MS Curriculum
Course selection is largely guided by individual student interests and needs, in consultation with the graduate program director and advisor. However, all degree candidates, both Thesis and Non-Thesis are required to complete the following course curriculum as part of their academic program:
REQUIRED COURSES FOR MS DEGREE (THESIS AND NON-THESIS OPTIONS)
CDB Master's students are required to complete the following 3 credit courses, earning a grade of B or better:
- 16:148:504 Developmental Biology (Spring)
- 16:115:511 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Fall)
- 16:115:512 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Spring)
Students are also required to earn two seminar credits in either 16:148:598 Seminar in Cell and Developmental Biology or MBS Mini Courses, with a grade of B or better.
Seminars are designed to expose students to the current research literature in the discipline and serve as a training ground for oral presentations and the critical evaluation of papers. It is recommended that students (1) take seminars in a variety of different topic areas in order to sample different disciplines; and (2) informally audit seminars to gain experience by observing other student presentations, particularly in the early semesters.
lab rotations
Laboratory Rotations are not required, but are recommended for students who wish to pursue the Thesis option. A rotation is usually completed over 7 to 8 weeks, but can be extended by mutual consent of the faculty sponsor and the student. If students plan on doing two rotations in the Fall, they should register for 4 credits of Lab Rotation. See list of current rotation faculty.
Students are required to complete a rotation form, signed by their rotation advisor and the graduate program director, before the rotation begins.
At the end of each rotation, students will submit a laboratory notebook and a summary to their rotation advisor. A copy of the summary must also be submitted to the Graduate Program Office for the grade to be submitted. Performance will be graded on a pass/fail basis. A limit of 6 rotation credits can be counted toward the MS degree.
research in biology (Thesis Track)
Once a student has chosen a lab for their thesis research, they may register for research with their thesis sponsor's permission. The PI or Advisor section number can be found under the Research in Biology (16:148:701/702) listing in the schedule of courses. If you do not see your PI/Advisor listed, please notify the graduate office at molbiosci@rutgers.edu to add their section. *Note: The section numbers are subject to change, so please be sure to check the schedule of courses each semester.
Advanced problems in biology (non-Thesis Track)
Upon approval by the Program Director, up to 2 credits may be taken of 16:148:509/510 Advanced Problems in Biology while a critical view paper is being written. Students doing the Non-Thesis option may count a combined total of 6 credits from Lab Rotation and Advanced Problems in CDB toward their degree.
Electives
Students are strongly encouraged to take Epigenomics (16:115:555) in the Fall and Statistics in Biomedical Sciences (16:115:557) in the Spring, but are not required. A list of additional pre-approved courses and seminars can be provided upon request. The Graduate Program Director should approve any other courses or seminars that are of interest. Most courses in the Microbiology (681), Biochemistry (115), Physiology (761), and Neurobiology (710) graduate programs are acceptable.