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A master’s degree in chemical biology from Saint Louis University provides advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology and pharmacology. The core of this SLU degree includes organic and medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology and can be tailored to match a student’s particular interests within the field of chemical biology.

Program Highlights

Saint Louis University's master’s degree in chemical biology provides excellent preparation for further studies toward a Ph.D. or transitioning to a professional career in the life sciences industry. Employment opportunities include a variety of jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and materials industries.

Graduate students in SLU's chemical biology program have access to a number of research tools, including:

• Bruker 400 and 700 MHz NMR spectrometers
• Bruker-EMX EPR, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectrometers
• Research-grade spectrofluorometers
• GC-MS, LC-MS, and specialized mass spectrometers
• Computational facilities with modern molecular modeling software
• Bruker CCD X-ray diffractometer facility
• Core facilities in the School of Medicine (e.g., protein, microscopy, etc.)

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Master of Science in Chemical Biology offers specialization in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology, with cross-disciplinary activity strongly encouraged.

The requirements for the thesis-based M.S. degree include:

• A minimum of 24 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework (exclusive of thesis research)
• Six credits of thesis research (CHEB 5990)
• A thesis
• A public oral presentation and a private oral examination

Required coursework includes medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology taught by faculty from the corresponding departments. Electives are chosen to complement a student’s interests and the research program that they join.

Many graduate courses in chemistry are scheduled in the evening, allowing students to complete the degree part-time. This flexibility allows students to tailor a program of study to suit their needs.

For students who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in completing the doctoral program in chemistry, there is a mechanism to transition into the Ph.D. program after completing the master's requirements. A total of 39 credits are required, including 12 credits from dissertation research credits. Students will develop an appropriate coursework track with mentors who will be approved by the graduate program director and/or the department chair.

Graduate Handbook

1. Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature in chemical biology.
2. Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories, or research methodologies in chemical biology.
3. Graduates will be able to apply chemistry principles to biology.
4. Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations in both oral and written forms.
5. Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly and professional integrity in chemical biology.

Non-Course Requirements

A public oral presentation and a private oral examination.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

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Selected from 5000-level courses in consultation with student’s research mentor.Ìý Electives should be selected from chemistry, biology, pharmacology or biochemistry departments. Electives can also be fulfilled by taking 5000-level courses in other disciplines with approval by a program coordinator and the student’s committee.

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PPYÌý5110 Introduction to Pharmacology (1 cr) and PPYÌý5120 Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I (2 cr) may be taken in place of PPYÌý5410 Molecular Pharmacology (3 cr).

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

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CHEMÌý5630 Introduction to Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (3 cr) is only offered every other fall.

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Electives (must take at least two courses): Electives can be fulfilled by taking 5000-level courses in chemistry, pharmacology or biology.Ìý Electives in other disciplines such as math, computer science, and engineering may be taken with approval by a program coordinator and the student’s committee.

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CHEB 5990 Thesis Research: Students are required to complete six credits of thesis research. This requirement is typically completed in the second year. The number of credits can vary each semester, but a student cannot register for zero credits of research until the six credits have been completed.

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Students intending to enter into a SLU Ph.D. program under the M.A. – chemical biology program follow the M.S. roadmap but do not register for CHEB 5990.

For additional information about our program, please contact:

Christopher Arnatt, Ph.D.
Program coordinator, chemical biology program
(314) 977-8290
chemicalbiology@slu.edu