The Master of Science program in Molecular and Cell Biology provides specialized training in laboratory research in the rapidly growing biomedical field. The program prepares students to secure technical positions in biomedical research laboratories (primarily pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies and hospital-based research laboratories) or enter Ph.D. programs. For students already employed by a biotechnology laboratory or pharmaceutical company, the curriculum will significantly enhance their knowledge of the state-of-the-art techniques used in the growing field of molecular and cell biology.

The objective of this program is to provide the student with specialized training in laboratory research as well as a broad education necessary to function in this new and rapidly growing field. Students are provided with a choice of thesis options. Each student then carries out original laboratory research either in a faculty research laboratory or an industrial/hospital research laboratory. Students who choose the non-thesis option must take additional course work and a comprehensive exam to test their knowledge of the core curricula.

The curriculum consists of three components:

1. A required core curriculum that every entering student must complete before graduation;

2. Elective courses that students must complete. Students choosing the thesis option must complete two courses from this category while the non-thesis option requires five courses from the same category; and

3. Thesis or comprehensive exam.

Thesis involves original laboratory research performed under the guidance of Quinnipiac faculty. A thesis committee consisting of three faculty members evaluates a student’s progress by approving the research project and subsequently advising the student whenever the need arises.

The comprehensive examination in molecular and cell biology (2 hours) is a requirement for the non-thesis option in the molecular and cell biology graduate program. The purpose of the exam is two-fold. First, the student must demonstrate both broad and specific knowledge expected of someone holding a master's degree. Second, the student must be able to integrate knowledge obtained from individual courses into unified concepts which link the student's own specialization to other fields of study. The student is given two opportunities to demonstrate competency. A written essay exam is administered and graded by the exam course committee. After the written exam has been graded and returned to the student, an oral exam is administered. Students should schedule an appointment with the program director before registering for the comprehensive exam course.