A master's degree in the rapidly growing field of biochemistry will be available at UNLV beginning in August.

"Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level," said Stephen Carper, an associate professor of chemistry at UNLV. "As the word implies, biochemistry combines elements of both biology and chemistry. It encompasses those areas where medicine and science overlap at the molecular level.

"Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things," he explained. "They try to understand the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity."

Carper said the rigorous, two-year program will prepare graduates to pursue a number of options, including working for biotechnical or pharmaceutical firms, studying for a doctoral degree in biochemistry, or attending medical school.

"Our decision to create the master of science in biochemistry degree program was student-driven," Carper said. "For some time our students have been expressing an interest in such a degree and asking when UNLV might offer it."

For more information about the master's program in biochemistry, call Carper at 895-4297.