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THE UNIVERSITY of TULSA |
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GRADUATE SCHOOL Newsletter
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Over the past few years, there has been a growing demand nationwide for more Biochemistry programs, particularly graduate level. This increase in Biochemistry students will most likely continue because of employment trends that show biological and medical scientists working in the industry between 2000 and 2010 is projected by the Department of Labor to grow by 26.5% (“In an Era of Scientific Opportunity, are there Opportunities for Biomedical Scientists?,” Federation of the American Society of Experimental Biology Journal, Article 10, October 2, 2003).
In response to this growing trend, the University of Tulsa Chemistry & Biochemistry department chair, Dr. Dale Teeters, began working on instituting a new graduate degree program specifically in Biochemistry. Since TU already has a Master of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry, the addition of a graduate Biochemistry degree would take advantage of existing courses while also allowing the department to expand their course offerings for the benefit of undergraduate and graduate students alike. Graduate biochemistry courses would also enhance course offerings for our graduate students in biology, chemical engineering, and geosciences, opening doors for future interdisciplinary research collaborations.
Dr. Teeters proposed a new Master of Science in biochemistry degree program that could be combined with a bachelor’s degree program in Biochemistry at TU, allowing the University of Tulsa a competitive edge in the field that can be matched by few other institutions. The program proposal was well received and the B.S.-M.S. program in Biochemistry was approved this past fall. With the help of the new graduate biochemistry advisor, Dr. Robert Sheaff, The University of Tulsa has started actively recruiting students for next fall.
As for the structure of the degree program, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is currently fine-tuning their description of the program requirements, but this a general breakdown of new graduate couses for the degree:
According to this checklist, the new graduate program in Biochemistry requires the creation of several new graduate courses. The descriptions for these new courses:
Biophysical Chemistry Biophysical Chemistry studies the conformation, dynamics and interactions of biological molecules. The structure/function of proteins, nucleic acids and other biopolymers are studied from kinetic, thermodynamic and spectroscopic points of view. The course is designed to provide students with an integrated systems-level understanding of biomolecules.
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry Advanced study of an area of research activity or of instrumentation important to Biochemical research. Important concepts, the contribution of and use of modern instrumentation, and/or the relevance of the research will be emphasized.
Graduate Seminar in Biochemistry Reports and discussion of advanced topics in chemistry given by students, faculty and invited speakers
Research and Thesis in Biochemistry Directed research on a problem in an approved area. Written thesis and formal defense before graduate committee is required. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Pass-fail only.
For more information on this program, please check for updates on the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department website at |
