Biochemistry, B.S. to Chemical Biology, Master's Accelerated Program

Saint Louis University's bachelor's-to-master's program in chemical biology provides a strong foundation in chemistry and branches out into medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and molecular biology.

A five-year course schedule is provided to SLU undergraduates that demonstrates how to complete the undergraduate B.S. degree in biochemistry or biology together with a master’s degree in chemical biology. The master’s degree can either be a coursework-based M.A. degree or a thesis-based M.S. degree. This program provides excellent preparation for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

For additional information, see the catalog entries for the following SLU programs:

Biochemistry, B.S.

Chemical Biology, M.A.

Chemical Biology, M.S.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry has been continuously certified by the American Chemical Society since 2004.

Existing SLU undergraduates pursuing a B.S. in biochemistry may apply to the accelerated bachelor’s-master’s (ABM) program after completing 75 credits (typically during the spring semester of their third year) if they have a GPA of 3.00 or higher, commensurate with the admission standards for the master’s program in chemical biology. The application will include a personal statement and three letters of support, of which at least two must be from members of the SLU faculty. 

If accepted into the program, students who have completed 90 undergraduate credits (typically during their fourth year) may apply up to 15 credits of graduate-level courses (5000-level and up) towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, assuming a grade of "B" or better. Students targeting a coursework-based M.A. degree will be mentored by the chemical biology program coordinator. Students targeting a thesis-based M.S. will take CHEB-5110 in the summer after having completed 90 credits (typically between years three and four) and select a research mentor.

Prior to 120 credits, students enrolled in the program will need to adhere to the continuation standards of their undergraduate major. After 120 credits (typically the fifth year), the chemical biology master’s level program continuation requirements apply.

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

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.

M.A. in Chemical Biology Option 

M.S. in Chemical Biology Option

¹

Engineering Physics (PHYS 1610-1640) is recommended.  However, Physics (PHYS 1310-1340) also fulfills the physics requirement.

²

Elective must be selected from a 5000+ course. Electives should be selected in consultation with the chemical biology program coordinator from the chemistry, biology, pharmacology or biochemistry departments.

BIOL/BME Elective: Students must complete three credit hours of a biology/BME course.  These credits must be fulfilled by:

i.              BIOL 3010 – Evolutionary Biology

ii.             BIOL 3030 – Principles of Genetics

iii.            BIOL 3400 – Intro to Neuroscience

iv.            BIOL 4070 – Advanced Biological Chemistry

v.             BIOL 4250 – Neurobiology of Disease

vi.            BIOL 4430 – Principles of Virology

vii.           BIOL 4460 – Exercise Physiology

viii.          BIOL 4520 – Biochemical Pharmacology

ix.            BIOL 4540 – Human Systemic Physiology

x.             BIOL 4600 – Developmental Biology

xi.            BIOL 4630 – Foundations of Immunobiology

xii.           BIOL 4640 – General Microbiology

xiii.          BIOL 4720 – Cancer Biology

xiv.          BME 2200 – Applied Physiology for Engineers

³

The PPY 5110 and PPY 5120 sequence may be taken in place of PPY 5410.  PPY 5110 and 5120 are fall semester courses.