Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics
Department:
Biological, Chemical, and Physical SciencesCollege:
College of Science and LettersDegrees:
- Master of Science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics
Description:
The department offers interdisciplinary programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in molecular biochemistry and biophysics. New advances in our understanding of biological function can be expected from a synthesis of molecular genetics, biochemistry and insights gained from molecular structural information. Individuals with a quantitative, physical approach will be best placed to be innovators in the field. MBB programs complement more traditional graduate programs in biology, chemistry and physics by offering an integrated, molecular-based approach to understanding biological problems, taking insights from all three disciplines.
A major focus of the program is on biophysical approaches to determining the structure of macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies. Faculty advisers are chosen from any of the participating departmental faculty regardless of their affiliation to a particular discipline, a particular strength of the participating faculty is in exploiting synchrotron x-ray facilities at the nearby Advanced Photon source, currently one of the most intense x-ray sources in the world.
Specializations:
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Structural Biophysics
- Biochemistry and Cellular Biophysics
Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences Certificate Programs:
- Analytical Method Development
- Analytical Spectroscopy
- Chromatography
- Synthesis and Characterization of Inorganic Materials
- Characterization of Inorganic and Organic Materials
- Synthesis and Characterization of Organic Materials
Distance Learning:
http://www.distance-education.iit.edu/Dual Degrees / Joint Degrees:
Research Facilities:
The department has state-of-the-art computer and laboratory equipment and conducts research in the areas of biochemistry, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, molecular biophysics and biochemistry; analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, solid-state and materials chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, surface chemistry, physical chemistry and theoretical chemistry; and high-energy physics, accelerator and plasma physics, condensed-matter physics, biological physics, x-ray optics, x-ray imaging and quantum theory. The department constructs and operates facilities for x-ray scattering, spectroscopy and imaging at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. Additional research facilities include on-campus x-ray diffraction facilities, thin-film growth facilities, a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance facility, a state-of-the aft inorganic- and polymer synthesis and characterization laboratories., Fourier transform infrared spectrometers, atomic force microscope, mass spectrometers, and facilities for high-pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Laboratories for solid-state physics and particle physics are active. The department participates in interdisciplinary research with the department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering's Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering. collaborative programs are carried on with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Advanced Photon Source. The department hosts the Center for Accelerator and Particle Physics (CAPP) and the Center for Synchrotron Radiation research and Instrumentation (CSRRI).Research Areas:
Admission Requirements:
1. Cumulative undergraduate GPA minimum of 3.0/4.02. Minimum GRE score:
Master of Science
For tests taken before Oct.1,2002: 1200 (combined)
For tests taken on or after Oct.1,2002: 1100 (quantitative + verbal) 2.5 (analytical)
PhD
For tests taken before Oct.1,2002: 1200 (combined)
For tests taken on or after Oct.1,2002: 1100 (quantitative + verbal) 3.0 (analytical)
3. Applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in that same discipline, or a closely allied major with additional coursework that prepares the student for graduate study in his or her chosen program. Students who have not completed all required courses may b accepted for general admission and can begin coursework, but must remove any deficiencies before the M.S. comprehensive/Ph.D. qualifying examination.
How to apply:
Office of Graduate AdmissionDepartmental Website:
http://www.iit.edu/csl/bcps/The material on these web pages contains the most current program offerings and requirements, and is intended for informational purposes only. Program offerings and requirements change from time to time, and these web pages are changed accordingly. The requirements applicable to a particular student's program are those set forth in the official Graduate Bulletin that was in effect the year the student began his or her graduate program. Therefore, to find the official program requirements applicable to his or her program, a student must consult the Graduate Bulletin from that year.
