Overview

There are three different tracks in which students may enter and progress towards award of the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The first track involves admission through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS). Alternatively, students may apply and be directly admitted to the PhD program. Finally, the Executive PhD allows students to complete coursework and perform research at their place of work. In all cases, students are assisted in tailoring a program to match his or her interests. In general, students complete courses offered in a variety of formats, e.g., formal lectures, seminars, and workshops. Each BMB graduate program’s curriculum is designed to provide broad knowledge in the various aspects of molecular biology and biochemistry in addition to intensive training in certain specialized areas of research according to the student's interests.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to biomedical programs should have a bachelor degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisite requirements, courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry are encouraged. Applications are generally accepted from September to December for fall entry only. Select applicants will be offered an interview.

Competitve Candidates Will Have the Following:

  • Excellent academic record
  • Research experience in a laboratory setting
  • Publications of abstract and / or papers
  • Co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal is recommended
  • Strong letters of recommendation from research scientists who know the candidate well
  • Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research
     

Applicants Must Submit the Following:

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee
  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Exam (non-native speakers)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume / CV

Full application instructions can be found online.

Curriculum Requirements

Ph.D. - PIBS Plan

Biomedical Science Core
Journal Club 12
Journal Club
PIB 701Introduction to Biomedical Sciences5
PIB 702Scientific Reasoning3
PIB 705Biostatistics for the Biosciences3
PIB 731Laboratory Research1-6
PIB 780Research Ethics1
PIB 782Professional Development: Skills for Success I1
PIB 783Professional Development: Skills for Success II1
BMB Required Courses
BMB 701Research Journal Club. 21
BMB 702Biochemical Science Seminar 31
BMB 709Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology3
BMB 714Molecular Genetics4
BMB 715Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery2
Research Credits24
BMB 830Doctoral Dissertation1-6
BMB 840Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy1-6
BMB 850Research in Residence1
Total Credit Hours65-70
1

Students in this program take Journal Club twice for a total of 2 credits.  Please see the Plan of Study for more information.  

2

Students in this program take BMB 701 Journal Club each semester.  Please see the Plan of Study for more information.  

3

Students in this program take BMB 702 Scientific Seminar through the end of their third semester.  Please see the Plan of Study for more information.  

Ph.D. - Direct Admit

BMB Required Courses
PIB 705Biostatistics for the Biosciences3
PIB 780Research Ethics1
PIB 782Professional Development: Skills for Success I1
PIB 783Professional Development: Skills for Success II1
BMB 701Research Journal Club. 21
BMB 702Biochemical Science Seminar 31
BMB 709Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology3
BMB 714Molecular Genetics4
BMB 715Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery2
Research Credits27
BMB 830Doctoral Dissertation1-6
BMB 840Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy1-6
BMB 850Research in Residence1
Total Credit Hours63

Suggested Plans of Study

Ph.D. - PIBS Plan

Please note that the following is only a sample curriculum plan. Current students must discuss their plan with their program director to make adjustments as needed. It is the student's responsibility to contact the program to verify the information.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
PIB 701 Introduction to Biomedical Sciences 5
PIB 702 Scientific Reasoning 3
PIB 731 Laboratory Research 1
PIB 700 Journal Club 1
PIB 780 Research Ethics 1
PIB 782 Professional Development: Skills for Success I 1
 Credit Hours12
Spring
PIB 700 Journal Club 1
PIB 705 Biostatistics for the Biosciences 3
PIB 731 Laboratory Research 1
PIB 783 Professional Development: Skills for Success II 1
BMB 709 Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
BMB 715 Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery (Spring II Course) 2
 Credit Hours11
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Two
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 714 Molecular Genetics 4
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours8
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours4
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Three
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours4
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours4
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Four
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours3
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours3
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Five
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours3
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
BMB 850 Research in Residence 1
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours64

Ph.D. - Direct Admission Plan

Please note that the following is only a sample curriculum plan. Current students must discuss their plan with their program director to make adjustments as needed. It is the student's responsibility to contact the program to verify the information.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
PIB 780 Research Ethics 1
PIB 782 Professional Development: Skills for Success I 1
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 714 Molecular Genetics 4
BMB 830 Doctoral Dissertation 2
 Credit Hours10
Spring
PIB 705 Biostatistics for the Biosciences 3
PIB 783 Professional Development: Skills for Success II 1
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 709 Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
BMB 715 Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery (Spring II Course) 2
BMB 830 Doctoral Dissertation 2
 Credit Hours13
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Two
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 710 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours7
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours4
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Three
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours4
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 702 Biochemical Science Seminar 3 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours4
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Four
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours3
Spring
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
 Credit Hours3
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Five
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 2 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours3
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
BMB 850 Research in Residence 1
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours63

Mission

Our aim is to produce graduates who are thoroughly versed in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and who have a flexibility of approach that will allow them to take full advantage of new developments and techniques in other areas of research in whatever direction their career might lead them.

Goals

To provide students with: 

  • Training in discovery research and state-of-the art biomedical technologies by fostering unique and innovative research and collaborative interdisciplinary interactions among scientists of diverse backgrounds; 
  • An understanding of fundamental concepts in BMB and training to formulate and conduct original research;
  • An ability to communicate research within the broad field of BMB as well as the community
  • Training to become independent investigators.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate an overall knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in biochemistry and molecular biology, including the essential skills to conduct research in biochemistry and molecular biology.
  • Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, the capability to develop hypotheses, and the ability to evaluate their hypotheses, paying attention to responsible conduct of research as appropriate.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to write effective scientific reports and to present scientific results orally.