Progressive Masters Degree in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry

Juniors at USC who have research experience in the broad areas of molecular and cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry may apply during spring semester. Students are expected to have two years of biology and chemistry completed before applying, and should apply when between 64 (sophomore) and 96 (senior) units are completed, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must have completed, or be enrolled in BISC 490 or equivalent research with their proposed advisor, who must be a faculty member active in the biological sciences, who willing to endorse their application and agrees to supervise them in the laboratory. Generally, no more than one student per lab per year will be admitted.

Students interested in pursuing this opportunity should meet with Paloma Saenz, BISC graduate student advisor, as early as possible. Application requires a 1 page research project proposal, a letter of support from the proposed advisor, and an internal form (available from Hayley) in addition to the University form for Progressive Degrees

Applications are usually due at the end of the 6th week of Spring Semester (but verify this date with Hayley). They will be reviewed by the admissions committee and ranked based on the proposed research, relevance to molecular genetics and biochemistry, and student qualifications.

The Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry is designed to provide outstanding students in life science majors with a rigorous, quantitative experimental experience in molecular genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry (depending upon the research area selected). The program is intended to position and stimulate students for possible advanced study leading to a Ph.D. in one of the areas stated above, and/or provide an important research experience to the background of a prospective medical student. The program will also provide fundamental tools and expertise for entry into a master’s level positions in academic, government, or private sector research laboratories, including biotech, pharmaceuticals, or diagnostics. This is a terminal degree. Students who wish to pursue their doctorate at USC should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

Because this degree is based on research, students must identify a faculty advisor prior to enrollment and submit a research proposal approved by that advisor to the Master’s Degree committee. It is recommended that students have performed the equivalent of independent study or a research internship (equivalent to BISC 490) in their laboratory of choice prior to admission. Students are expected to perform 6 units of research in both fall and spring semesters in their Masters year; alternatively, with the advisor’s approval upon enrollment, they may choose to perform the research component in variable increments in Summer, fall and spring semesters to equal 12 units. This may be the preferred schedule if students wish to take additional electives during the academic year.

Students will complete a summative research paper that is written in publication format. The student will submit a proposed outline to the faculty mentor and one other Molecular Biology faculty member by Jan 15 for initial approval. The final paper is due on April 15. In the rare event that the final paper is not acceptable to the faculty, students may enroll for one more summer semester to perform revisions. If the paper is still not acceptable the MS component of the degree will not be granted.

This program requires 32 units, of which 24 must be at the graduate level.