Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry), MS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)

Learn to solve medicinal problems with molecular tools, and prepare to succeed in an increasingly postdisciplinary scientific world. With its distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context, this program equips you to tackle complex challenges both in and beyond the lab.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)

Students in the Master of Science program in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences are trained in the fundamental aspects of the discipline while joining transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

  • fundamental chemical biology
  • medicine and health
  • structure function and dynamics
Learning Outcomes
  • Design their culminating experience around current research and opportunities within a topic of interest.
  • Evaluate the quality of biochemistry seminars and publications.
  • Communicate the results of their culminating experience through an oral presentation.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BCH 597)
  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CHM 593 or BCH 593)
  • 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (4 credit hours)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)

Concentration (3 credit hours)
CHM 535 Medicinal Chemistry (3)

Electives (9 or 15 credit hours)

Other Requirements (5, 6 or 8 credit hours)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry (2) or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (2)
BCH 591 Seminar (3)
BCH 592 Research (6 or 8)

Culminating Experience (2, 3 or 6 credit hours)
BCH 593 Applied Project or CHM 593 Applied Project (2)
BCH 597 Capstone (3)
BCH 599 Thesis 6)

Additional Curriculum Information
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 and CHM 501 special topics.

Students choose an applied project, capstone or thesis. The credit hours required for the electives and other requirements depend on the culminating experience. Students who choose the applied project complete 15 credit hours of electives and six credit hours of BCH 592, which may include up to six additional credit hours of BCH 592. Students who choose the capstone option complete 15 credit hours of electives, two additional credit hours of CHM 501 or BCH 501, and three credit hours of BCH 591. Students who choose the thesis option complete nine credit hours of electives and eight credit hours of BCH 592.

The program consists of coursework, seminars and a research component. Elective coursework is selected based on the research area and in consultation of the research advisor.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applicants interested in pursuing the accelerated degree program should review the requirements and submit a pre-application found on the School of Molecular Sciences website before submitting a formal graduate admission application to the degree program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Chemistry

Explore the world of chemistry and help craft a better future. You'll gain hands-on laboratory experience and the knowledge needed to address contemporary challenges in materials, medicine, energy, technology and beyond.

Chemistry Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biochemistry

Explore the mysteries of life at the molecular and atomic levels with hands-on lab experiences. You'll gain problem-solving skills through a variety of courses in the physical, quantitative and life sciences.

Biochemistry Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

Explore the intersection of biology and technology to address challenges in health, agriculture and sustainability. Gain hands-on experiences while learning how molecular biology drives innovation in biotechnology. Prepare for graduate study or a career in science, medicine or the biotechnology industry.

Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)

Learn how life works at the molecular level and how medicine helps keep people healthy. Through hands-on science courses, you'll build skills that prepare you for medical school or a career in health and science.

Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
June 15th
Final
Session A/C
In Person
March 15th
Priority

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
November 15th
Final
Session A/C
In Person
October 15th
Priority


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Career Opportunities

Professionals with knowledge and skills gained in this program have opportunities in six general areas: health care (prephysician training, medical or clinical laboratory support), industry (research and development, quality control), academia (high school and higher education), government (research, policy), nonprofit (policy, public education) and entrepreneurship (consulting, startups). In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates have vital, high-demand skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.

Some career examples include:

  • biotechnologist
  • clinical laboratory technician
  • drug discovery scientist
  • medical lab technician
  • pharmacology scientist
  • research and development scientist

The American Chemical Society provides helpful resources and a comprehensive list of possible careers on its website athttps://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-4664


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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