Master’s of Biomedical Sciences Program (Infectious Disease Track)
The Master’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program Infectious Disease Track is a non-thesis option for students wanting to further their knowledge in the area of infectious diseases and who may pursue doctoral training or professional education focused on medicine and research in infectious diseases.
The Biomedical Sciences in Infectious Disease (Non-Thesis) program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of courses that includes 18 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of elective courses relevant to infectious diseases, and 3 credit hours of capstone.
Required Courses: 18 credit hours
- ZOO 6737 – Clinically Oriented Human Anatomy (4 credit hours)
- PCB 6595 – Regulation of Gene Expression (3 credit hours)
- MCB 6226 – Molecular Diagnostics (3 credit hours)
- MCB 5208 – Cellular Microbiology: Host-Pathogen Interactions (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
- or
- MCB 6314 – Industrial Perspectives Seminar (1 Credit hours)
Elective Courses: 12 credit hours
- PCB 5527 – Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (3 credit hours)
- MCB 5205 – Infectious Processes (3 credit hours)
- MCB 5505 – Molecular Virology (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)
- MCB 5225 – Molecular Biology of Disease (3 credit hours)
- PCB 5238 – Immunobiology (3 credit hours)
- PCB 5275 – Signal Transduction Mechanics (3 credit hours)
- Other elective courses must be approved by the Program Coordinator.
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. All students must successfully pass an oral comprehensive examination to test the understanding of the 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 one year in secondary schools or colleges, are required to serve as Graduate Teaching Assistants for a minimum of one semester.
Research Shadowing (Optional)
Research shadowing is encouraged to acquire lab skills to assist with the capstone project and future endeavors.
Graduates are prepared for careers as:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Health Related Professions
- Science Education and Writing
- Academic Research Laboratories
- Government Laboratories
- Career preparation in Biomedical Research
- Preparation for professional school admission focused in Infectious Diseases
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 goals
- Resume
- Minimum TOEFL (If applicable)
Applicants need not have an undergraduate degree in molecular biology or microbiology but are expected to have the equivalent of 16 semester hours of credit in the biological sciences including a course in general microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology or cell biology, plus one year of organic chemistry, one year of physics, basic university mathematics and statistics, and laboratory skills equivalent to the minimum required of our own undergraduates.
Financials
*Non-Thesis students are not considered for departmental graduate assistantships or tuition assistance.
For more information, please visit the graduate catalog here