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The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers graduate
training for careers in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. Research
encompasses all areas of modern biochemistry, ranging from chemical biology
to molecular endocrinology, with an emphasis on structural biology, biophysics,
and RNA biochemistry applied to a wide range of biological topics. Our
department is distinguished by its intellectual rigor and collaborative
style. The interdisciplinary nature of the department is further accentuated
by the recent formation of the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, which
brings together biological and physical scientists to pursue common research
goals.
Admission
Applicants for graduate work in biochemistry and molecular biology should
have a minimum of one year of college chemistry including organic chemistry,
one year of college physics, and one year of college biology, each including
laboratory work. Training in mathematics should include calculus, and
it is recommended to have a course in introductory physical chemistry.
All of our Ph.D. candidates are guaranteed financial support for four
years in the form of fellowships and traineeships, covering full tuition
costs and a stipend for living expenses. Prospective students should write
to the Admissions Committee of the department early in the autumn of the
academic year preceding the year of entrance for information.
Degrees
Master of Science
While the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology does not offer
a formal master’s program, conferral of the degree of Master of Science
by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is possible after
the following achievements: (1) satisfactory completion of a program of
nine graduate courses in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry and molecular
biology (including research rotations) chosen in consultation with the
student advisor; (2) satisfactory preparation and oral defense of a research
report. We do not accept students seeking only a master’s degree.
This degree is in connection with the A.B./S.M. program or as a terminal
degree for students who have been admitted to the Ph.D. program and must
leave the program.
Doctor of Philosophy
The department offers a graduate program in biochemistry and molecular
biology which draws on the wide range of courses available both within
the department and in allied disciplines. A student advisor guides students
in their course selections. Conferral of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
requires the following achievements:
Satisfactory completion of a program of 12 graduate courses (including
three research rotations) chosen in consultation with the student advisor.
Satisfactory performance at the Ph.D. level in the qualifying examination
described below.
Completion of an original laboratory research project and satisfactory
presentation and defense of the research dissertation.
The qualifying examination consists of a written research proposal in
an area of modern biochemistry and molecular biology to be defended orally.
It is given after satisfactory completion of the first year of study.
In cases of unsatisfactory performance, the examination may be retaken.
Success in this examination constitutes the final prerequisite for students
beginning their doctoral research. Grades of B or better in all departmental
courses, a B average overall, and participation in the departmental seminar
course are expected for admission to the qualifying examination. Students
who do not meet the expected criteria will be evaluated on an individual
basis by the graduate student advisor and the Curriculum Committee.
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