Education>Master's Degree Programs

MS in Biology, Oral Biology Track

Track Overview

The Oral Biology track within the Masters of Biology Program is offered through the NYU Graduate School of Arts & Science (GSAS) Department of Biology.  

This track is open only to students with a minimum of a baccalaureate or equivalent degree, alone or combined with advanced clinical training. Candidates are chosen based on their academic records and recommendations and an assessment of the candidate's scholarly potential. MCAT or DAT scores may be submitted in lieu of the GRE (when applying, leave the GRE section blank and upload the MCAT/DAT scores at the end as supplemental information). Applicants whose native language is not English and have not obtained a degree from a US institution must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

Students are awarded the Master of Science degree in Biology degree upon completion of 36 credits with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of a qualifying research paper. 24 of the credits must be completed in Biology courses or courses cross-listed with Biology (BIOL-GA). The remaining 12 credits can be completed in graduate courses offered through other departments such as the Department of Biomaterials or Basic Sciences. The qualifying paper (also called a Master’s thesis) can be written based on original laboratory research results (laboratory-based thesis) or an in-depth literature study of an area of oral biology (library-based thesis). The thesis is typically mentored by a faculty member.

Scholarship and Financial Support

At present, there are no scholarships available and all applicants are fully responsible for all costs associated with this program. However there are teaching adjunct positions available. For more information contact Gail Kashishian in the Department of Biology: (212) 998-8212; gk6@nyu.edu.

Example Course Offerings

Button: display or hide Highly recommended courses offered through the Department of Biology

  • Bio Core 1: Molecules and Cells - BIOL-GA.1001, 4 points.
    A survey of the major topics of up-to-date molecular and cellular biology, starting with molecular structure and function of proteins and polynucleic acids and ending with genetics, systematic, and genomics.
  • Bio Core 2: Genes, Systems, and Evolution - BIOL-GA.1002, 4 points.
    A survey of the major topics of modern biology, including cell biology, developmental genetics, plant biology, neurobiology, population genetics, evolution, and systems biology.

Button: display or hide Highly recommended courses offered through the College of Dentistry

  • Integrative Seminars in Oral Biology I: Oral Systemic Connections - BASCI-DN.8048.001 /BIOL-GA.2048, 3 points.
    Introduction to current topics in oral biology primarily focusing on the connection between oral disease and other systemic diseases and medical conditions. Topics include various aspects relating to etiology of dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral facial pain, oral infections (oral biofilm, oral microbiome, HIV), metabolism of tobacco carcinogens by human oral tissue, squamous cell carcinomas, mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, and correlations between oral pathogens and chronic systemic inflammatory diseases.
  • Integrative Seminars in Oral Biology II: Bone Biology & Craniofacial Development - BASCI-DN.8049.001 /BIOL-GA.2049, 3 points.
    Introduction to up-to-date knowledge of skeletal and bone biology, molecular, cellular, and oral biology. Topics will cover both basic and clinical aspects of bone metabolism, skeletal biology, craniofacial development, bone and soft tissue remodeling, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, and chronic systemic inflammatory disease and osteoporosis.
  • Directed Individual Research in Oral Biology - BASCI-DN.8050-8052/BIOL-GA.3350-3352, 1-4 points.
    This course provides the opportunity for students to work with a faculty member at the NYUCD on his/her current research project, including laboratory research or library research (readings, literature reviews).

Button: display or hide Elective courses offered through the College of Dentistry

  • Issues in Global Pediatric Oral Health - BIOL-GA 2520/GPH-GU-2520, 3 points.
  • Introduction to Statistics for Health Professionals - D60.7040/GN.3501, 3 points.
  • Statistics for Health Professionals - D60.7014/GN.3502, 3 points.
  • Bioceramics - BIOM-GA.1003, 3 points.
  • Biomaterials Tissue Interface I - BIOM-GA.1005, 3 points.
  • Introduction to Electron Microscopy - BIOM-GA.1008, 3 points.
  • Imaging Science - BIOM-GA.1016, 4 points.
  • Host Response to Infection - BASCI-DN.7027-001/BIOL-GA.2027, 3 points. (Suitable only for International students with DDS degrees.)

Button: display or hide Elective courses offered through the Department of Biology

  • Toxicology - BIOL-GA.1006, 4 points.
  • Advanced Immunology - BIOL-GA.1011, 4 points.
  • Hot Topics in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - BIOL-GA.1023, 4 points.
  • Special Topics in Physiology - BIOL-GA.1031, 4 points.
  • Cell Biology - BIOL-GA.1051, 4 points.
  • Systems Biology - BIOL-GA.1128, 4 points.
  • Genomics and Global Public Health - BIOL-GA.2015, 4 points.
  • Introduction to Biostatistics - BIOL-GA.2303, 4 points.

 

Note:

The MS/OB track will be managed by the NYU GSAS Biology Department and the College of Dentistry. For the schedule of course offerings, please see the graduate course syllabi website.

Approval from the Directors is needed prior to registration for courses outside of Biology, Biomaterials, and the College of Dentistry.

For more information, please contact:

Christine Rushlow, Director of the MS in Biology Program (all tracks)
Professor of Biology, NYU Arts & Science
(212) 998-8270; chris.rushlow@nyu.edu

Joseph Guttenplan, Director of the Oral Biology Track
Professor of Basic Science & Craniofacial Biology, NYU College of Dentistry
(212) 998-9604; joseph.guttenplan@nyu.edu

Gail Kashishian, Graduate Student Coordinator
NYU Department of Biology
(212) 998-8212; gk6@nyu.edu