MS Biomedical Sciences (non-thesis)

The Master’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences program is for students who wish to further their knowledge in the field and prepare for professional careers in medical fields. This program also addresses the need of applicants who wish to pursue a teaching career in secondary schools, two-year and four-year colleges or other careers without an active research role.

The Biomedical Sciences (Non-Thesis) program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of courses that includes 18 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of electives, and 3 credit hours of capstone.

Required Courses: 18 credit hours

  • ZOO 6737 – Clinically Oriented Human Anatomy (4 credit hours)
  • MCB 6226 – Molecular Diagnostics (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 6595 – Regulation of Gene Expression (3 credit hours)
  • PHI 5634 – Medical Ethics (3 credit hours)
  • BSC 6407C – Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology (3 credit hours)
  • or
  • BSC 5418 – Tissue Engineering (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 6938 – Seminar 1 Credit Hour (to be repeated by all students) or
  • MCB 6314 – Industrial Perspectives Seminar (1 credit hours)

Elective Courses: 12 credit hours

Non-thesis students take 12 credit hours of electives with 6 credit hours from the Biomedical Specialization and 6 credit hours from the Microbiology Specialization.

Biomedical Specialization

  • BSC 5418 – Tissue Engineering (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 5225 – Molecular Biology of Disease (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 6226 – Molecular Diagnostics (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5238 – Immunobiology (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5236 – Cancer Biology (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5275 – Signal Transduction Mechanics (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5527 – Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5709C – Laboratory Virtual Simulations in Physiology (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5815 – Molecular Aspects of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5834C – Advanced Human Physiology (4 credit hours)
  • IDS 5127 – Foundation of Bio-Imaging Science (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5265 – Stem Cell Biology (3 credit hours)
  • GEB 5516 – Technological Entrepreneurship (3 credit hours)
  • Others: If approved by Graduate Committee

Microbiology Specialization

  • MCB 5205 – Infectious Processes (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 5505 – Molecular Virology (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 5208 – Cellular Microbiology: Host-Pathogen Interactions (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 6417C – Microbial Metabolism (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 5932 – Current Topics in Molecular Biology VAR Credit hours)
  • MCB 5415 – Cellular Metabolism (3 credit hours)
  • MCB 5209 – Microbial Stress Response (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 6595 – Regulation of Gene Expression (3 credit hours)
  • PCB 5235 – Molecular Immunology (3 credit hours)
  • Others: If approved by Graduate Committee

Independent Learning

In the final semester of study, non-thesis students will complete a capstone course that requires an in-depth current literature research report on a relevant subject, which will serve as the independent learning experience. Before graduation, the report should be submitted for consideration of publication as a review article in appropriate journals. The student will select a faculty adviser to chair a faculty committee of three members for evaluation of the report.

Capstone Defense

The capstone examination will be administered by the capstone committee. The student will present an oral presentation in the form of a 30-40 minute seminar, followed by questions and discussion; and will be evaluated on the written report, oral presentation, and the ability to answer questions.

Comprehensive Examination

Students must pass an oral comprehensive exam to qualify for the Master’s of Science degree. This oral comprehensive exam tests the understanding of basic concepts in the field and relevant applications.

Teaching Requirement

Students without significant prior teaching experience, such as, but not limited to, a minimum of a year in secondary schools or colleges, are required to serve as Graduate Teaching Assistants for a minimum of two semesters.

Graduates are prepared for careers as:

  • High School/ Community College Teacher
  • Health Related Professions
  • Science Education
  • Science Writing
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Career preparation in Biomedical Research
  • Preparation for professional school admission

Application Requirements

  • General UCF graduate application requirements
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A written statement of research experience, area of interest, and immediate and long-range goal
  • Resume
  • Minimum TOEFL score (if applicable)

 

All admissions to graduate status are competitive and based on an overall assessment of the qualifications submitted and the interview.

Students interested in research and thesis work should apply to the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program.

Financials

*Non-Thesis students are not considered for departmental graduate assistantships or tuition assistance.

For more information, please visit the graduate catalog here

View the program handbook here