Biotechnology and Chemical Science, MS

Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Biotechnology and Chemical Science requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, at least 27 of which must be completed at Roosevelt University. Each student will develop an academic plan in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students may choose concentrations in Biotechnology, Chemical Science or Biotechnology Management (in conjunction with Roosevelt's Heller College of Business). See the list below for required and recommended courses in each concentration.

INTERDISCIPLINARY AND REQUIRED COURSEWORK

  • Biotechnology concentration: At least 18 credit hours in biology (BIOL) and at least eight credit hours in chemistry (CHEM) or biochemistry (BCHM), subject to approval of the graduate program director. BIOL 480 APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGYBIOL 482 BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY PRACTICE and research experience are required for this concentration.
  • Chemical Science concentration: At least 18 credit hours in chemistry (CHEM) or biochemistry (BCHM) and eight credit hours in biology (BIOL), subject to approval of the graduate program director. BCHM 493 BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR, at least one chemistry laboratory course and research experience are required for this concentration.
  • Biotechnology Management concentration: Specific requirements in natural science, industry practice and management are described in the concentration course listing below. Contact the graduate program director for up-to-date course availability for this concentration.

RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

All students in the Biotechnology and Chemical Science concentrations must complete at least three credit hours of research training by enrolling in either research independent study under the sponsorship of a faculty member (BIOL 492 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY/BCHM 492 RESEARCH IN BIOCHEMISTRY/CHEM 492 RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY) or in the scheduled Research Methods course (BIOL 468 RESEARCH METHODS). It is recommended that independent research study be undertaken for 3 credit hours in a single term, but it may be taken in increments to total 3 credit hours.

A research thesis is optional for students in the Biotechnology and Chemical Science concentrations. In addition to the independent research courses listed above, thesis candidates will register for up to 6 additional credit hours of research credit (BIOL 485 THESIS/BCHM 485 THESIS). Details on the thesis preparation process are available from the graduate program director or department chair. 

Independent study in literature research (BIOL 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY/BCHM 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY/CHEM 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY) and internship options (BIOL 491 BIOLOGY INTERNSHIP) are also available to students. These options are included in the total graduate credit hours but do not substitute for research requirements. No more than 10 total credit hours from independent study and research may be applied to the degree, unless approved by the graduate program director.

RECOMMENDED COURSES

The coursework for the degree will be chosen from the list below, from other scheduled courses in BIOL, CHEM or BCHM at the 400-level or through individualized registration as described above. 

Biotechnology Concentration

Core Industry (required)6
APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY PRACTICE
Core Research (required)3
RESEARCH METHODS
RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY
RESEARCH IN BIOCHEMISTRY
RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY
Electives
Biology (minimum 11 credits)
BIOSTATISTICS
VIROLOGY
CANCER BIOLOGY
GENERAL GENETICS
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
CELL BIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO GENOME ANALYSIS
IMMUNOLOGY
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Chemistry and Biochemistry (minimum 8 credits)
ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR BIOSCIENCE
FERMENTATION SCIENCE
BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY
EXP. MTHDS BIOCHEM & BIOTECH
ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR
List of electives subject to change - consult graduate advisor for details
Total Credit Hours 36

Biotechnology Management Concentration

Core Industry (required)6
APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY PRACTICE
Core Management (required)12
ACCOUNTING FOR EXECUTIVES
MARKETING STRATEGY: THEORY & PRACTICE
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
FINANCE FOR DECISION MAKERS
Core Science (select three, including at least one lab)11-13
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (required)
VIROLOGY
CELL BIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
IMMUNOLOGY
Capstone (Select one)3
BIOLOGY INTERNSHIP
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Electives4-5
FERMENTATION SCIENCE
BIOCHEMISTRY
EXP. MTHDS BIOCHEM & BIOTECH
ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY
GENERAL GENETICS
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Additional courses may apply - consult graduate advisor for details
Total Credit Hours36-39

Chemical Sciences Concentration

Core Industry6
APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY PRACTICE
Core Research (required)3
RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY
RESEARCH IN BIOCHEMISTRY
RESEARCH METHODS
BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR
Electives
Chemistry and Biochemistry (minimum 17 credits)17-24
ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR BIOSCIENCE
FERMENTATION SCIENCE
BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY
EXP. MTHDS BIOCHEM & BIOTECH
ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY
Biology (minimum 8 credits)8-16
VIROLOGY
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
CELL BIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO GENOME ANALYSIS
IMMUNOLOGY
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Additional courses may apply - consult graduate advisor for details
Total Credit Hours36

 The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biotechnology & Chemical Science degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different. 

Year 1
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 4803BIOL 4823
BCHM 4931BIOL 4XX w/ Lab15
BIOL 4XX w/ Lab5BCHM 4XX3
 9 11
Year 2
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 468, 492, BCHM 492, or CHEM 4923BIOL 4XX w/ Lab5
CHEM 4XX3BCHM 4XX3
BCHM 4XX3 
 9 8
Total Credit Hours 37
1

BIOL 453 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY recommended

The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biotechnology & Chemical Science degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different. 

Year 1
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 4803BIOL 4823
BCHM 4931BCHM 4XX3
CHEM 4XX w/ Lab15CHEM 4XX3
 9 9
Year 2
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 468, BCHM 492, or CHEM 4923CHEM 4XX3
CHEM 4XX3BIOL 4XX3
BCHM 4XX3BCHM 4XX3
 9 9
Total Credit Hours 36
1

CHEM 436 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY recommended

The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biotechnology & Chemical Science degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different. 

Year 1
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 4803BIOL 4823
BCHM 4931BIOL 4535
BIOL 4XX5ACCT 4053
 9 11
Year 2
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
MKTG 4063BIOL/BCHM/CHEM 4XX3
MGMT 4073FIN 4083
BIOL 4XX3BIOL 495 or 4911
 9 7
Total Credit Hours 36