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.

Curriculum

Journal Club10-14
Research Journal Club. 1
Required Courses
BMB 709Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology3
BMB 710Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology3-5
BMB 714Molecular Genetics4
BMB 715Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery2
BMB 719Fundamentals of Epigenetics3
Research Credits35
Doctoral Dissertation
Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy
Total Credit Hours60-66
1

Students in this degree program take BMB 701 multiple times, at 1 credit each for a total of 10 to 14 credits.

Suggested Plan of Study

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
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 714 Molecular Genetics 4
BMB 715 Structural Biology and Applications to Drug Discovery 2
BMB 830 Doctoral Dissertation 2
 Credit Hours9
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 709 Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
BMB 719 Fundamentals of Epigenetics 3
BMB 830 Doctoral Dissertation 2
 Credit Hours9
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Two
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 710 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours6
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours3
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 2
 Credit Hours2
Year Three
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours5
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours5
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours4
Year Four
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours5
Spring
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours5
Summer
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours4
Year Five
Fall
BMB 701 Research Journal Club. 1
BMB 840 Doctoral Dissertation- Post Candidacy 4
 Credit Hours5
 Total Credit Hours64

Mission

In agreement with the overall mission of both the University of Miami and the Miller School of Medicine, the BMB Executive PhD program strives to provide superior training in biochemical and molecular biological research and education to industrial and/or government laboratory professionals seeking a PhD degree. After the successful completion of this program, individuals will have a unique perspective on fundamental biochemical problems, resulting in more career options and increasing the likelihood that they will make important contributions to scientific progress and society.

Goals

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.