Biochemistry

Welcome from the Chairman

About the Program

Faculty

Courses

Master of Arts

Doctor of Philosophy

Students who have completed and 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 a PhD or an MD/PhD in biochemistry.  Coursework in biochemistry and physical chemistry is also recommended.  A student currently enrolled in our MA program in biochemistry may apply for the PhD program if he/she has successfully completed 12 or more graduate credits in biochemistry (including GMS BI 755/756 and excluding GMS BI 854.

Completion of the PhD program requires 64 credits (the PhD component of the MD/PhD degree requires 32 credits).  Some of these credits are taken as formal courses (including GMS BI 755/756, GMS MS 753, GMS BI 782 and GMS BI, 854, GMS MS 700 and advanced biochemistry classes; modifications are made to the MD/PhD program based on coursework taken in medical school), and the remainder are taken as research credits.  The PhD and MD/PhD candidates must also successfully complete Qualifying Examinations (both written and oral) and submit, present and defend a disseration based on original laboratory research performed under the direction of faculty member of the Department of Biochemistry.  The PhD program is designed so that the student can complete formal course work during the first two years in the program (MD/PhD candidates complete the formal coursework toward the PhD degree in one year).  In addition to coursework during the first year in the program, students rotate through four laboratories (MD/PhD candidates rotate through two laboraotires) to identify a laboratory in which thesis work will be performed.  The student then initiates his/her thesis research, while completing the formal coursework and Qualifying Examinations.

Sixty-four credits, including:

(1) GMS BI 755/756 Biochemistry

(2) GMS MS 753 Cell Biology

(3) GMS BI 782 Molecular Biology

(4) GMS BI 854 Biochemistry Seminar

(5) GMS MS 700 Biostatistics

(6) advanced courses totaling 8 credits

(7) a maximum of 38 credits in research.

Post-master's PhD and MD/PhD students need to complete 32 credits including a minimum of 14 credits of formal coursework. The particular courses and the number of credits depend upon the student's previous graduate studies.

Candidates for the PhD degree must pass both a written qualifying examination taken at the end of the first year of graduate study and an oral qualifying examination taken at the end of the second year. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of B (3.0) or better to take these exams. In addition, a passing grade on the written qualifying examination is required for a student to be eligible to take the oral examination and continue working toward the PhD degree. (See the "Academic Policies and Procedures" section in this bulletin for further details.)

Candidates are expected to discuss their research progress with a five-member Dissertation Advisory Committee annually, beginning in their first post-qualifying examination year. (See information in the "Academic Policies and Procedures" section.)