Both the non-thesis Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree require that students take the same set of core courses, totaling 18 credit hours: These courses are:
| Principles of Molecular Biology K507 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Developmental Biology K566 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Stem Cells K697 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Immunology K561 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Regenerative Biology and Medicine K568 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Foundations of Bioethics P547 | ...... | 3 CH (Philosophy) |
| Total | ...... | 18 CH |
The thesis Master of Science degree requires only four of the six core courses. One of these must be Regenerative Biology and Medicine, but the other three will be assigned by the mentor.
Beyond the core courses, the MS and PhD degrees have different sets of additional course and research requirements.
Master of Science (Minimum of 30 credit hours)
Doctor of Philosophy (90 credit hours)
Elective Courses
Special Optional Experiences
The Master of Science degree program has two options, a non-thesis option, and a thesis (research-intensive) option. These options satisfy different career goals. The non-thesis option is suitable for careers in K-12 or community college teaching, administration, public affairs, and business. The thesis option is more suitable for those who wish to enter careers in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, whether these be research or management careers.
1. Completion of 6 core courses (18 hrs)
2. Completion of 3-4 elective courses (12 hrs) in consultation with the mentor.
3. Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale).
This option can be completed in one year.
1. Completion of 4 core courses (12 hours). One of these must be Biology 568, Regenerative Biology and Medicine.
2. Thesis research (18 hrs), in consultation with mentor.
3. Completion of a written thesis, and thesis examination.
4. Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale)
Because completing a quality independent research project takes time and dedication, this option is normally completed over a two year period.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree that prepares students for virtually any career option that uses expertise in regenerative biology and medicine, but particularly for careers in discovery and applied research and management positions.
1. Completion of 6 core courses (18 hrs.)
2. Completion of 6-18 hrs of elective courses, in consultation with the mentor.
3. Thesis research (54-66 hrs)
4. Final thesis defense
A qualifying examination must be taken at the end of the first year of graduate study. This examination must be passed by the end of the second year with a grade of B or better. The examination areas are (1) cell and developmental biology, (2) biochemistry and molecular biology, and (3) immunology.
Elective courses are intended to provide specialized training directly related to the research project. Many appropriate courses are available in a variety of academic units across the campus. The combination of courses selected is the prerogative of the student, in consultation with the mentor. Below is a list of currently available courses, drawn from a variety of academic units across the campus.
Cell Biology and Histology |
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| Eucaryotic Cell Biology G817 | ...... | 3 CH (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) |
| Mechanisms of Immune Regulation J840 | ...... | 3 CH (Microbiology and Immunology) |
| Histology D581 | ...... | 4 CH (Cell Biology and Anatomy) |
Hematopoietic and Cardiovascular |
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| Angiogenesis F613 | ...... | 1 CH (Physiology) |
| Dev. of the Vascular System F713 | ...... | 1 CH (Physiology) |
| (These two courses are “focused minicourses” in Physiology) | ||
Neural and Endocrine |
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| Developmental Neurobiology K571 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Developmental Neuroanatomy D865 | ...... | 3 CH (Cell Biology and Anatomy) |
| Sensory Systems K697 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
Musculoskeletal |
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| Basic Bone Biology G819 | ...... | 2 CH (Cell Biology and Anatomy) |
| Molecular and Cellular Bone Biology K697 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
Cancer and Stem Cells |
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| Molecular Biology of Cancer K516 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
Biomaterials and Chemical Biology |
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| Biomaterials C696 | ...... | 3 CH (Chemistry) |
| Biomimetics C696 | ...... | 3 CH (Chemistry) |
| Bioanalytical Chemistry C6966 | ...... | 3 CH (Chemistry) |
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology |
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| Introduction to Bioinformatics CS5486 | ...... | 3 CH (Computer and Information Science) |
| Statistics in Pharmaceutical Research 697 | ...... | 3 CH (Mathematical Sciences) |
Techniques |
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| Concepts in Biotechnology G828 | ...... | 2 CH (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology) |
| Techniques in Biotechnology K548 | ...... | 3 CH (Biology) |
| Histochemistry and Cytochemistry D584 | ...... | 3 CH (Cell Biology and Anatomy) |
| Tissue Culture D870 | ...... | 3 CH (Cell Biology and Anatomy) |
| Tissue Culture Laboratory D871 | ...... | 2 CH (Cell Biology and Anatomy) |
| Methods in Proteomics G841 | ...... | 3 CH (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology) |
| Methods in Molecular Biology G890 | ...... | 3 CH (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology) |
| Methods in Cell Biology G823 | ...... | 3 CH (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology) |
| Introduction to Biomolecular Imaging F592 | ...... | 3 CH (Medical Biophysics) |
| Advanced Cellular Imaging G613 | ...... | 3 CH (Medical Biophysics) |
| Advanced Molecular Imaging G614 | ...... | 3 CH (Medical Biophysics) |
Bioethics |
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| Genethics P696 | ...... | 3 CH (Philosophy) |
| Bioethics and Law D838 | ...... | 2 CH (Medicine) |
| Introduction to Research Ethics M504 | ...... | 2 CH (Medicine) |
| Ethical Issues in International Research P555 | ...... | 3 CH (Philosophy) |
Opportunities for business, industry, and teaching experiences are available in this program for MS and PhD students.
Business Courses: Students who desire some fundamental knowledge of business related to financial and strategic management, organizational development and change, new venture creation, or entrepreneurship in biomedical and life sciences or information technology may arrange to take courses in these areas from the Kelley School of Business.
Teaching and Communication: Students who wish training in communication and teaching may obtain it by serving as a Teaching Assistant.
Industrial Internships: Internships to gain industrial research or management experience can be arranged with local companies.
Department of Biology, School of Science
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
SL 306, 723 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5191
Dr. David L. Stocum, Director
Tel: (317) 274-0627
dstocum@iupui.edu