Molecular Biology and Genetics (Thesis and Non-Thesis Programs)

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At the beginning of the 21st century, novel technologies are allowing us to make exciting new discoveries and obtain detailed knowledge of how molecules, cells, tissues, and organisms operate. Furthermore, these advances are changing the way in which we diagnose and treat human disease. In light of these developments, it is crucial that we educate today's students about biology at the molecular level. Koç University's Molecular Biology and Genetics Masters Program succeeds in providing broad and deep education in the biological sciences.

The Molecular Biology and Genetics Masters Program offers advanced cell and molecular biology and genetics courses as well as electives in areas, such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and bioinformatics. Students in the Molecular Biology and Genetics program will engage in experimental research by working with faculty members in their cutting-edge research programs.

The program will prepare students for careers in areas including: academia, pharmaceutical discovery and development, biotechnology, environmental sciences, food quality control, and forensics.

Research Areas

* Bioinformatics


* Genomics


* Proteomics


* Cancer


* Mitochondrial function and ageing


* Neuroscience


* Cell division / Cell cycle


* Molecular biology of human diseases


* Circadian rhythm


* Plant biotechnology

Course Descriptions
MBGE 501 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

Topics covered will include, DNA replication and repair, gene expression mechanisms, cell cycle, organelle biogenesis, genetics, proteomics and other advanced techniques in molecular biology research.

MBGE 502 Communications in Biology

An effective means of communication of scientific results is essential in biomedical research. This course will teach the student effective scientific writing, seminar and poster presentation skills.

ChBi 506 Bioinformatics

The principles and computational methods to study the biological data generated by genome sequencing, gene expressions, protein profiles, and metabolic fluxes. Application of arithmetic, algebraic, graph, pattern matching, sorting and searching algorithms and statistical tools to genome analysis. Applications of Bioinformatics to metabolic engineering, drug design, and biotechnology.

MBGE 504/404 Immunology

Molecular details of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Subject areas will include immune recognition, immunosuppression, communication between different immune system cell types, and autoimmunity.

MBGE 512/412 Cancer Biology

Fundamental aspects of the molecular and cellular biology of tumor formation and cancer cells. Topics include cell cycle, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, the tumors interaction with other cells and tissues, approaches to treating cancer, and novel experimental approaches for the discovery of mutations that contribute to tumorigenesis.

MBGE 520/420 Principles of Neuroscience

Function of different neuronal cell types and the larger organization of the mammalian nervous system: The topics include the molecular details of synaptic connectivity and its relationship to learning and memory and the causes of neurodegenerative disease.

MBGE 510/410 Advanced Cell Signaling

This course will cover cellular signaling pathways in molecular detail. In particular signaling mechanisms employed by different cell types and their roles in cell and tissue differentiation and development will be studied.

MBGE 503/403 Bioenergetics

Mechanisms of cellular energy generation, storage and usage, oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthesis, glycolysis, energy generation in chemotrophs will be covered.

MBGE 507/407 Parasitology

Mechanisms of malaria trypanosomes, toxoplasmodium, parasitic fungi and other pathogenic organism growth, pathogenesis, evolution and interactions with the immune system will be studied in molecular and cellular detail.

ChBi 510 Industrial Microbiology

Key aspects of microbial physiology; exploring the versatility of microorganisms and their diverse metabolic activities and products; industrial microorganisms and the technology required for large-scale cultivation.

ChBi 516 Biotechnology

Recombinant DNA, enzymes and other biomolecules. Molecular genetics. Commercial use of microorganisms. Cellular reactors; bioseparation techniques. Transgenic systems. Gene therapy. Biotechnology applications in environmental, agricultural and pharmaceutical problems.

MASE 542 Biomaterials

Materials for biomedical applications; synthetic polymers, metals and composite materials as biomaterials; biopolymers, dendrimers, hydrogels, polyelectrolytes, drug delivery systems, implants, tissue grafts, dental materials, ophthalmic materials, surgical materials, imaging materials.

ChBi 584 Tissue Engineering

The fundamentals of tissue engineering at the molecular and cellular level; techniques in tissue engineering; problems and solution in tissue engineering; transplantation of tissues in biomedicine using sophisticated equipments and materials; investigation of methods for the preparation of component of cell, effect of growth factors on tissues.

CMSE 520 Biomolecular Structure, Function and Dynamics

Relationship between structure, function and dynamics in biomolecules. Overview of the biomolecular databases and application of computational methods to understand molecular interactions; networks. Principles of computational modeling and molecular dynamics of biological systems.

* Personal and Educational Background Information (CV) * Recommendation Letters (2 for MSc, 3 for Ph.D) (3 for MS in Molecular Biology and Genetics) * (Recommendation Letters for Electrical and Electronics Engineering should be sent directly from referee with signature through e-mail. ) * TOEFL , IELTS or UDS&KPDS&YDS Requirement (for those whose native language is not English) - New Internet Based: Minimum Score 80 - Computer Based: Minimum Score 213 - Paper Based: Minimum Score 550 - IELTS: Minimum Score 6,5 - UDS / KPDS / YDS: 87 * ALES scores (required for all Turkish nationals) * GRE scores (required from Foreign students; optional for Turkish students) * Official transcripts from all the universities attended * Statement of Purpose * Areas of Interest English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80

Financial Aid
The students who get the KU full-scholarship, will be supported with one of thepackages below; For MS Students (Thesis Programs):
* Students admitted with a BS/BA degree will have the folowfing offer: * Tuition waiver (33,500 TL/year) plus 1,150 TL monthly stipend, housing.



For PhD Students:
* Students admitted with a BS/BA degree will have the following offer: * Tuition waiver (33,500 TL/year) plus 1,150 TL monthly stipend, housing. The monthly stipend increases to 1,600 TL after the student passes the PhD qualifier.


* Students admitted with a MS/MA degree will have the following offer: * Tuition waiver (33,500 TL/year) plus 1, 400 TL monthly stipend. The monthly stipend increases to 1,600 TL after the student passes the PhD qualifier



Additional Benefits:
* All students receive a laptop computer and private health insurance.
* Students with successful standing receive travel funds to attend scientific conferences and meetings.
* PhD students with higher GPA degrees may be offered super scholarship up to 2,500 TL .
* Students who receive their stipend from other sources (like TÜBITAK scholarships or externally funded research grants and projects) are eligible for the following benefits provided by the university:

* Research Award: 1,300 TL
* Free Housing: This includes all costs except telephone expenses.
* Research Award for PhD students: 2,000 TL/year after they pass the qualifier.