses

12.0

BMS 570Research Seminar

3.0

BMS 580Master's Thesis Preparation

6.0

BMS 580: under the direction of a thesis adviser and a reading committee (6 credits).

An oral defense of the thesis is required.

Nonthesis Track Requirements

Four core courses

12.0

Six elective courses, three of which must be laboratory lecture courses

18.0

BMS 571Biomedical Science Seminar

3.0

Preparation of a mock grant proposal draft (Submission of final written document and oral defense occurs in subsequent semester based on committee feedback)