Curriculum
In the first year of the program, students typically enroll in semester- long courses providing intense instruction in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Advanced Biochemistry of Macromolecules. In addition, students participate in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics' Student Seminar series, in which every graduate student in the program delivers an annual seminar on his/her research (First-year students excepted). Also during the first two semesters, students complete three laboratory rotations (see below). Coursework in the second year typically involves 1 additional elective course, allowing students to specialize in their respective discipline.
Ph.D. Program Requirements
Core Curriculum
- BCH 412 – Adv topics In Bio Macromlcls (5.0 credits)
- BCH 501 – Biochemistry Seminar (1.0 credit)
- BCH 502 – Biochemistry Seminar (1.0 credit)
- BCH 595 – Phd Research (variable credits)
- IND 408 – Advanced Biochemistry (4.0 credits)
- IND 431 Foundations in Modern Biology I (5 credits)
- IND 432 Foundations in Modern Biology II (5 credits)
- IND 501 – Ethics & Prof Integrity in Research (1.0 credit)
Elective Courses
Electives provide students with additional breadth and depth in subjects important for their individual research areas. These courses are offered through the Basic Science Departments in the School of Medicine, as well as in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Suggested Electives
Fall Semester
- BCH 515 (1) Critical Thinking in Research Science
- BCH 517 (1) Topics in Cellular, Biochemical and Molecular Sciences
- BCH 521 (4) Bioinformatics for Life Scientists
- BIO 422 (4) Biology of Aging
- BIO 426 (4) Developmental Biology
- BIO 457 (4) Applied Genomics
- BST 463 (3) Introduction to Biostatistics
- BST 464 (4) Applied Linear Regression
- DSC 462 (4) . Computational Introduction to Statistics
- CHM 411(4) Inorganic Chemistry I
- CHM 415 (2) Group Theory
- CHM 423(2) NMR Spectroscopy
- MBI 473 (3) Immunology
- PHP 403 (4) Human Cell Physiology
- IND 507 (3) Cancer Biology Seminar
Spring Semester
- BIO 415 (4) Molecular Biology of Cell Signaling
- BIO 453 (4) Computational Biology
- BPH 411 (2) Methods in Structural Biology
- BPH 509 (2) Molecular Biophysics
- CHM 440 (4) Bio Organic Chemistry
- GEN 507(4) Advanced Genetics & Genomics
- IND 419 (3) Introduction to Quantitative Biology
- IND 443 (4) Eukaryotic Gene Regulations
- IND 447 (4) Signal Transduction
- IND 507 (3) Cancer Biology Seminar
- MBI 456 (4) General Virology
- MBI 421(3) Microbial Genetics & Physiology
- PHP 404 (4) Principles of Pharmacology
Additional Requirements
Student Laboratory Rotations
Rotations in the first year of study in three different laboratories allow the students to gain experience with methodology and instrumentation, and to become familiar with prospective research advisors for their thesis project. At the end of the first year, students choose a permanent advisor and embark on a Ph.D. thesis research program. Students may choose any faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry or a participating faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences as their research advisor.
Teaching Assistantship
A one-semester Teaching Assistantship is required. Students usually complete this requirement in the second year of study.
Student Research Seminars
The Student Seminar Series is designed to develop the organizational and speaking skills necessary for an independent career in research and to facilitate exchange of research information within the program.
Qualifying Examination
A Qualifying Examination at the end of the second year of studies is a means of determining the potential of the student for independent thought, experimental acumen, comprehension of the general field, and potential for exploiting a relevant problem in a scientifically sound manner. The M.S. degree is awarded upon successful completion of this examination.
Thesis
At the end of the first year, students choose a permanent advisor and embark on a Ph.D. thesis research program. The Ph.D. is awarded based on development of an Independent Thesis Research Project as well as a written dissertation describing the rationale, methodology, results, conclusions and significance of the project and an oral examination.