American University of Beirut

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics offers undergraduate courses to students in Allied Health Science Programs enrolled in the: medical laboratory sciences degree at the Faculty of Public Health (BIOC 255) and nursing students at the Hariri School of Nursing (BIOC246).

It also offers courses to medical students and to students in the graduate program leading to a master’s degree (MS) in biomedical sciences and biomedical engineering, MS biochemistry, and a doctoral degree (PhD) in biomedical sciences and biomedical engineering.

The requirements for admission to the MS program are BS degrees such as biochemistry, biology, chemistry, genetics, biomedical sciences, health sciences, or related fields. For regular admission, students should have an academic record with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and above. Students should have a background in chemistry, biology, or a related medical science degree. Students will spend a minimum of two years in the MS program during which they must complete 21 credits (cr.) of graduate courses, pass a comprehensive exam (BIOC 395 A/B), and submit a thesis (9 cr., BIOC 399 A/B/C/D/E) based on independent research. The 21 cr. of graduate courses include a total of 14 cr. of required core courses and 7 cr. of elective courses. 

Required MS courses in biomedical sciences track biochemistry include: BIOC 305 (1cr.), BIOC 321 (1 cr.), BIOC 322 (1 cr.), BIOC 323 (2 cr.), BIOC 325 (2 cr.), BIOC 326-A/B (2 cr.), BIOC 330 (2 cr.), and IDTH 301 (2cr.).

Required PhD courses in biomedical sciences are listed in PhD Program section of the graduate catalogue.

Courses in the graduate program are open to all graduate students enrolled in the various biomedical sciences programs in several departments and in biomedical engineering as well as to science major graduates, such as biology, chemistry, or related fields upon the consent of the coordinator.