圣路易斯大學(xué)

A master’s degree in chemical biology will provide advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. The core of this degree will include organic and medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology and can be tailored to match the student’s particular interests within the field of chemical biology. The master’s degree in chemical biology would provide excellent preparation for further studies towards a Ph.D. or transitioning to a professional career in the life sciences industry. Employment opportunities include a variety of jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials industries.

Graduate students in the program have access to a number of research tools, including:

• Bruker 400 and 700 MHz NMR spectrometers
• Bruker-EMX EPR, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectrometers
• Research-grade spectrofluorometers
• GC-MS, LC-MS, and specialized mass spectrometers
• Computational facilities with modern molecular modeling software
• Bruker CCD X-ray diffractometer facility
• Core facilities in the School of Medicine (e.g., protein, microscopy, etc.)

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Science in Chemical Biology offers specialization in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, with cross-disciplinary activity strongly encouraged.

The requirements for the thesis-based M.S. degree include:

• A minimum of 24 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework (exclusive of thesis research)
• Six credits of thesis research (CHEB 5990)
• A thesis
• A public oral presentation and a private oral examination

Required coursework includes medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology taught by faculty from the corresponding departments. Electives are chosen to complement the student’s interest and the research program that they join.

Many graduate courses in chemistry are scheduled in the evening, allowing students to complete the degree as a part-time student. This flexibility allows students to tailor a program of study to suit their needs.

For students who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in completing the doctoral program in chemistry, there is a mechanism to transition into the Ph.D. program after the master's requirements are completed. A total of 39 credits are required, including 12 credits from dissertation research credits. Students will develop an appropriate coursework track with a mentor that will be approved by the graduate program director and/or the department chair.

Career Options

Chemical biology graduates are employed in a diverse array of fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, patent law, biomedical engineering and academic research.