phd in biochemistry usa

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 – 6 years

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About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program, faculty, and students work together to increase knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes. Our program trains students to be successful independent scientists and gives them the knowledge, research training, and leadership skills to continue to provide new insights into the biomedical issues that have a profound impact on public health.

Students engage in a rigorous course curriculum and a range of structured and informal activities outside the classroom and lab to build their skills. They will pursue their thesis research in the lab of one of our over forty training faculty across the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Visit our dedicated PhD program website to learn more about the diverse research training opportunities of the program.

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Highlights

Our position within the School of Public Health provides a unique setting in which students learn how biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and genetics can be used to solve significant problems in public health and medicine. Our program offers:

• Training faculty from across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine
• A strong grounding in the science of biomedical and public health research through a core curriculum that includes courses taught by leading experts from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine
• Training outside the lab and classroom in key skills such as communications and leadership
• Opportunities to build strong communications skills through a range of speaking venues including journal club, research colloquium, department retreats, and national meetings
• Access to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professional Development and Career Office , offering excellent career services and professional development,  including the BMB-required OPTIONS program, a guided process of career exploration for paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond
• Opportunities to participate in community service and outreach, with a focus on our East Baltimore neighborhoods, through the Johns Hopkins University community engagement and service-learning center, SOURCE

Training faculty across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine

Schools that students can take courses in: Public Health, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering

Two-month rotations in the first year prior to selecting thesis lab

Average number of incoming students in the BMB PhD degree program each year

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Research Scientist
• Science Policy Adviser
• Biotech Executive
• Senior Scientist
• Patent Lawyer
• Science Policy Analyst/Advocate
• Science Writer/Journalist
• Biological Sciences Teacher

Topic Areas

The BMB PhD program faculty conduct research to gain new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cellular processes, and their relevance as targets for improving health and treating disease. Our training program places particular emphasis on mechanistic approaches to research problems.

Common topic areas within our faculty's diverse research interests include:

• Biophysics and Structural Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Chemical Biology and Proteomics
• Cell Biology
• Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
• Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Translational Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The BMB PhD offers students a rigorous course curriculum, including a set of common core classes from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine. A rich array of seminar programs and journal clubs are also available to all students.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Courses in core curriculum

Minimum elective credits

Seminars on current research presented by experts from across Johns Hopkins and other biomedical research institutions

Courses available across Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Work Experience

Laboratory research experience (from academia, industry, etc.) is required

Prior Coursework

Strong background in the sciences, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Ashani T. Weeraratna

Ashi Weeraratna, PhD, studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.

Michael J. Matunis

Michael Matunis, PhD, studies how protein modification by SUMO—the small ubiquitin-related modifier—drives changes in key cellular pathways from stress response to DNA repair.

Jennifer M. Kavran

Jennifer Kavran, PhD, MS, MPhil, is a biophysicist who investigates how cells communicate with each other and their environment.

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng Cai, PhD, combines advanced microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to tease out the functions of protein condensates in cells, with a focus on cancer.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1, 2024. VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 2024 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

In the BMB PhD program, all full-time PhD students who remain in good academic standing will receive the above support through the entire duration of the program.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Mike Matunis, PhD PhD Program Director

Roza Selimyan , PhD BMB Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Education Programs

Erika Vaitekunas Administrative Specialist

[email protected]

Compare Programs

• Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
• Master of Science (ScM), Offered by BMB
• Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by BMB
• Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by MMI
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Offered by MMI
• Master of Health Science (MHS) in Environmental Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health

The application deadline for Fall 2023 is November 30, 2023.  Please apply here . Please sign up to receive information about our biochemistry program and follow us on Twitter . 

  Study Among the Best

With 2 Nobel Laureates, research recognized by membership in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and 6 faculty in the National Academy of Sciences, Duke’s  Department of Biochemistry  is one of the pre-eminent programs in the country. We offer a wide range of research options and close collaboration with our  faculty —training you to become a skilled scientist who’s ready for academia, industry, or government.

Biochemistry PhD graduate students learn the fundamental concepts in biochemistry and physical biochemistry and the critical analysis of published research through:

• Faculty mentored research
• Graduate coursework
• An environment that leverages knowledge from in and outside the university

You will work with primary and/or multi-disciplinary  faculty  to choose a thesis topic from a wide range of current research projects including:

• Analysis and design of protein and RNA structure
• Biogenesis of membrane proteins
• Cytoskeleton structure
• Drug design
• Enzyme mechanisms
• Glycoproteins
• Ion channel structure and function
• Membrane receptors and signal transduction
• Membrane vesicle production and function
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology
• Mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, drug resistance, and tolerance
• Metalloproteins
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription and gene regulation
• RNA modification
• X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding

Broaden Your Horizon. Focus Your Career Plan

We provide  resources  that start you on your career trajectory with leadership instruction, professional development, and teacher training workshops. In a testament to our career development, our graduates have taken positions in academia, industry, and government agencies.  See where they're working .

Our Location Fosters Collaboration

The  Department of Biochemistry  is an integral part of the world-renowned  Duke Medical Center  and sits adjacent to the Arts and Sciences Campus—placing our faculty and students in the center of a highly productive and collaborative scientific community

"Duke  is very committed to taking care of its students—there is always someone who is ready to help and support you. The biochemistry department especially feels like home! "  —Grace Hooks, 2019 Matriculant

We’re Here to Help   

You’ll have access to multiple  resources  that will help you transition to your PhD in Biochemistry and make your graduate experience just a little bit easier.

The Duke Graduate School The Graduate School  fulfills the academic, financial, social, personal, and cultural needs of all graduate students by promoting diversity, encouraging faculty/student communication, and advocating for your primary student role—immersion in your research.

The Department of Biochemistry Within the department, there are the Faculty Advisory Committee ,  Research Mentors ,  Curriculum Advisors ,  and the  Biochemistry Graduate Student Office  that works for your success and helps you plan for your future. 

The Biochemistry Graduate Student Council (BGSC) This  BGSC  is composed of five, annually elected members who represent the graduate student body. Three members serve as core BGSC representatives; the fourth member coordinates volunteer and outreach opportunities; while the fifth member is the department's Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) representative. The BGSC helps identify and solve graduate student life issues by working with the department and the Graduate School.  And at monthly meetings, the council and interested students discuss upcoming BGSC hosted events.

Biochemistry Mission Statement

The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse backgrounds in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice through courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in research, education, or other disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to excellence in research scholarship and fosters a spirit of creativity, service, and respect, within an environment that is ethical, inclusive, and diverse.

Graduates from our program will have the necessary knowledge, research skills, and career guidance in the field of biochemistry to succeed in a research and/or scientific career . Specific program aims are:

• Coursework: Graduates will be trained in a broad understanding of cellular structure and function at a molecular level; with deep knowledge in specific disciplines such as nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysical methods, mechanistic enzymology, glycobiology, and membrane biogenesis, dynamics, transport, and receptor biology; and critical scientific thinking skills.
• Research: Develop student skills a) in the laboratory and/or with computational research in order to reveal new biological principles; b) to perform in-depth analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research results; and c) to conduct ethical and responsible research.
• Career Development: Prepare graduates for careers in interdisciplinary biochemical fields through training in scientific research, responsibility and ethics, teaching, and science communication.

Biochemistry, PhD

The PhD program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be successful, independent scientists who can contribute to current challenging societal issues. Students earning a doctoral degree in biochemistry are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most also choose to join transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as biogeochemistry, energy and sustainability, fundamental chemical biology, materials and nanoscience, medicine and health, and structure function and dynamics.

students funded

Annual research funding, research groups, admission information, how to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is January 1. Applications received prior to the deadline will receive priority consideration, but applications received after the deadline may still receive consideration, pending available space. Applicants will receive final notice of decision by March 15.

All applicants must apply through the Graduate Admissions office. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions  directly . Please do not mail any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences. 

The School of Molecular Sciences utilizes a two-part application process and both parts are required. The first part is the General Application through the ASU Graduate Admissions office. The second part is a supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences through SlideRoom. 

Step 1:General Application

The first step is to submit the General Application through Graduate Admission Services.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

The supplemental application can be completed immediately following submission of the General Application. You will need your Application Reference number in order to submit, but can begin the application without it. The Supplemental Application will close on the application deadline and no new applications will be allowed. Applications started by the deadline will be granted a 7-day grace period to complete the application.

Access the Supplemental Application

***GRE NOT required ***

Requirements

Minimum Requirements required for admission:

• GPA of at least 3.0
• Applicants from Indian institutions (3-yr BSc) must have completed a Master's degree.
• International Applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for  English Proficiency  (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE)

While all applications meeting the minimum requirements will be reviewed, competitive candidates generally meet the following benchmarks:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (IELTS 7/7, equivalencies for other tests will be determined as needed). Additional English requirements are required by ASU for employment as a TA for speaking section less than 26.

Application

All applicants are required to pay the application fee ($70 – domestic / $115 – international). The application fee will be refunded to all students who are accepted into and agree to join our program.

You will need the following information to complete the general application:

• Beginning/ending dates and location(s) of your academic degree(s);
• Grade point average (GPA) - Information on calculating overall, junior-senior undergraduate and graduate GPA can found on the  Graduate Admission website .
• TOEFL scores (unofficial scores can be used in your initial application)
• Arizona Residency information if you are a resident in the state of Arizona (general tax and employment history)
• Submitting unofficial transcripts could expedite admission and not require submission of official transcripts in order to receive a formal offer

You will need the following information to complete the supplemental application:

• Areas of research and faculty member interest
• A brief Personal Statement that includes a narrative concerning your motivations for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, your long-term career goals, further information on research experience, potential ASU faculty interests and a list of all honors, awards and scholarships. It is particularly important to describe your research experience and list any publications.
• Contact information (email address) for three (3) faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you, and can comment on your suitability for advanced scholarly work. One of these must be your current research supervisor. If you are employed full-time, only one of these letters can be from your employer. Faculty member letters are much more important than letters from employers.
• Electronic copies of your unofficial transcripts. (individual PDF file for each transcript)

Acceptance decisions may be extended on the basis of the unofficial information submitted as part of the application, although an official offer cannot be extended until the all official transcripts and test scores have been received and added to the official graduate admissions application.

Domestic students who apply by the deadline and are extended an offer of admission will be invited to visit campus during our Visitation Weekend in mid-February.

International

The School of Molecular Sciences values a diverse student population and welcomes applications from international students. The University sets  English proficiency requirements  for admission for international students whose native language is not English, or for whom the official language of the country of origin is not English. The University will also require international students employed as a teaching assistants to demonstrate additional proficiency in spoken English. The School of Molecular Sciences prefers applicants who demonstrate English proficiency beyond the University required minimums as follows:

• A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (additional English requirements are required for employment as a TA)
• An IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with speaking score of 7.0 or better
• Equivalencies for other exams will be determined as needed.  

The test of English proficiency must have been taken within two years of starting the program (i.e. for fall 2022 admission, the test must have been taken after August 1, 2020.) You will need to retake the test if your results are more than two years old. Official scores should be sent by the Education Testing Service (ETS) as soon as possible. When ordering a score report from ETS, use institution code 4007 (a department code is not needed). Applications will not be considered without valid evidence of English proficiency.

Applicants who satisfy one of the following criteria through attendance at a regionally accredited college or university in the US are exempt from the English proficiency admission requirements:

• Applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
• Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the  ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
• Applicants who have completed at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S or from an international institution that is officially recognized in that country and is on the  ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English. Student should email  [email protected]  to request exemption and include a letter from the institution on letterhead indicating language of instruction or provide information on the institution website to verify language of instruction.
• Applicants who have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.

NOTE: Exemption can only be obtained by providing proof through submission of official documentation, i.e. official graduate transcript. The requirement will remain on your account until the verification has been completed by the Graduate Admissions office.

All international academic records must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal and complete versions of original records, and the documents must be translated by a university, a government official, or an official translation service. Students who are applying from Indian institutions must send both their Certificate and Mark Sheets.

The university sets an additional requirement for spoken English proficiency for students to be hired as Teaching Assistants. Students who do not meet the threshold for spoken English proficiency (iBT speaking score of 24/IELTS speaking band score of 7.5) are brought in early and provided assistance to prepare for and take the test of spoken English that is administered by the university.

For additional information, please visit the Graduate Admission Services page dedicated to  International Students .

All students accepted in the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are guaranteed financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant (Teaching/Research Assistant) position for five years. Students are typically appointed as Teaching Assistants for at least the first year. Research assistantships come from faculty grants and are awarded based on the availability of funds. There are some departmental, college, or university fellowships that are awarded on a competitive basis. Highly qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for a graduate fellowship from the  National Science Foundation  (NSF-GRFP),  National Institutes of Health  (NIH-F31) as well as other national fellowship programs, i.e. DOE, EPA, NASA, etc.

The standard stipend for all students on TA/RA is $12,293 per semester for fall and spring ($24,586) and full summer funding is $8,195 for TA or RA. Total annual stipend is $32,781.

Tuition and Health Insurance benefits are provided for all students with Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship positions with at least a full-time (.50 FTE) appointment (20 hours per week). Tuition - Tuition waivers cover the full cost of tuition for resident and non-resident students with a TA/RA appointment. Information on the cost of tuition and the value of this benefit can be found in the  Academic Catalog . Health Benefits - The university covers the cost of individual health insurance premiums for all TAs and RAs with full-time appointments (.50 FTE). More information on this plan can be found at  ASU Health Services  website (Billing and Insurance > Health Coverage Options).

Additional information about the specific policies of the RA/TA position at ASU can be found in the Graduate College  TA/RA Handbook .

Students seeking to transfer from another graduate program are accepted only under exceptional circumstances. If you are currently, or have been in another graduate program in chemistry or biochemistry in the United States, you must supply three letters of recommendation from your current institution (i.e. the one that you are transferring from, or the one you previously attended). Do not have letters sent from earlier (undergraduate) institutions. Specifically, we will need a letter from your current research advisor (or prior graduate research advisor) stating explicitly why you want to transfer to ASU. Without a letter from your research advisor, we will NOT be able to review your application.

Application Fee Waiver Request

The School of Molecular Sciences has earmarked a small amount of money to provide application fee waivers to assist students with a demonstrated financial need. To apply for fee waiver, please complete the application below:

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request Form - Fall 2024

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request form

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• To obtain the Application Number, you will need to start the Graduate Application and complete it up to the payment page. Do not submit payment information. Save and exit the application. You will receive your Application Number via email within about 24 hours. (If you submit payment, it cannot be undone and you will not be reimbursed, except as noted below as part of the standard admission/reimbursement process.)
• Brief essay (about 150 words) detailing your financial hardship
• Brief essay (similar to your personal statement for graduate school) describing why you are interested in earning a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry at ASU
• Names of three faculty members you would be interested in having as a possible research advisor and why you are interested in them
• Copies of unofficial transcripts, combined into one PDF document. (file name: Last name, First name – transcripts )
• Copy of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score report (International applicants only). (f ile name: Last Name, First Name: English Proficiency )
• Additional supporting documents (combined into one pdf). ( file name: Last Name, First Name: supporting documentation )

Fee waiver requests will be considered until all funds have been exhausted, but must be submitted by December 1. Requests will be evaluated upon receipt in the order received and students will be informed of the decision within about two weeks. Receipt of an application fee waiver does not guarantee admission to a PhD program. If you do not receive a fee waiver, but are admitted to the chemistry or biochemistry PhD program and join the program, the application fee will be reimbursed at the beginning of the first semester.

This fee waiver request is only available to applicants of the Chemistry or Biochemistry PhD programs. Applicants for MS degrees are not eligible.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required. The committee will not factor in GRE scores sent to ASU.

Do I have to pay the application fee?

Yes. The application fee is paid with the general graduate application. The fee is $70 for domestic students and $115 for international students. The application fee will be refunded to all students who are admitted and choose to join our program. This fee is set by the University and is out of our control.

If I send my application information in an email, can I receive a pre-evaluation to see if I am eligible to apply?

We receive many inquiries and applications; therefore, we are not able to preview your scores to determine your eligibility to apply or make suggestions on your credentials.

I missed the deadline for application. Can I still apply?

Applications received after the Jan. 1 deadline may be reviewed and considered for admission if space permits; however, the applicant may not be eligible for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend. International students must consider important dates for the issuance of immigration documents. Applications are only accepted for the fall semester. We do not admit students to begin study in the spring semester.

Do all supporting documents need to be submitted by the deadline date?

Supporting documents may be submitted after the deadline; however, preference is given to applicants whose files are complete by the application due date. Submission of documents after the deadline may exclude your application from eligibility for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend.

Is a master's degree required for applying to the PhD program?

Students applying to the PhD programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline by the semester in which they want to begin their graduate program. A Master’s degree is not required, with one exception. Due to differences in the educational system in India, applicants who have received their degree from an institution in India must have also completed a Master's degree. (4-year degrees, usually Biotechnology degrees, from India are considered equivalent to a 4-year BS degree and do not require an accompanying Master’s degree.)

Why can't I access the departmental supplemental application page?

You will need an ASURITE ID from Graduate Admission Services before you can access this page. Graduate Admission Services will not send your ASURITE ID until you have completed and submitted the general application, i.e. you must click the "submit" button at the end of their application. Please also make sure that the email containing your ASURITE ID has not been caught in your SPAM filter.

If you have received your ASURITE ID and you still cannot access the application, please wait 1-2 days to allow for our supplemental application database to sync with the Graduate Admission Services database (due to the schedule, this can take up to 48 hours). If after 48 hours you still cannot access the application, please check your MyASU to confirm that you have an application on file. If when accessing the application you encounter a page requesting that you log out, please follow the log out instructions, close your internet browser, and then try the link again. You may also need to log out of MyASU directly, since many browsers allow for MyASU to remain logged in, which can cause an authentication time-out error for the supplemental application. After logging out of MyASU, close your browser and then attempt to access the supplemental application again.

How many students will you admit this year?

Our recent incoming classes have ranged from 30-40 students, selected from ca. 450 applicants. The class size for any given year will be determined by faculty demand for new students.

Do I need to send official transcripts to both graduate college and the department?

Applicants are asked to submit an electronic copy of their unofficial transcripts as part of the Supplemental Application to the School of Molecular Sciences. SMS will use the unofficial transcripts for their review. Official transcripts must be sent to Graduate Admission Services for evaluation for you to be eligible for admission. Please do not mail your official transcript or any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences.

I am an international student, when should I submit the financial guarantee form?

The Financial Guarantee form should be submitted only if you are accepted to a graduate program. Graduate Admission Services will send information on completing this form with their official admissions notification. Information on how to complete this form will also be included with the official offer letter.

When will a decision be made on my application?

The School of Molecular Sciences Admissions Committee will begin their review of applications close to the deadline. The number of applications received in the past few years has averaged over 450 per year; therefore, it may take up to 6 weeks before notices are sent. The Admissions Committee appreciates your patience while they carefully review each applicant's qualification for our graduate programs. Every effort will be made to provide final decisions by March 15.

Information on the Graduate Admission Services application can be found on their website or you can contact them by email or by calling 480-965-6113. Additional information can be found on their Contact page.

How can I check the status of my application?

Your application status can be checked in two places:

For your general application, please check your MyASU portal, specifically your Priority Tasks panel for any required items that need to be submitted. If your application status is “In Review” your official application is complete and nothing further is required for the official application.

For the Supplemental Application, please log in and click the "Check Documents Status" bar at the top of the application. All information that has been submitted is live and can be seen by the committee, there is no final submit button.

Where do I send official documents?

If sending by U.S. Mail, use this address:

Admission Services Applicant Processing Arizona State University PO Box 871004 Tempe AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:

Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Do not mail any documents, including official transcripts or copies of test scores to the School of Molecular Sciences.

Is there a special form to complete for financial support via a graduate assistantship?

There is no additional paperwork to complete for a Graduate Assistantship.

What kind of financial support is available through the department?

All students accepted into the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are offered financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant position.

Students are welcome and encouraged to apply for fellowships available through the Graduate College or federal agencies (i.e. NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) to supplement or substitute for the standard funding, which can often allow for additional focus on research and a reduction in the time required to complete the degree.

Which professors are actively recruiting students? Should I contact individual professors about their research group?

Professors' group requirements change constantly and we are not able to provide a list of actively recruiting faculty. However, all students, whichever professor they eventually work for, must first apply to and be accepted into the program. Individual professors do not make decisions regarding admissions and should not be contacted with admission inquiries. Professors will often discuss research projects by email with enthusiastic applicants.

Where can I find the form for recommendation letters?

There is no form for recommendation letters; they are submitted electronically. Within the Supplemental Application you will provide email addresses for your recommendation writers and an email will be sent to each recommender with instructions on how to submit a letter in support of your application. We can only accept letters of recommendation that are submitted electronically using our system.

Where can I find information about the graduate admission services application and how do I contact them if I have a question?

Learn more about Degree Requirements and Courses and electives

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Ph.D. in Biochemistry

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 31
• Students: 55
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application Terms: Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

Meta Kuehn Director of Graduate Studies Department of Biochemistry Box 3711 Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710

Phone: (919) 681-8770

Email: [email protected]

Website:  http://www.biochem.duke.edu

Program Description

Graduate students in the Duke Biochemistry Department engage in faculty-mentored research and graduate coursework that develops an understanding of fundamental concepts in biochemistry, physical biochemistry, as well as the critical analysis of published research. Students choose thesis topics from a wide range of research projects under current study by primary and secondary faculty in the department, which include: enzyme mechanisms, signal transduction, cell cycle control, cytoskeleton structure, prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, genetic diseases, glycoproteins, DNA partitioning/segregation, plasma membrane receptors, cellular differentiation, gene regulation, mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology, processing of DNA, RNA modification, mRNA decay and translational control, multidrug resistance and tolerance, membrane vesicle biogenesis, microbial toxin activity, endocytosis, insertion of proteins into membranes, ion channel structure and function, metalloproteins, post translational modification, drug design, analysis and design of protein and RNA structure, and X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding. The department is located in a large, research-oriented medical center, which is immediately adjacent to the arts and sciences campus, fostering a productive and collaborative scientific community.

• Biochemistry: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE General: Optional
• GRE Subject tests (Biology, Chemistry): Optional This program does not require applicants to provide GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or other graduate entrance exam scores, but does allow you to upload scores if you feel they enhance your application. If you choose to submit test scores, you may enter them on the Test Scores page. If you choose to enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required component of your application.
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Statement of Purpose Guidelines The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse background in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice though courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in research, education, or other disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to excellence in research scholarship and fosters a spirit of creativity, service, and respect, within an environment that is ethical, inclusive, and diverse.

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes; record externally and provide URL in application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

PhD Program

Be part of innovative research and mentored by leading experts in the field.

Every student must publish at least one first author research paper prior to graduation

Our department offers a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. The program is designed for students interested in molecular mechanisms, proteomics, and biophysics. The department accepts up to five PhD students each year.

What You’ll Learn

Your training as a doctoral candidate in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology at GUMC will be multifaceted. Our program has developed a solid educational platform designed not only to challenge the candidate, but also to provide supportive mentorship in order to aid the candidate as they develop their own skillsets and become a scientific leader.

Thesis mentors are available from a variety of backgrounds spanning stem cell biology and human tissue engineering to traditional biochemical analytics, with an optional focus on informatics- or systems-based medicine. Each faculty mentor represents a diverse component of the biomedical scientific enterprise and each has dedicated their career to enhancing biomedical science through independent research and doctoral candidate training.

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, law, and finance. Contact the program if you would like more information.

Learn about the application process.

Browse our required courses.

Course Schedule

Find an example course schedule.

Student Resources

Many resources are available for current students.

Career Services

Prepare for the next step in your career.

Questions about the program or application process? Email us!

Graduate Programs

• Biochem & MolBiophysics PhD

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program ranks in the top 10 nationally and represents a traditional strength in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UCSD. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in the biochemical sciences as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. A high graduation rate in an average of just over five years can be attributed to the quality of applicants admitted, the flexibility of our program of study, the opportunity for students to begin research in the first year, and the affordability of education made possible by our generous financial support policies.

Program Overview

Programs of study are tailored to the needs of individual students, based on their prior training and research interests. However, progress to degree is generally similar for all students. During the first year, students take courses, begin their teaching apprenticeships, choose research advisors, and embark on their thesis research; students whose native language is not English must pass an English proficiency examination. Beginning the first summer, the emphasis is on research, although courses of special interest may be taken throughout a student's residency. At the end of their first year, students choose the departmental members of their thesis committee and begin to prepare a written research proposal. During their second year, they complete their research proposal and defend it orally. In the third year, students advance to candidacy for the doctorate by defending the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans for their dissertation. Subsequent years focus on thesis research and writing the dissertation. Most students graduate during their fifth year.

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities for graduate students are comprehensive and interdisciplinary, spanning biochemistry; biophysics; structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology. Please refer to the faculty pages for full descriptions of the on-going research of faculty in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program. State-of-the-art facilities and laboratories support these research programs.

UCSD is a thriving community that stretches across campus with opportunities for research and collaborations among a large number of faculty in the Division of Biology, the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the School of Medicine, the La Jolla Institute of Immunology, the Salk Institute, and many others.

Special Training Programs

Interdisciplinary research and collaboration at UCSD is enhanced through a variety of training grants. These programs provide financial support for exceptional graduate and postdoctoral scholars and also unite researchers from across campus and throughout the La Jolla research community in special seminars, retreats, and courses. Doctoral students usually apply for training grants in their second year.

• Molecular Biophysics Training Grant
• Contemporary Approaches to Cancer Cell Signaling and Communication
• Interfaces Graduate Training Program
• Molecular Pharmacology Training Program

Teaching apprenticeships are a vital and integral part of graduate student training, and four quarters of teaching are normally required. See the Teaching Assistants page to apply. Students can gain experience teaching both discussion and laboratory sections. Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering both fundamentals and special techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the Teaching and Learning Commons on campus. Performance is evaluated every quarter, and awards are bestowed quarterly for outstanding teaching performance.

Financial Support

Students in good academic standing receive a 12-month stipend; fees and tuition are also provided. Support packages come from a variety of sources, including teaching and research assistantships, training grants, fellowships, and awards. Special fellowships are awarded to outstanding students based on their admission files. See Ph.D. Program Support Policy for more information.

Health and Dental Plan

A primary health care program, major medical plan, and dental plan are among the benefits provided by the University's registration fee (see Graduate Student Health Insurance Program, GSHIP) . Minor illnesses and injuries can usually be treated at the Student Health Center . Counseling is provided free of charge through Counseling and Psychological Services .

Creative, bright, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We admit for Fall quarter entrance only. The application will open around late September. The application deadline is in either November or December. The Admissions Committee reviews files individually and in comparison to others, and invitations to interview are made around January. For those invited, in-person interviews will be on campus in either February or March. Those who receive the official admissions offer from t he Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs ( GEPA ) have until April 15th to make a decision.

PostGraduate Placement

Graduates typically obtain jobs in academia or in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. La Jolla is home to the third largest Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry mecca. Many of our alumni stay in San Diego and obtain positions in one of the over 300 companies that are located near UCSD. During their PhD, students can take advantage of the many internships that are available at these companies. A large proportion of our graduates attain postdoctoral research positions in leading academic institutions. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Program provides career advising throughout the PhD. UCSD's Career Services Center and the Physical Sciences Student Success Center provides many resources for students, including the chance to videotape yourself in a mock interview!

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• Biochemistry, PhD

Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules, their roles in the cell, and the chemistry of their reactions in living systems. The Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB) is the merged graduate program between the Department of Biochemistry (in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (in the School of Medicine and Public Health). The program trains the next generation of biochemists and prepares them for 21st-century challenges in science. IPiB offers a PhD degree with a major in biochemistry. Although an MS degree is officially offered, students are not admitted for a terminal master's degree.

From atoms and cells to plants and animals, biochemistry research in IPiB is at the forefront of modern science. We are home to around 100 graduate students and 56 world-class faculty pursuing cutting-edge research in all areas of biochemistry, including cell and developmental biology, chemical biology, endocrinology, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, molecular genetics, molecular medicine, physical biochemistry and biophysics, quantitative biology, structural biology, systems and synthetic biology, and virology. The program teaches critical thinking skills, applicable to a wide range of professional fields that students pursue after graduation.

The size and breadth of IPiB provide unique opportunities for graduate students who want to pursue a degree in one of the top biochemistry graduate programs in the nation. Our modern facilities are filled with labs carrying out groundbreaking research in a collaborative, friendly, and inspirational atmosphere. Welcome to IPiB, and we hope that you can share our enthusiasm for the biochemical sciences!

Dual Degrees

The program participates with the School of Medicine and Public Health in offering a dual degree program for students wishing to complete both the MD and PhD degrees. For the prerequisites and degree requirements for the MD degree, as well as the online application form, see Medical Scientist Training Program .

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

To qualify for admission to the program, an applicant must complete a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited college or university. The basic background for graduate study in biochemistry ordinarily would be provided by an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or in one of the biological or medical sciences. The Admission Committee assesses a candidate’s potential for success in the program by taking all aspects of their application into consideration. Most successful applicants have completed a rigorous undergraduate curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Most have also had a substantive laboratory experience that demonstrates commitment and talent for research. The applicant's undergraduate grade point average must be at least 3.0 (4.0 scale). For more information, please visit the Prospective Students tab on the program's website.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

IPiB students receive a full stipend  as well as tuition remission and comprehensive health insurance. The stipends take the form of traineeships, research assistantships, or fellowships, and are guaranteed for all IPiB PhD candidates in good academic standing and making satisfactory research progress. IPiB also assists its graduate students with outstanding academic records in competing for university or national awards.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

For well-prepared advanced students, the program may accept up to 12 credits of prior graduate coursework from an uncompleted degree from other institutions towards the minimum graduate degree credit and minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. The minimum graduate residence credit requirement can be satisfied only with courses taken as a graduate student at UW–Madison.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the graduate degree.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison

No credits taken as a University Special student are allowed to transfer toward the graduate degree.

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student must have a faculty thesis advisor in the program. The thesis advisor advises the student about coursework, supervises the student's research, and acts as a mentor to the student through the student’s graduate career. The thesis advisor must approve the student's coursework before registration for a given semester and must also approve any subsequent changes to it.

A PhD thesis committee is composed of at least four graduate University faculty members, including the thesis advisor. The thesis committee is empowered by the program to advise the student about certification, administer the preliminary examination, oversee annual progress reports, approve thesis composition, and conduct the final PhD examination.

Credits Per Term Allowed

A maximum of 12 credits in fall and spring semesters and 2 credits in summer semesters is permitted for non-dissertators; 3 credits in fall, spring, and summer semesters for dissertators.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

All students, both US and international, receive an annual stipend and tuition remission for the duration of their studies, provided satisfactory progress is made toward their degree. Comprehensive medical coverage is also offered. In addition, some students are supported on fellowships or training grants. Students are chosen based on criteria specified by the different training grants.

Students may matriculate only in the fall semester.

• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Learning Outcomes
• Gain a broad understanding of the biochemical principles that underlie all biological processes.
• Become aware of the current limitations of the state of understanding of this discipline and the strategies that are required to advance the field.
• Formulate and design new approaches that extend and apply biochemical principles beyond their current boundaries.
• Conduct independent research using a diverse breadth of biochemical processes.
• Think critically to address research challenges using a broad range of the theories, research methods, and approaches to scientific inquiry.
• Collaborate with investigators within the program, university, and beyond since current and future advances in the biomolecular sciences demand interdisciplinary skills.
• Foster professional and ethical conduct in the sciences, including but not limited to: exposition of the scientific method; ethical design of experimental protocols; reproducibility in science; professional behavior in industrial, government, and academic settings; documentation of scientific results; communication to other scientists and the public; peer review; and confidentiality.
• Develop communications skills that enable the articulation of research to fellow scientists and non-scientists.
• Explore career development opportunities in industry, government and academia to realize professional goals and paths.
• Develop teaching and mentoring skills in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Faculty: Professors B. Fox (Chair, Department of Biochemistry), Kiley (Chair, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry), Amasino, Attie, Audhya, Bednarek, Brow, Buller, Butcher, Campbell, Cantor, Cavagnero, Chaudhari, Coon, Cox, Coyle, Craciun, Craig, Denu, Engin, Fan, C. Fox, Friesen, Galmozzi, Gellman, Grant, Harrison, Henzler-Wildman, Hess, Holden, Hoskins, Hull, Keck, Kirchdoerfer, Landick, Lewis, Lim, Merrins, Neugebauer, Ntambi, Putnam, Raman, Rayment, Rienstra, Romero, Senes, Sheets, Simcox, Sussman, Venturelli, Wang, Weeks, Wright

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Contact Information

Biochemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health Integrated Program in Biochemistry http://www.ipib.wisc.edu/

For prospective students [email protected]

Kate Ryan, for current and former students, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-265-2281 1142F HF DeLuca Biochemistry Building 420 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1532

David A. Brow, Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 608-262-1475 4204b Biochemical Sciences Building 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1544

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

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The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctorate degree program at IU School of Medicine typically takes five years to complete. The program includes two years of course work and three years of conducting original research full-time, culminating in a PhD thesis. This program prepares graduates for careers in academic research and teaching or in the business and industry side of bioscience.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements.

• A minimum of 30 credit hours of didactic coursework
• A minimum of 45 credit hours of research (B855)
• A minimum of 90 credit hours consisting of required and elective courses
• A scholarly thesis based on approved original research with oversight from a faculty mentor. Potential research topics include structural biology, signal transduction, drug development, regulation of gene expression, cancer biology and metabolic disorders.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and a B- or better in all PhD coursework

Curriculum Year One

Biochemistry PhD students must take at least two (of the available eight) two-credit Biochemistry core courses (BIOC-B811, GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G848, G852, G825, G826), which are offered among spring electives for the Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program (IBGP) or in the fall. These may be taken in year one or later years.

• GRDM-G715 Biomed I – Biomedical Science I – Biochemical Basis of Biological Processes*: 2 credits
• GRDM-G716 Biomed II – Biomedical Science II – Molecular Biology and Genetics*: 2 credits
• GRDM-G717 Biomed III – Biomedical Science III – Cellular Basis of Systems Biology*: 2 credits
• GRDM-G505 Responsible Conduct of Research*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G700 Translating Foundational Science to Contemporary Knowledge*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G702 Entering Biomedical Science Research*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G718 Research in Biomedical Science (first rotation): 2 credits

Biochemistry Core Electives

• GRDM-G805 Diabetes and Obesity: 2 credits
• GRDM-G825 Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology: 2 credits
• GRDM-G826 Synthetic Biology and Biologics: 2 credits

Research Communication (one of the following)

• COMM-C534 Distilling Your Message*: 1 credit
• COMM-C533 Improvisation for Scientists*: 1 credit
• ENG-W533 Science Writing for Public Readers*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G507 Reagent Validation as a Means for Enhanced Research Reproducibility*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G718 Research in Biomedical Science Rotations 2 and 3: 4 credits
• Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program open enrollment electives
• GRDM-G817 Molecular basis of cell structure and function: 2 credits
• GRDM-G852 Concepts of cancer biology: 2 credits
• GRDM-G807 Structural and chemical biology: 2 credits
• GRDM-G848 Bioinformatics applications to proteomics and genomics: 2 credits

Biochemistry Course Descriptions

Curriculum Year Two

Fall- Total of 10 credit hours

• GRDM-G855 Experimental Design and Research Biostatistics*: 1 credit
• BIOC- B890 Seminar: 1 credit
• Major course requirements: variable
• Minor course requirements: variable
• BIOC-B855 Research: variable

Spring- Total of 10 credit hours

• BIOC-B803 Advanced Biochemistry: 1 credit

Curriculum Years Three through Five

During years 3 through 5, the student will take didactic courses if needed to fulfill either requirements for the biochemistry major or their chosen minor. In year 3, the student will typically register for a total of 10 cr. hours each fall and spring, including 1 cr. hour of BIOC-B890. 4 credit hours of B890 are required before advancing to candidacy.   The student will advance to candidacy upon completion of both major and minor coursework and having reached a total of 30 or more didactic hours of coursework as well as successful defense of their thesis proposal which serves as the students qualifying examination.

Work will continue in the field of the candidate’s thesis. Emphasis will be on the ability to pursue research with relative independence and responsibility.

Curriculum for Dual Degree (MD/PhD) Program

MD/PhD students are not required to take GRDM-G715-717 but are expected to perform lab rotations during summer breaks from medical school classes. MD/PhD students must take two or more of the two-credit Biochemistry core courses (GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G852, G825, G826, G848) along with other courses required of IBMG and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD students (GRDM-G505, G655, G855, BIOC-B803 and B890 [4x]).

Thesis Requirement

After a laboratory for thesis research is chosen, an advisory committee consisting of at least three faculty from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and one external faculty member is formed with the approval of the thesis advisor and departmental chairperson. Upon advancement to candidacy, a thesis research committee is similarly formed but may consist of different faculty.

Financial Aid

 PhD students with eligibility to work in the U.S. receive a competitive annual stipend without a Teaching Assistant requirement ($29,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year) as well as tuition scholarships and health and dental insurance. Find additional financial aid information from the IUPUI Office of Student Financial Services .

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Students entering into our Ph.D. program generally have a B.S. in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, genetics, or related physical or biological science. During the first year in residence, students are advised by a graduate advisory committee and participate in coursework, teaching, and laboratory rotations.

Core Courses

The core courses in the biochemistry Ph.D. program include:

• BCH 590: Special Topics: Experimental Design and Application
• BCH 701: Macromolecular Structure and Metabolism
• BCH 703: Transcription, Translation, and Genome Dynamics
• BCH 705: Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation
• BCH 801 and 810: Departmental Seminar (Thursdays) and Graduate Seminar (Fridays)

Following the core coursework, students may enroll in up to two advanced courses, chosen by the student based on recommendations from their thesis advisor, designed to support their thesis project.  Advanced topics range from biophysical chemistry, advanced molecular biology, metabolism, bioinformatics, or several topics offered through other departments on campus. Students usually complete coursework is completed by the end of the second year. In addition, students gain teaching experience by participating as teaching assistants for one or more semesters. Students also attend weekly departmental seminars presented by eminent visiting scientists.

Graduate Support

We support doctoral students through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or faculty grants. In addition to stipend support, the department covers tuition for doctoral students and medical benefits through the Graduate Student Support Plan.

Application and Admission Timeline

Review of applications begins in November, and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the December 1, 2023 target date for fall admission, although applications will be accepted until January 15, 2024 .  Well-qualified applicants will be contacted in late December-early January. Due to ongoing health and travel concerns, the initial phases of the process will be virtual. Campus visits will be mid-Spring semester.

Incoming Students

Students are advised to arrive in Raleigh the first week of August to allow time to acclimate (exploring your new neighborhood, getting your North Carolina driver’s license, etc). The week before classes start (typically the second week of August), incoming students will meet with the director of graduate programs and the department head for initial advising of coursework. During this week, you will also complete paperwork, obtain your student ID, and secure a parking permit (if needed).

Doctoral students participate in two laboratory rotations, each approximately eight weeks in duration, which allow the student to choose a thesis advisor through knowledge of the laboratory environment.  You will have time to meet with current graduate students and faculty to learn more about potential rotation projects during orientation week. Students will select their first laboratory rotation at the end of orientation week and their second rotation four weeks into the semester. The first rotation continues until fall break, and the second rotation ends before finals week.

Selecting a Laboratory

At the end of the first semester, the student will select a thesis advisor in consultation with the director of graduate programs and the department head. Several factors will influence your decision, including laboratory rotations, TA experience, and approval of the graduate advisory committee. A five-member thesis committee is established, typically during the second semester in residence, which includes at least three members of the department faculty and at least one member from outside of the department. The thesis committee will meet with the student at least once per year, usually following their presentation in Graduate Seminar.

Preliminary Exam

Students are encouraged to schedule their comprehensive exam once they have completed the majority of their formal coursework. The exam occurs during the fourth or fifth semester of the program. The preliminary exams are a written component (an original research proposal written by the student) and an oral defense of the proposal. After successful completion, the student is admitted into candidacy.

Thesis Research

After completion of the thesis research, and with the approval of the thesis committee, the student writes a thesis, presents a departmental seminar based on the research, and defends the thesis before the thesis committee. The defense generally occurs at the end of the fifth year in residence.

Graduate School Forms

Students can complete the Ph.D. program within five years. It is essential to set goals for your progress and be aware of the deadlines you must meet and forms you to complete to stay in good standing and graduate. The Graduate School has numerous resources to assist you.

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Ph.D. Programs

The Department of Biology & Biochemistry offers Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and in Biology. The Ph.D. program in Biology has two degree tracks: the Cell and Molecular Biology degree track, and the Ecology and Evolution degree track.

Biochemistry

Faculty and graduate student research focuses on biochemical processes at the subcellular and macro-molecular levels and encompasses a variety of fields and methodologies. Areas of study include macromolecular structure and function as elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance; X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic techniques; enzyme reaction mechanisms; genomics; computational methods in molecular biology; computational biochemistry/biophysics; computer-aided drug design; signal transduction; neurochemistry; ion channel structure and function; the role of RNA in molecular evolution; the structure and function of virulence factors; and biotechnology.

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Cell and Molecular Biology

The faculty and students in this program share common interests in understanding the molecular mechanisms which drive both fundamental cellular processes and the developmental processes of morphogenesis, cell differentiation and gene regulation. The strength of the program is the diversity of the biological systems under study, which stimulates extensive exchange and collaboration between the various groups. Faculty expertise spans the disciplines of cell and developmental biology, molecular biology, physiology, microbiology, neuroscience, immunology, and genetics.

Ecology and Evolution

This program blends knowledge and methodology from diverse biological disciplines to better understand ecological and evolutionary processes operating at multiple scales—from molecules to individuals to societies to communities. Current research programs include experimental evolution, evolution of development, evolutionary genetics, behavioral ecology, community ecology and evolutionary bioinformatics in systems ranging from bacteria to ants, from protists to grasses. Faculty conduct studies in natural habitats including the Colorado plateau, and coastal salt marshes, and in artificial systems such as petri dishes and theoretical models.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Biology & Biochemistry believes that high-quality graduate studies require a commitment to high-quality research. As a result, our graduate students receive financial support sufficient to provide a modest standard of living that enables them to make a full-time commitment to their graduate training. Some of the types of financial support available to students are listed below. Additional financial assistance may also be available from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the University of Houston Graduate School .

Teaching Assistantships (TAs)

TAs are the main source of support for first-year students but are available in subsequent years for students not supported by grant funds. TAs will be provided a salary of $2,194.66/month (U.S. $26,335.92 per year). This level of support is sufficient for international students to obtain an F1 visa.

Research Assistantships (RAs)

RAs are the main source of support for students after their first year in the program. RA support is provided through grants to the lab the student joins to conduct graduate research. RA support is currently $2,194.66/month (U.S. $26,335.92 per year).

Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF)

Students supported as TAs or RAs are eligible for tuition fellowships to cover their mandatory tuition and fees. These fellowships provide the students with approximately $20,000/year to pay for mandatory tuition and fees. See more information on eligibility criteria .

Non-resident Tuition Waiver

Out-of-state students and international students employed as TAs or RAs receive a waiver of the additional tuition charged to non-residents.

Presidential Fellowship

All applications submitted for admission to the Biology & Biochemistry Graduate Program are reviewed by our Graduate Recruiting and Admissions Committee. This committee is comprised of a group of faculty from each division of the department. Once admitted to the program, accepted applicants are further evaluated for the Presidential Fellowship. The criteria for evaluation are as follows:

• Appropriate academic coursework in the major
• Outstanding grades in previous university coursework
• Demonstrated research ability or potential for research excellence.

If awarded, the student receives $2,000/per year for the first two years. This fellowship is in addition to the monthly stipend and Graduate Tuition Fellowship given to all students admitted to our graduate program. Students must meet minimum full-time enrollment (9 hours) and a cumulative 3.00 GPA to maintain the fellowship each semester it is held.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to outstanding students enrolled in our graduate program. The maximum award is $2,000/year. Recipients must be Texas residents and citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Students apply annually on the UH Foundation website.

Medical Insurance

In addition to their stipend, graduate students employed as TAs or RAs receive $150/month for health insurance. For more information about the student health insurance plan endorsed by and designed especially for the University of Houston, please see Student Health Insurance .

Cost of Living

Houston has a relatively low cost of living compared to most major U.S. cities and many low-cost apartments and houses are available.

Admission Requirements

The minimum entrance criteria for doctoral graduate studies in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry are as follows:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree (B.S.) with a major in Biology, Biochemistry, or an equivalent discipline. You can apply to our programs before you complete your degree, provided you graduate before you enter the program. ( NOTE: A prior M.S. is not a requirement to apply to our Ph.D. programs.)
• Grade Point Average ≥ 3.0 / 4.0 (overall or for the last 60 hours of coursework completed).
• The GRE is no longer required by our Ph.D. programs . If you decide to submit GRE scores, UH's Institutional Code is 6870.
• Informative, coherent and well-written statement of purpose .
• Three strong letters of recommendation .
• English Language Proficiency Requirement. All applicants, regardless of citizenship status, must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission. To fulfill this requirement, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria: a) Bachelor's degree (or higher) earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or at an institution at which English is the medium of instruction in the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, Trinidad, the Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Turks and Caicos, and English-speaking Canadian provinces. b) TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test. The minimum TOEFL score for the new revised paper-based exam is: Reading 20, Listening 20, and Writing 20. TOEFL scores must be received directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). UH's Institutional Code is 6870. c) IELTS. The minimum IELTS score required is an overall score of 6.5. The testing agency should mail the official results directly to UH. No electronic IELTS are accepted.  d) Duolingo. A minimum score of 105 is required.

Use the online application to submit all your documents electronically. Your references will be automatically contacted to submit their letters of recommendation. Please follow the instructions on the UH Graduate School Application page.

Tips for Applying

What we look for.

We seek to admit students who show a strong record of academic achievement and a high level of motivation and interest. Your record of academic achievement and ability is conveyed by your transcripts, GPA, and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, as well as your letters of recommendation. Your level of motivation and interest is conveyed by your personal statement and letters of recommendation. We will evaluate your application on the basis of your transcripts, test scores (GRE scores for everyone, TOEFL/IELTS scores for foreign students), your personal statement, and the letters of recommendation.

Transcripts and GPA

Successful applicants to our program generally have GPA's of 3.00 or higher. However, a student with a high GPA and a transcript with lots of non-rigorous courses may not be viewed as favorably as a student with a somewhat lower GPA who has taken courses that are essential preparation for graduate work (such as Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Evolutionary Biology, etc.). It is not essential to have all of these" foundation" courses before you start graduate school, but if you do not have most of them, you will not be well prepared for graduate school.

The GRE provides information regarding your overall academic ability. You are more likely to do well on the GRE if you prepare for the exam. Preparation guides and practice tests are available at most college bookstores.

Your school may provide assistance in preparing for the GRE; check with your career or academic counseling office.

TOEFL/IELTS

This exam is required for all applicants who have not obtained a prior university degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction (see list of exempt countries and English Language Proficiency Requirements ). These scores must be officially reported to the University before we can admit you to the program or offer financial support.

Statement of Purpose

Your personal statement is your opportunity to tell us why you want to join our graduate program and what your long-term goals and interests are. You do not have to know exactly what you want to do, or what scientific questions you want to pursue, but you should tell us what excites your interest or curiosity. Be specific. Your statement is also a chance to discuss any aspect of your application (such as academic history) that you feel warrants further explanation.

If there is a reason for your low GPA (a bad semester due to personal difficulties, for instance), you can provide a brief explanation in your personal statement. High GRE scores can make up for a low GPA, and a high GPA can balance out low GRE scores. In some cases, research experience and strong letters of recommendation can make up for low grades and low GRE scores.

Letters of Recommendation

You will need 3–4 letters of recommendation. Most or all should be from your professors, and the letters should come from people who know you personally as well as your academic performance. Make sure your letter writers know your academic record, reasons for wanting to go to graduate school, and long-term goals.

Contacting Faculty

You can contact individual faculty members in our department whose research is of interest to you, either before or after sending your application. Faculty interests and contact information are available on this Faculty Profiles webpage.

Find more information about the application process on the How to Apply page on the NSM website.

• Open for Applications: June 1
• Early Deadline: September 1  (apply by this deadline to guarantee full consideration)
• Late Deadline: November 1
• Open for Applications: October 1
• Early Deadline: January 1  (apply by this deadline to guarantee full consideration)
• Late Deadline: April 1

For More Information

Contact: Rosezelia Jackson 713-743-2633 [email protected]

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School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

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Department of Biochemistry

Pursue a PhD in Biochemistry

Request information    Degree requirements   Apply Core courses   Advanced Electives

We train graduate students to become skilled and creative biochemists and molecular biologists. We have outstanding resources in our internationally recognized faculty, graduate students, and research facilities. Our graduate program not only allows our research students to learn the latest techniques, but also fosters their development as independent scientists. With a PhD in Biochemistry from UIUC, you will be well-prepared to launch a career in academia or industry. Our alumni are leaders in industrial laboratories, research institutes, and government agencies, as well as in teaching, research, and administration in colleges and universities.

As a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry, you will pursue research alongside brilliant faculty and graduate students while advancing the frontiers of this exciting field. Our labs encompass a variety of areas, including biological chemistry and molecular biology: physical approaches to the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, including structural biology (Cryo-Em, x-ray crystallography, etc.); genomics, enzymology; membrane biochemistry and protein-lipid interactions; protein-nucleic acid interactions; molecular biological approaches to gene organization and expression; immunology; microbial physiology, and signal transduction. We collaborate with peers at units across campus and around the world.

At the U of I we boast world-class facilities, equipment, and technology . The department is a close-knit community which holds numerous events throughout the year, such as an annual research conference and graduate research seminar series.

Title Meet Yiquan

When he's not studying SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, Yiquan Wang, a biochemistry PhD student and member of Nicholas Wu's lab, can be found creating works of art. Yiquan shares how he's bridging his love for art and biochemistry to help people better understand virology. 

Title State-of-the-art facilities

The Department of Biochemistry contains all of the equipment appropriate for modern biochemical research. Specialized facilities available within the department include equipment for large scale growth and processing of animal cells as well as state-of-the-art S-ray diffraction equipment. Other supporting facilities include specialized labs for recording infrared, ultraviolet, fluorescence, electron spin resonance, mass, nuclear magnetic resonance, and optical rotatory dispersion spectra. Electronic, machine, photographic, and glass-blowing shops are also available.

The campus also provides many state-of-the-art core facilities, from the Beckman Institute to the Woese Institute for Genomic Biology .

Research collaborations   Research facilities & resources 

The Department of Biochemistry is part of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. Prospective Biochemistry PhD students should apply directly to the MCB PhD Program .

During your first semester, you will rotate through three laboratories to learn experimental techniques and the information you need to choose a research project. You will then select a research adviser and formally join the graduate program by the spring semester of your first year.

Financial support

All students accepted into the PhD program receive year-round financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which provide a generous stipend as well as a full tuition and partial fee waiver. The department guarantees financial support to all students as long as they make satisfactory progress toward their PhD. Students are also encouraged to apply for extramural pre-doctoral fellowships for which they may be eligible, such as the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ford Foundation, and other fellowships.

MCB PhD Programs

Shawna M. Smith, MCB Graduate Program Coordinator Lori Raetzman, Associate Director of MCB Graduate Program [email protected] ; 217-333-1737

Graduate student affairs: [email protected]

Satish Nair, Department Head and Gregorio Weber Chair [email protected] ; 217-333-3945

Kai Zhang, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Director of Graduate Studies; Associate Head, Department of Biochemistry [email protected]

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Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—PhD

This interdisciplinary PhD program responds to a national and international need for more researchers to address problems in the areas of human health, disease treatment, and sustainable environment at a molecular level. Advanced education in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields is essential for creative and productive approaches to these problems. Are you ready?

Program Overview

The doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology program’s allows for specialization depending on your goals. Areas include but are not limited to algal polymers, tree genetics, gene silencing and microRNAs, human diseases including diabetes and cancer, plant- microbe interactions, nanotechnology and nanomedicine, and protein misfolding and aggregation diseases.

Delivery Options

• On-Campus: PhD

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Details

Learn more about the biochemistry and molecular biology program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

• Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
• Pass Qualifying Examination
• Pass Research Proposal Examination
• Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
• Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the  Doctor of Philosophy Requirements  website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about biochemistry and molecular biology at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

• Additional Program Details
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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Research

"Using fruit flies, my doctoral research focuses on understanding how animals develop their color patterns and discover the regulatory pathways involved in complex color pattern formation in animals."

Graduate Director

Tarun K. Dam

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program. Sample areas include:

• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Biotechnology
• Conservation Genetics

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Applying to Graduate School is free  (no application fees) and  fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

• have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
• be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements , including required materials:

• Student Statements
• Official Transcripts

Program Specific

• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Résumé / Curriculum vitae (waived for Michigan Tech undergrads)
• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.10 or better on a 4.0 scale
• GRE not required

International Students

• TOEFL: Recommended Minimum Score of 85 iBT
• IELTS: Recommended overall score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum of 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

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• Biochemistry, PhD

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. For an application and departmental materials that provide greater detail on programs, offerings, admission, degree requirements, and financial aid,  visit our website . The Department of Biochemistry is a part of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), which also includes the Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology and Molecular and Integrative Physiology as well as Programs in Biophysics and Neuroscience. The Department is part of an umbrella program in MCB that encompasses over 70 different research laboratories. Students admitted into any of these departmental graduate programs can select faculty thesis advisors from these active research laboratories in the School. Close ties are also maintained with the School of Integrative Biology, the School of Chemical Sciences, the College of Medicine, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Admission Applicants interested in the Biochemistry, PhD program will need to apply directly to the  School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) PhD program .  The MCB PhD program is an umbrella program that requires admitted students to spend their first semester rotating among three different labs to explore their interests before joining one of our four departments. 

MCB Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher (A = 4.0), prior research experience and three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic and research background. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is  not  required. Applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry should have a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus.  In addition to these requirements, non-native English-speaking applicants must attain a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) overall score of 96, with at least a score of 22 on the speaking section . MCB does  not  accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to show English proficiency. Graduate College requirements also apply.

Graduate Teaching Experience Experience in teaching is considered a vital part of the graduate program and is required as part of the academic work of all Ph.D. candidates in this program.

Centers, Programs, and Institutes Biochemistry faculty are appointed and active in several cross-campus academic and research units, including the Center for Biophysics & Computational Biology, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Institute for Genomic Biology, as well as the interdepartmental graduate programs in Biophysics & Computational Biology, and Neuroscience.

Faculty Research Interests Faculty research in the Department of Biochemistry covers a broad spectrum of the most dynamic areas of current research in biological chemistry and molecular biology: physical approaches to the structure and function of macromolecules and membranes; nucleic acid biochemistry and enzymology, enzyme mechanisms and evolution; membrane biochemistry and bioenergetics; protein-lipid interactions; protein-nucleic acid interactions and molecular recognition; molecular biological approaches to gene organization and expression; immunology; microbial physiology, and signal transduction.

Facilities and Resources Campus resources for science research are state-of-the-art and available to all faculty research programs. Notably among these is the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, which comprises the W.M. Keck Center for Comparative and Functional Genomics (Custom Library Services, High-Throughput Sequencing and Genotyping, DNA Core Sequencing, Fragment Analysis, Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics), Proteomics Services (Protein Science Facility, Immunological Resource Center and Flow Cytometry Facility), a Metabolomics Center and a Transgenic Mouse Facility. It also provides career counseling through the Career Services Office. Many other cross-campus facilities are important for the faculty research programs in Biochemistry, including the Fred Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), the high-field VOICE NMR Laboratory, Mass Spectrometry Center, Microanalysis Laboratory, Cell Media Facility, and many electronics, machine and glass shop service facilities.

Financial Aid Financial aid for Ph.D. graduate students in biochemistry is available in the form of fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and tuition and partial fee waivers. In addition, interdepartmental training grants from the National Institutes of Health support multidisciplinary training programs. Qualified candidates are considered for financial support upon application.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's  Graduate Program Handbook  and the  Graduate College Handbook . 

Other Requirements

The Biochemistry Department has the following expectations and goals for graduates of its Ph.D. degree program: Many basic outcomes from Standards for the Ph.D. Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Recommendations of the Education Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry. TIBS(1989)14:205-209.

At the conclusion of the degree program students will be able to:

• Develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a specific area of biochemical research, which may include (but is not limited to) protein, nucleic acid and/or membrane biochemistry, cancer and molecular immunology, computational and quantitative biology, etc.
• Demonstrate independent and critical skills necessary to formulate specific experiments aimed at understanding molecular processes.
• Gain the necessary experience and skills to train others in the performance of experiments.
• Develop communication skills suitable to discuss scientific outcomes at a level for the layperson to understand but critical enough for peers. Typically, such training is developed through writing and editing scientific manuscripts, with input from a faculty advisor.
• Deliver effective oral and written presentations of the results and conclusions of experimental work.
• Be able to ask and answer questions within the research areas of Biochemistry.
• Develop skills and abilities for effective teaching of Biochemistry in a course room setting.
• Develop the skills and intellectual background to succeed at postdoctoral work in academics or in the commercial sector.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct within the research process and the responsibilities of the scientist.

Graduate Degree Programs in Biochemistry

Biochemistry Department Head of Department: Satish K. Nair Director of Graduate Studies: Kai Zhang Biochemistry Department website 417 Roger Adams Laboratory, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-2013 MCB Graduate Admissions email

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website

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• Degree Programs

PhD in Biochemistry

Application information.

Students enter the Biochemistry PhD program by applying to the Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP) .  Ideal candidates will possess strong grades and have completed undergraduate courses in biology, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

To apply students should submit

• a completed application form,
• three letters of recommendation,
• official undergraduate transcript(s), and
• when applicable, official TOEFL scores.

If you wish to apply only to the Biochemistry PhD program, select Biochemistry in the "Preferred Program of Interest (PPI)" menu. Please read about PPIs in  the BSTP's FAQ page .

Online applications are submitted through the site for the School of Graduate Studies. Please select Biomedical Sciences Training Program in the "Academic Program" menu once you  start the application .

Biochemistry Program

The department of chemistry and biochemistry currently has seventeen faculty members and affiliate faculty members who participate in the biochemistry program. students may work with faculty members in biochemistry or with faculty members in chemistry who have biochemical interests., this program provides rigorous graduate course work in biochemical and biophysical principles and techniques as well as in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, and systems biology that will prepare students for their research. graduate research focuses on fostering independence and expertise in answering cutting-edge biochemistry questions. research programs fall into the general areas of biophysical chemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular biophysics, structural biology, bioorganic chemistry/chemical biology, and enzymes and molecular machines., graduate students in the biochemistry program enjoy the benefits of being part of a close-knit and supportive community and still having the resources of a large research department and university available to them. the rigorous course work, mentorship, research and resources allow biochemistry graduates to become successful in academic, industrial, and government careers in today’s hi-tech world of biochemistry and biotechnology..

Biochemistry Graduate Student Owen Becette on studies of RNA structure and dynamics.

Program Overview

Masters of science in biochemistry.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts Masters students only in rare cases. Students have a maximum of 5 years to complete this degree, but typically, are able to complete all requirements in 2.5 years. Financial assistance is not generally available to M.S. students.

Degree Requirements

Biochemistry Masters students have two tracks that they can choose: Thesis or Non-Thesis.

Thesis Option

• 24 credits of graduate coursework must be completed by the end of the fourth semester.
• Out of the 30 total credits, 6 credits must be research (BCHM799)
• Completion of a thesis based on the student's research
• Presentation of one seminar, generally immediately before the final oral examination
• A final oral examination by the student's advisory committee

Non-Thesis Option

• Biochemistry Core courses (BCHM 661, 662, 671, and 675) must be completed by the end  of the fourth semester
• Out of the 30 total credits, 6 credits must be research (BCHM699)
• A 20 page original scholarly paper must be submitted and approved by three faculty members

Detailed Information about the MS degree requirements can be found here .

PhD in Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts PhD students each Fall. We do not offer Spring admissions. Students must advance to candidacy within 5 years of admission to the doctoral program. After advancing to candidacy, students have 4 years to complete and defend their dissertation. Admitted PhD students are offered a graduate assistantship in the form of a teaching assistantship during their first year of the program. After the first year, as long as students are in good standing, they will continue to receive funding from the department via a research or teaching assistantship.

The Ph.D. in Biochemistry must include:

• At least 21 credits of graduate coursework, with 19 credits completed by the end of the fourth semester with an overall GPA ≥ 3.0
• 12 credits of Ph.D. research (BCHM 898 (pre-candidacy), BCHM 899 (post-candidacy)).
• Oral defense of a written research proposal and demonstration of general knowledge of biochemistry as part of advancement to candidacy.
• Presentation of a seminar on a topic that is different from the student’s dissertation research.
• Independent preparation of a research aim in the area of student’s own research.
• Preparation and oral defense of a publication-quality dissertation that advances the field. 

Detailed Information about the PhD requirements can be found here .

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Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics

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Research Interests:  Structure and mechanism of how cells read, write and repair the genome; biophysics, structural biology, large protein-DNA assemblies

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We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which large, multi-subunit complexes engage in DNA-centric processes, utilizing cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) alongside biophysical and biochemical methods. Our research centers on two main areas: the regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription at various stages, and the repair of different types of DNA damage, exploring how deficiencies in these pathways contribute to cancer predisposition or accelerated aging. Cryo-EM, with its ability to reveal macromolecular assembly structures at atomic resolution using minimal sample sizes, overcomes the challenges of system size and heterogeneity. Enhanced by ongoing technical developments, cryo-EM significantly advances our understanding of complex cellular processes.

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UB Awards 314 Biomedical Science Degrees; 18 Earn PhDs

Commencement 2023.

A graduate pays homage to her parents with words translated from Spanish meaning “For my parents, who arrived with nothing and gave me everything” on her mortarboard. 

By Bill Bruton

Published June 1, 2023

Eighteen doctoral, 70 master’s and 226 baccalaureate candidates were eligible to receive degrees in biomedical science fields during the May commencement ceremony.

2023 Commencement Video

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Three graduate students and 10 senior undergraduates were singled out for special honors, including two graduates who received a Chancellor’s Award, the highest State University of New York undergraduate honor.

Graduates completed work in 14 departments or programs of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences :

• biochemistry
• biomedical engineering
• biomedical informatics
• biomedical sciences
• biotechnical and clinical laboratory sciences
• genetics, genomics and bioinformatics
• medical physics
• microbiology and immunology
• natural sciences interdisciplinary
• neuroscience
• nuclear medicine technology
• pathology and anatomical sciences
• pharmacology and toxicology
• physiology and biophysics

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School, congratulates the Class of 2023.

Graduates also completed the following programs offered in alliance with the  Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Graduate Division : cancer prevention and control, cancer sciences, cell and molecular biology and molecular pharmacology and cancer therapeutics.

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA , UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School, congratulated the graduates for their achievements.

“Despite hardships that all of us have faced the last few years, you have shown great resilience, determination and perseverance in your academic pursuits, qualities I am certain will enable you to make your mark in your respective industries,” Brashear said.

“You are the next generation of leaders, professionals, scientists and researchers,” Brashear added. “Your work will positively impact research aimed at ensuring equitable health outcomes across diverse patients and populations, while supporting the Jacobs School’s ongoing commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Brashear emphasized the importance collaboration has had on their studies, and will continue to have in their careers.

“While your training may differ, at UB you learned that teamwork is essential, and that a diverse group working together can leverage its strengths and expertise to institute change,” Brashear said. “It is that type of collaboration that is fueling medical breakthroughs and the faster development of treatments and medications that impact patients’ lives.”

She spoke about how medical innovations — including artificial intelligence — will transform health care.

“This is only the beginning. The coming years will usher in a revolution in patient-centered care with the digitization of medical records, the development of biometric technology, and advancements in biology and life sciences,“ Brashear said. “While the industry is changing at a record speed, your UB degree has prepared you for a diverse job market and to remain versatile as scientists.”

“Your creative and critical thinking will continually push the bounds of scientific discovery and new technologies. It has been my honor to watch you grow and thrive, make new discoveries, and shape your goals to change the world,” Brashear added. “I applaud each and every one of you on achieving this next step in your journey and I wish you all the best in your bright futures.”

A. Scott Weber, PhD, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, conferred the degrees during the May 21 event at UB’s Center for the Arts.

“Your UB education has prepared you to be flexible and responsive to the shifting needs and opportunities, and to meet the challenges we face head on, however vast they may seem,” Weber said.

“You’ve impacted our local and global communities through enhanced learning and engagement opportunities. Throughout your time at UB, you have proven that you are talented, compassionate, dedicated and strong. These truly are the attributes that will enable your future success,” Weber added.

Outstanding Graduates Recognized

Biochemistry graduate student research achievement award.

Doctoral graduate Christopher Campomizzi was honored for research that received national or international recognition and for being selected to give an oral presentation at a major national or international meeting.

Dissertation: “19F NMR Studies of CYP121 from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Illustrate the Importance of the Protein Dimer”

Mentor: D. Fernando Estrada, PhD , associate professor of biochemistry

Roswell Park Graduate Division Award for Excellence in Research

Doctoral graduate Sarah Rose Chamberlain was the recipient of this award for outstanding research for her dissertation titled “Novel Approaches of Photodynamic Therapy for Lung Cancer”

Mentor: Gal Shafirstein, DSc , professor of oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Dean’s Award for Outstanding Dissertation Research

Doctoral graduate Murat Can Kalem was the winner of this award that recognizes demonstrated excellence in research.

He was honored for his dissertation: “Arginine Methylation and the Control of RNA-Binding Proteins in Cryptococcus neoformans”

Mentor: John C. Panepinto, PhD , professor of microbiology and immunology

The Microbiology and Immunology Award for Excellence in Dissertation Research in Memory of Dr. Murray W. Stinson

Doctoral graduate Murat Can Kalem was honored for his dissertation “Arginine Methylation and the Control of RNA-Binding Proteins in Cryptococcus neoformans”

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Haeni Lee and Richard Pasternack were recognized with the Chancellor’s Award. It recognizes students for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives that may include leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, entrepreneurship or career achievement.

Lee graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences with a public health minor. Lee is an international student from South Korea and a University Honors College Scholar.

She has been a senator in the Residence Hall Association, teaching assistant, research assistant and intern in several laboratories and a company. She has worked in the UB Maternal and Child Health program, contributing to work on helping pregnant women quit smoking and studying maternal substance use related to pandemic.

Pasternak, a native of Alden, New York, graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences. He is a recipient of UB’s Excellence in General and Organic Chemistry Awards and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Pasternack works as a research aide studying bicarbonate transport and is a medical assistant for an endocrinology practice. He volunteers at the Pediatric and Adolescent Urgent Care of WNY and is a board member for the Alden Community Scholarship Foundation.

Undergraduate Outstanding Senior Awards

The following awards honor high academic performance and involvement in the campus community and external organizations:

Biochemistry Kevin Bowman

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Biomedical Informatics Luna Liu

Biomedical Sciences Lily Freeman-Striegel

Biotechnology Fredrick Earl

Medical Technology Faith Dwyer

Neuroscience Colin Schupbach

Nuclear Medicine Technology Aja Holland

Pharmacology and Toxicology Jordan Richardson

Commencement speaker Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD, tells the graduates they will play important roles in their research careers.

Infectious Disease Specialist is Speaker

Commencement speaker Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD, distinguished professor and chair of molecular microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins University, told the graduates they will play an important role in shaping the world.

“I have a very simple message for you. You are humanity’s best insurance policy, and that makes you the most important scientific generation in the history of science,” Casadevall said. “This is no hyperbole, because you are graduating at a time of great challenges to our species.”

He went on to explain that when he got his degree, DNA sequencing was still a novelty, the life expectancy of someone with AIDS was a matter of months, the cause of cervical cancer was unknown, organ transplantation was rare and carried huge risks of organ rejection and infection, while ulcers were attributed to acid secretion and a type A personality.

Today, he said, DNA sequencing is commonplace, you can know your genetic ancestry for a few dollars, HIV is a treatable disease, there is a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, organ transplantation is a routine procedure, and ulcers were found to be caused by bacteria and can now be treated with antibiotics.

“This progress was made possible because of new scientific knowledge. Basic science combined with clinical research to make discoveries that translated into new therapies,” Casadevall said. “To get here we needed new knowledge that in turn required approaching problems with the tools of science.”

The speaker also related that when he was 19, his father didn’t think he was going anywhere in life and insisted that Casadevall go to school to get a pest control operator license.

The classes were held at night in a community college in Brooklyn.

He still has that diploma proudly displayed in his office.

“Why am I telling you this? Because I want to make the point that life has many branch points and that the road to this podium was by no means straight or assured. In fact, I feel very lucky to have gotten as far as I have,” Casadevall said. “In medicine, I specialized in infectious disease and my research is in killing microbes. Hence, I am indeed in the business of killing bugs, and you could argue that I did take my father’s advice but just kept going.”

He offered hope to the graduates as they continue on in their research.

“I believe a day will come when one of you will give a commencement address, and you will tell the graduates that you remember a terrible time when many cancers were incurable, when many elderly individuals developed dementia, and when we feared that climate change was irreversible,” Casadevall said. “When that day comes, I hope you will reinforce the message that the way forward is to continue to generate knowledge to ensure an even better world built with the tools of science and ethics, on the wings of curiosity and the human spirit.”

Matthew Li Wins Award for Academic Excellence

The 2024 BMB Professors Award for Academic Excellence went to Matthew Li, a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major with a minor in Spanish. He is also the department's first graduating Double Dawg in Comparative Biomedical Sciences. His research mentor was Dr. Michael Terns, and his research area is Harnessing Endogenous CRISPR-Cas Systems for Rapid Genome Modification in Pyrococcus furiosus. Matthew was a Foundation Fellow and earned a 4.0 GPA . He will attend the MD/PhD program at Duke University this fall.

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