Chemical Biology, M.A.
A master’s degree in chemical biology provides advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology and pharmacology.
Saint Louis University's M.A. in chemical biology provides excellent preparation for transitioning to or enhancing a professional career in the life sciences industry. Employment opportunities include a variety of jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and materials industries. 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.
Program Highlights
The chemical biology M.A. program offers students:
- Coursework taught by faculty from the departments of chemistry and biology; and pharmacology and physiology in the School of Medicine
- Small class sizes
- Can be completed in a part-time manner as many courses are offered in the evenings
Curriculum Overview
The Master of Arts in Chemical Biology offers specialization in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology, with cross-disciplinary study strongly encouraged.
The requirements for the non-thesis M.A. degree include:
- A minimum of 30 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework
- 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.
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.
Research Opportunities
Graduate students are active in the research areas of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and pharmacology.
Career Options
Chemical biology graduates are employed in a diverse array of fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, patent law, biomedical engineering and academic research.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should possess sufficient GPA and TOEFL (if applicable) scores and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, usually in chemistry, biochemistry or biology, although other science majors will be considered.
Admission normally requires undergraduate coursework including (minimum credits in parentheses):
- Calculus (4)
- Organic chemistry with labs (8)
- Physics with labs (8)
- Physical chemistry (3)
- Biochemistry (3)
- Biology (6)
Students who do not meet these criteria may complete these prerequisites as part of their graduate program, though not for graduate credit.
Application Requirements
- Application form and fee
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Résumé
- Goal statement
- Interview (desired)
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Application Deadlines
Students who want to be considered for the summer and fall semesters must submit their application by Jan. 15. Students who want to be considered for the spring semester should apply by Oct. 15.
Review Process
A three-person committee votes whether to accept applicants.
Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.
For more information, visit http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
- Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature in chemical biology.
- Graduates will be able to apply chemistry principles to biology.
- Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations in both oral and written forms.
- Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly and professional integrity in chemical biology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHEB 5630 | Introduction to Chemical Biology & Biotechnology | 3 |
| CHEB 5970 | Research Topics | 3 |
| CHEB 5980 | Graduate Reading Course | 3 |
| CHEM 5470 | Principles of Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| BIOL 5700 | Advanced Molecular Biology | 3 |
| PPY 5410 | Molecular Pharmacology | 3 |
| Or | ||
| Introduction to Pharmacology and Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I ‡ | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits † | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Non-Course Requirements
A private oral examination.
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
| † | Selected from 5000 level courses in consultation with student’s research mentor. Electives should be selected from chemistry, biology, pharmacology, or biochemistry departments. Electives can also be fulfilled by taking 5000-level courses in other disciplines with approval by a program coordinator and the student’s committee. |
| ‡ | PPY 5110 Introduction to Pharmacology (1 cr) and PPY 5120 Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I (2 cr) may be taken in place of PPY 5410 Molecular Pharmacology (3 cr). |
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Students in the coursework M.A. program have will commonly take one to two courses a semester, which means the timeline will vary for each student.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Critical course: BIOL 5700 | Advanced Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Critical course: CHEB 5630 | Intro to Chemical Biology & Biotechnology † | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: CHEM 5470 | Principles of Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| Critical course: PPY 5410 | Molecular Pharmacology | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| CHEB 5970 | Research Topics | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Critical course: Elective ‡ | 3 | |
| Critical course: Elective ‡ | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: Electives ‡ | 6 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| Critical course: CHEB 5980 | Graduate Reading | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| † | CHEB 5630 Introduction to Chemical Biology & Biotechnology (3 cr) is only offered every other fall. |
| ‡ | Electives (must take at least four courses): Electives can be fulfilled by taking 5000-level courses in chemistry, pharmacology or biology. Electives in other disciplines such as math, computer science, and engineering may be taken with approval by a program coordinator and the student’s committee. |
For additional information about our program, please contact
Marvin Meyers, Ph.D.
Director, Chemical Biology Program
(314) 977-5197
chemicalbiology@slu.edu