Biochemistry, MS/Law, JD

Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Biochemistry
Biochemistry (MS) Program Information

Degree: Juris Doctor (JD)
Juris Doctor (JD) Program Information

Program Overview

This program allows students in the School of Law to earn an MS degree in Biochemistry with one additional year of study. This program is useful for students with an interest in intellectual property law who are planning careers in biotechnology or the pharmaceutical industry. Students learn about intellectual property law in their JD studies and about the latest developments in the biomedical sciences in their Biochemistry studies, which allows them to work with clients who are scientists. Students receive advising and mentoring from faculty in the Law School and the Biochemistry Department as they study both subjects. Students who are interested in getting hands-on research experience may work on a laboratory research project with a faculty member in the School of Medicine.

Admission

Students usually enter the program after entering the JD program and deciding that their interest lies in the area of biomedical intellectual property, but students may apply earlier. Students in the JD program can apply in the first or second year. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand the central biochemical mechanisms that are important in human biology and medicine.
  • Students will learn biochemical approaches that align with the understanding of normal physiology and disease.
  • Students will become familiar with common experimental methods and documentation used in academic and industrial biomedical research laboratories.
  • Students will have the opportunity to undertake experimental biomedical laboratory research including formulating hypotheses, applying common methods and techniques, and obtaining, analyzing, and reporting data.
  • Students will learn to read scientific literature and to develop, write, and defend a novel biomedical research proposal.
  • Students will integrate scientific methods and analyses with critical thinking and legal and factual analytical skills to look at biochemically relevant problems and solutions through an intellectual property lens.

Program Requirements

Students in the School of Law can apply to the Biochemistry program for admission to the JD/MS program. In the dual degree program, students complete 12 fewer hours of law school coursework than they would if they were in the JD program alone. The Department of Biochemistry accepts 9 credit hours of law school classwork in courses dealing with science issues, in place of 9 credit hours of other elective work. Thus, the student will take a total of 21 credit hours of Biochemistry coursework of which at least 12 credit hours must be letter graded. A maximum of 9 credits may come from BIOC 601 research credit.

Because most students apply for the JD/MS in Biochemistry Program after beginning law school, a suggested schedule begins with Biochemistry coursework in the second year. However, Biochemistry coursework can be taken in any of the last three years and with a variety of combinations of law courses. Schedules will be worked out with the Biochemistry Graduate Advisor to suit the student’s needs and interests.

Dual degree students are advised about the JD degree by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the School of Law. Dual degree students are advised about the MS in Biochemistry by the MS program advisor.