Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Research and Management Concentration, MS

Program Description

The College of Graduate Health Sciences offers a 16-month, 35-credit hour program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Laboratory Research and Management. The mission of this program is to train qualified individuals in the advanced technical, managerial, and administrative skills required to be a Senior Research Assistant/Lab Manager in basic and translational biomedical research laboratories in the academic, government and private biotech sectors. Candidates in this three-term program will receive training in four integrated components:

1. Basic Science - Candidates will take existing graduate level courses in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology to advance their knowledge and understanding of biological disciplines that are critical for functioning in a basic or translational biological research laboratory.
2. Technical - Candidates will be trained in both the theoretical and operational aspects of laboratory methodology and critical mathematical calculations. This will include molecular biology methodologies, procedures in animal experimentation, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, scientific communication, scientific graphic design and basic laboratory equipment maintenance and repair.
3. Administrative - Candidates will be trained and/or certified in radiation, biohazard, animal handling, human tissue handling, general safety compliance issues, the ethical conduct of scientific research, personnel management, conflict resolution, laboratory inventory management, and laboratory finance management.
4. Practical - Candidates will put their skills to practical use through a 6-month research laboratory internship.

Admission and Selection

Admission as a full-time student requires a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 from an accredited college or university and a combined score totaling at least 300 for the verbal and quantitative sections of the revised Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Individuals with a professional or graduate degree in science from an accredited US/Canadian institution, or with scores from other commonly recognized standardized graduate admissions exams, may petition for an exception. Two letters of recommendation from previous instructors or persons capable of judging the applicant’s qualifications for graduate study are also required. Any applicant to the graduate program whose first language is not English and who has earned neither a bachelor’s nor a master’s degree from a college or university in an English-speaking country must have achieved a TOEFL score of at least 213/79 on the computer-based/Internet-based exam or an IELTS score of 6.5 (earned within 2 years prior to application). Any applicant to the CGHS whose first language is not English but who has earned a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college or university in an English-speaking country where instruction was in English may be exempted from the requirement for the TOEFL or IELTS examination.

Technical Standards and Accommodations

The minimum abilities for eligibility to participate successfully in educational programs and activities by students enrolled in the College of Graduate Health Sciences are listed below. All persons who wish to enter one of the programs in the College should be aware of the minimum abilities required for success. Admission decisions for the College programs do not take disabilities into consideration; students may disclose their disabilities after admission to request accommodations to the UTHSC Office of Student and Academic Support Services.

Minimum abilities are as follows:

1. To make proper assessments and ethical judgments regarding research and professional decisions.
2. To communicate effectively with colleagues and professional staff.
3. To acquire necessary information developed through classroom instruction, laboratory experience, independent learning, and consultation.
4. To search and evaluate articles in the scientific literature.
5. To obtain, interpret, and accurately document research data.
6. To complete computer-based assignments and use computers.
7. To understand and carry out safety rules and precautions in the laboratory.
8. To handle emergencies in the laboratory, including fire, exposure to dangerous agents, and explosions.

These abilities may be accomplished through direct student response, use of prosthetic devices, or personal assistance (e.g., readers, signers, and note takers). Purchase of prosthetic devices to aid the student in meeting these requirements is the responsibility of the student. On a case-by-case basis and upon written request of the student, the College may assist in providing attending services.