Koc University Masters Degrees in Biological Sciences

Recent years breakthrough discoveries in health sciences have generally been achieved by effective cooperation between interdisciplinary research teams, which included members from medicine, basic sciences and engineering. Such a cooperation provides a broad visionary approach and strong scientific basis for a better understanding of the health related problems and allows the development of novel technologies to improve the quality of life.
Koç University Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (BMSE) MS and PhD programs have been developed with this philosophy in mind and offer unique, truly interdisciplinary graduate education and leading edge research opportunities for students with different disciplines, which include basic sciences (chemistry, physics and biological sciences) engineering (chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering), medicine and related health sciences programs and provide them with the vision, knowledge and tools to become the future leaders.

Current faculty projects and research interests:

• Computational and Quantative Biology
• Biometric Materials and Islet Cell Bioengineering
• Robıtics and Mechanics
• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
• Molecular biochemistry
• Computational Systems
• Biofluids and Cardiovascular Mechanics
• Polymer Science and Technology
• Mitochondrial Biogenesis
• Cell Biology
• Microphotonics
• Optofluidic and Nano-Optics

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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.

Current faculty projects and research interests:

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Proteomics
• Cancer
• Mitochondrial Function and Ageing
• Neuroscience
• Cell division/Cell Cycle
• Molecular Biology of Human Diseases
• Circadian Rhythm
• Plant Biotechnology
• Stem Cell Biology

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The Graduate School of Heath Sciences of Koç University offers a 2-year MSc program in reproductive biology and a 4-year PhD program in reproductive medicine, both of which aim to provide modern up-to-date biological research in the field of reproductive sciences at molecular and cellular levels in an inspiring, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere, at the interface between basic science and clinical patient care.

A thorough understanding of reproductive functioning in both sexes at molecular level using a wide range of experimental models, and studying at translational level a number of important problems associated with human reproductive health and disease in testis, ovary, the uterus during the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy and labour, in the fetus and neonate, and in fetal programming resulting in increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood are the major goals of the programmes.

As a result of rapid advances in life science technology and medicine at molecular level, reproductive sciences have evolved into four different disciplines as Reproductive biology, Reproductive endocrinology (Embryology and assisted reproduction technologies), Reproductive immunology and Reproductive genetics. Both MSc and PhD students will undertake some core teaching and conduct research projects, performed on this very wide range of research fields within the reproductive sciences.

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Medical Microbiology primarily deals with microorganisms which cause diseases in humans. The major working fields are the structures of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, growth properties of microorganisms, pathogenic strategies they enhanced, diagnostic approaches to infectious diseases and efficiency of antimicrobial agents used for therapy. For that purpose, morphological studies based on light microscope, fluorescent microscope, and electron microscope, various cultivation methods and molecular techniques are performed. The Medical Microbiology Masters of Science Program at Koc University offers a comprehensive training to the graduates who are planning to work in the field of medical microbiology or continue to doctoral programs in the same area. The candidates of the program with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and natural sciences are expected to be equipped with combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in laboratory methods and applications in the light of latest technological approaches.

Medical Microbiology Masters of Science Program includes minimum 7 courses with a total credit of 21, a seminar and thesis based on independent research.

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Physiology is the study of the function and activity in living organisms at all levels. While molecular mechanisms at cellular level provide the basics of physiology, integration of these mechanisms at organ and system level provides the full understanding of the logic of life. Master of Science program in Medical Physiology aims at providing a broad perspective in Life Sciences for those holding a BS degree in Basic Sciences, Engineering or Medical Sciences and planning to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physiology or related fields (e.g., Biophysics, Neuroscience, Biomedical engineering, etc.). The program is designed also to serve as an interface for graduates of basic sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, mathematics) and engineering disciplines who are planning careers on biomedical applications and medical technologies. The graduate program will be personally designed for each student based on their prior education, background and interest and will also provide extensive research experience. Medical Physiology Master of Science Program requires 7 courses totaling 21 credits, 1 seminar and a Thesis based on original, independent research.

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