Set to open in summer 2020, Saint Louis University's new ISE building will be a showcase facility where undergraduate and graduate science and engineering students and faculty gather to learn, collaborate and experiment. It will feature innovative teaching environments and flexible lab spaces.
Saint Louis University's oldest academic unit offers degrees in more than 30 academic areas.
A master’s degree in chemical biology provides advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology and pharmacology.
The 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.
The chemical biology M.A. program offers students:
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:
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.
Graduate students are active in the research areas of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and pharmacology.
Chemical biology graduates are employed in a diverse array of fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, patent law, biomedical engineering and academic research.
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.
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
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.
A three-person committee votes whether to accept applicants.
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications 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 the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
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 5110 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 1 |
PPY 5120 | Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I | 2 |
Elective Courses | ||
Select 12 credits † | 12 | |
Total Credits | 30 |
A private oral examination
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 Program Coordinator and student’s committee. |
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: Elective ‡ | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Summer | ||
CHEB 5970 | Research Topics | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
Critical course: Elective ‡ | 3 | |
Critical course: PPY 5110 | Introduction to Pharmacology † | 1 |
Critical course: PPY 5120 | Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I † | 2 |
Credits | 6 | |
Spring | ||
Critical course: Electives ‡ | 6 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Summer | ||
Critical course: CHEB 5980 | Graduate Reading | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Total Credits | 30 |
† | The PPY 5110 Introduction to Pharmacology (1 cr) and PPY 5120 Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I (2 cr) sequence may be taken in the first year and either BIOL 5700 Advanced Molecular Biology (3 cr) or CHEB 5630 taken in the second year. All four are fall semester courses. |
‡ | 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 Program Coordinator and student’s committee. |