Program Description
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology provides graduate training in
the life sciences for qualified students without the necessity of completing a research
project and writing a thesis. The Certificate Program offers the opportunity for
advanced graduate level training for those seeking to enhance their background in the
basic health sciences prior to entry into a professional school. In this Certificate
Program, students take one year (two semesters) of graduate level courses in order to
improve their academic qualifications for application to medical or dental school.
Students are awarded certificates at the end of the spring semester if they have
completed 27 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average in the program of at
least 3.0. The Department does not guarantee acceptance to medical or dental school
upon successful completion of this program. However, a strong academic performance in
the Certificate Program will substantially strengthen the student's basic background for
the MCAT/DCAT and medical/dental school.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have successfully completed undergraduate training and hold a
baccalaureate degree. Chemistry, including organic chemistry, is required. Applicants
are generally admitted with an undergraduate grade point average above 2.80 (on a 4.0
scale or equivalent), Graduate Record Examination combined score above 1600 (V+Q+A); a
performance above a score of 1100 on the verbal and quantitative sections, or a
quantitative score on the MCAT examination greater than 22. Those with undergraduate
degrees from recognized foreign institutions must display an acceptable level of English
proficiency by achieving a score of 600 on the TOEFL examination.
Course Requirements
The curriculum for the certificate program is shown below. 27 credit hours are required
with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The curriculum
should be completed in successive full academic terms (typically the Fall and Spring
semester). The primary goal of the student seeking to enhance their record should be to
excel in these required courses. Electives should be selected that expand the student’s
background; however, they should not compromise the primary goal.
Recommended Schedule of Courses
| Credit Hours |
| Fall |
|
BIOC
503 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular
Biology
|
5.0
|
|
PHIS 501 Mammalian Physiology
|
5.0
|
| |
|
| Spring |
|
BIOC
504 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular
Biology
|
5.0
|
|
PHIS 604 Cell Physiology
|
4.0
|
The required courses total 19 credit hours. Another 8 hours of electives will fulfill
the requirement of 27 hours.
One consideration in selecting electives is that the student may have considered the
two-year MS program as an alternative to the two-semester certificate program. Choice of
the proper electives allows the student to defer this decision until the end of the
first semester. Specifically, including the two biochemistry seminar courses allows the
student to switch into the MS program or remain in the certificate program for the
second semester.
Appropriate first semester electives
| Credit Hours |
|
BIOC
690 Biochemistry Research Seminar
|
1.0
|
|
BIOC
691 Special Topics. Biochemistry Seminar
|
1.0
|
|
BIOS 543 Biostatistics
|
3.0
|
|
PHTX 548 Drug Dependence
|
3.0
|
Second semester electives for the certificate program
| Credit Hours |
|
BIOC
690 Biochemistry Research Seminar
|
1.0
|
|
BIOC
691.901 Special Topics in Biochemistry Seminar (Student Seminar)
|
1.0
|
|
BIOS 543 Biostatistics
|
3.0
|
|
PHTX 535 Introduction to Toxicology
|
4.0
|
Other suggested electives
| Credit Hours |
|
MICR 518 Molecular Mechanisms of
Bacterial Pathogens
|
3.0
|
|
MICR 505 Immunobiology
|
3.0
|
|
BIOC
602 Physical Properties of Macromolecules
|
3.0
|
|
PHTX 537 Principles of Pharmacology
|
5.0
|
|
BIOC
605 Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
|
3.0
|
|
BIOC
606 Signal Transduction
|
3.0
|
|
PHTX 509 Introduction to Neuroscience
|
3.0
|
The Certificate Program is an approved VCU graduate program. Thus, students in this program can apply for
financial aid through the usual channels.
Continuing for the Masters or PhD Degree
Students who elect to seek admission to advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) programs in biochemistry & molecular Biology during or after
completion of the Certificate Program should consult with the Program Director.
Credits earned during the Certificate Program can be applied towards the MS degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Certificate
students who are interested in this option should contact the graduate program director who will facilitate the
transfer process. As most of their coursework has been completed, most former certificate students can complete the
MS within one academic year. All Biochemistry & Molecular Biology MS students are required to complete a research-oriented thesis.
Students who transfer to the MS program are encouraged to select their research advisors and start their project
during the summer following the certificate program. MS students can enroll as part time or full time students. The
following is the minimal course load for a MS student who has successfully completed the certificate program.
Fall Semester
| Credit Hours |
|
BIOC
505 Experimental Biochemistry
|
2.0
|
|
MICR
512 Laboratory Safety
|
1.0
|
|
MICR 510 Scientific Integrity
|
1.0
|
|
BIOC 690 Biochemistry Research Seminar
|
1.0
|
|
BIOC 691, 901 Special Topics Biochemistry Seminar
|
1.0
|
Spring Semester
| |
|
