2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
The M.S. in cell and molecular biology requires a minimum of 35 credits for the research emphasis and 37 credits for the professional science master's, biotechnology emphasis. A minimum grade of B is required for all courses.
There are separate admissions committees for the research emphasis and the biotechnology emphasis degree programs. The research emphasis is a thesis-based master's degree. The biotechnology emphasis is one of the four internship-based professional science master's (PSM) programs at GVSU.
Admission
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate coursework is required.
- Satisfactory GRE score.
- Extensive undergraduate life science experience.
- Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives.
- Written recommendations from at least two individuals who are in positions to attest to the applicant's successful completion of the program.
- Telecommunications interview with program faculty.
Requirements for the M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology Emphasis (PSM)
Core Cell and Molecular Biology Emphasis Courses
Requires 22 credits, including:
- CMB 501 - Scientific Communication for the Life Sciences and Professional Science Master's (3 credits)
- CMB 505 - Advanced Cell Biology (3 credits)
- CMB 506 - Advanced Molecular Biology (3 credits)
- CMB 520 - Laboratory Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
- CMB 610 - Foundations of Biotechnology (3 credits)
- CMB 620 - Cell Culture and Bioprocessing (3 credits)
- CMB 626 - Advanced Research Applications in Molecular Genetics (4 credits)
Interdisciplinary Courses
Shared with PSM degree programs. Requires six credits, including:
- CIS 661 - Introduction to Health and Bioinformatics (3 credits)
- STA 622 - Statistical Methods for Biologists (3 credits) OR STA 610 - Applied Statistics for Health Professions (3 credits)
Core PSM Courses
Requires five credits, including:
- PSM 650 - Ethics and Professionalism in Applied Science (3 credits)
- PSM 662 - Seminar in Professional Science Practice (2 credits)
PSM Internship
Requires four credits, including:
- PSM 691 - Internship (1 to 9 credits) No more than four credits can be applied toward degree completion.
Research Emphasis
Core Cell and Molecular Biology Courses
Requires 12 credits, including:
- CMB 501 - Scientific Communication for the Life Sciences and Professional Science Master's (3 credits)
- CMB 505 - Advanced Cell Biology (3 credits)
- CMB 506 - Advanced Molecular Biology (3 credits)
- CMB 520 - Laboratory Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Research and Thesis Courses
Requires six to nine credits.
Biostatistics Course
Electives
- BIO 580 - Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 credits)
- BIO 585/CMB 585 - Molecular Ecology (3 credits)
- BIO 680 - Special Topics in Biology (1 to 3 credits)
- BMS 680 - Special Topics in the Biomedical Sciences (1 to 3 credits)
- CMB 551 - Bioinformatics: Tools and Techniques for Life Scientists (3 credits)
- CMB 552 - Computer Modeling and Drug Design (3 credits)
- CMB 560 - Genomics and Molecular Diagnostics (3 credits)
- CMB 580 - Special Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology (1 to 4 credits)
- CMB 620 - Cell Culture and Bioprocessing (3 credits) Elective for research emphasis.
- CMB 626 - Advanced Research Applications in Molecular Genetics (4 credits) Elective for research emphasis.
- CMB 680 - Special Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology (1 to 4 credits)
- CMB 699 - Grad Research in Cell and Molecular Biology (1 to 6 credits)
- STA 616 - Statistical Programming (3 credits)