Introduction
The
Department of Biochemistry includes 45 full-time faculty members, 40
postdoctoral fellows, and 60 graduate students, all of whom participate
in a variety of active research and training programs. The research
in the department falls within the broad spectrum of biomedical research.
Overall, these efforts address fundamental mechanisms of life processes,
with an emphasis on the underlying bases of human disease. The department
is housed in a modern, well-equipped facility within the Boston University
Medical Center. Members of the Department of Biochemistry are actively
involved in collaborative efforts both within the department and with
other researchers throughout the various basic and clinical science
departments at the Medical Center. Specific research interests of the
faculty include extracellular matrix biochemistry and molecular biology,
regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, developmental biochemistry,
vesicle trafficking and signal transduction, protein structure and function,
mechanisms of catalysis, porphyrin biochemistry, protein-membrane interactions,
growth control and cell cycle, neurobiochemistry, mechanism of action
of steroid hormones, and mechanisms of oncogenesis. Research activities
are well supported by a variety of interdisciplinary research program
project grants, graduate student and postdoctoral fellow training grants,
and individual research grants.
The Department
of Biochemistry provides research training to graduate, postdoctoral,
medical, and allied health science students. Graduate-level courses
cover the major subdisciplines of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular
biology, and are taught by faculty with particular expertise in these
areas. These advanced courses emphasize recent findings as well as relevant
fundamental background information. Seminar programs within the department
and in the surrounding biomedical community provide students with an
opportunity to actively participate in discussions on the most recent
advances in the field of biomolecular sciences.
Requirements
for admission and programs of study are outlined below. For specific
details, students should refer to the Department of Biochemistry Graduate
Programs Handbook. This handbook can be obtained by writing to Dr. Barbara
M. Schreiber, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street,
Boston, MA 02118; by calling 617/638-5094; or e-mailing schreibe@biochem.bumc.bu.edu.
Requirements
For Admission
Students
who have completed an undergraduate degree usually with a major in biochemistry,
biology, or chemistry, and have taken courses in general biology, general
chemistry, organic chemistry, and calculus may apply for either an MA
or a PhD in biochemistry. Coursework in biochemistry and physical chemistry
is also recommended. Students who have completed an MA degree (in a
university within the USA) in biochemistry or a closely related field
can apply for a post-master's PhD. Candidates for an MD/PhD degree are
also eligible for admission.
A part-time
MA program is available to qualified applicants who are employees of
the Boston University School of Medicine (contact the Director of Graduate
Studies for further information). A student currently enrolled in our
MA program in biochemistry may apply for the PhD program if he/she has
completed 12 or more graduate credits in biochemistry (including GMS
MS 755/756 and excluding student seminar) and has obtained a GPA of
3.25 or better. In addition, the student must have taken and successfully
passed the written qualifying examination in biochemistry.
