COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Wright State University is a research-intensive graduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in molecular science and prepare them for advanced study such as a Ph.D. or careers in biomedical, biotechnology, and research-based industries. The program focuses on key areas including molecular genetics, molecular biology of cancer, systems biology, protein and enzyme structure and function, DNA and RNA technologies, signal transduction, metabolomics, and microbial systems. Students develop essential scientific skills such as critical reading of research literature, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, and professional scientific writing in standard formats. The curriculum includes core courses like Research Perspectives in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biochemistry I and II, and Research Ethics, along with required seminars that strengthen communication and presentation skills. Students can choose between two pathways: a thesis-based option, which emphasizes hands-on laboratory research and culminates in an original research thesis with oral defense, or a coursework-based option, which includes additional electives and seminars and focuses more on structured academic learning. Both options require advanced 6000- and 7000-level courses tailored to student interests and career goals. The program is supported by modern facilities including advanced biochemical instrumentation such as spectrophotometers, DNA sequencers, PCR systems, mass spectrometry, ultracentrifuges, chromatography systems, and tissue culture labs, along with access to the Center for Genomics Research for collaborative and high-throughput studies. Students also benefit from interdisciplinary research opportunities in molecular biology, cancer research, genomics, and bioinformatics. Overall, the program is designed to produce highly trained scientists capable of contributing to academic research, healthcare innovation, biotechnology development, and further doctoral-level study, while emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory expertise within a highly advanced research environment.