The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry also offers a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology. Biotechnology utilizes basic knowledge from the biological sciences, chemistry, and chemical engineering to solve practical problems in the fields of medicine, agriculture and chemical manufacturing. The program emphasizes formal training and immediate participation in research. First-year students participate in core technical laboratories in protein isolation and characterization, animal and microbial cell culture and recombinant DNA methodology. Students also participate in individual faculty research projects. Admission is contingent upon the successful completion of a bachelor's of science degree, or equivalent. Applications are evaluated on the basis of grades, recommendation letters, GRE scores, and other relevant qualifications. General Areas of Interest Structure and Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Structure and Biosynthesis of Proteins, Recombinant DNA Technology, Protein Isolation and Characterization, Animal and Microbial Cell Culture, Product Development and Marketing, Research<br><br>The structural biology group within the department uses physical, chemical and x-ray crystallography techniques to study proteins and nucleic acids. It has a highly active group in x-ray crystallography which uses high resolution analysis (1.0 or better) to understand the structure-function relationship. The faculty members in each group work closely with each other. For example, a member of the x-ray crystallography group has identified an enzyme that is a promising target for anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial drugs. The department has an active group in parasitic diseases and, thus, the two groups are working together to solve major medical problems of parasitic infections. The x-ray group has obtained detailed structures of many proteins of biological importance.