The Department of Biological Sciences offers research-oriented M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry. Qualified students usually enter the Ph.D. program without first earning a M.S. degree. Requirements for the Ph.D. include appropriate coursework designed to provide broad but intensive training in biochemistry, experience in presentation of seminars and successful completion of qualifying and general examinations. The Ph.D. also requires formulation and execution of original research, as demonstrated by production of research publications and a dissertation. The M.S. requires a thesis and a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work, 24 hours of which must be in coursework. At least one-half of the minimum required credit in the M.S. program must be in courses at or above the 7000 level.<br><br>Graduate programs offered by the Department of Biological Sciences in the area of biochemistry prepare students for professional careers in biochemical research and teaching. Research interests within the department encompass a broad range, including cell and molecular biology, virology, plant biochemistry, enzymology, and protein, DNA, and carbohydrate molecular biophysics.