Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, PhD

Location(s): Main Campus

The Chemistry and Biological Sciences departments offer interdisciplinary biochemistry and chemical biology (BCCB) graduate programs. These programs train the student broadly in biochemistry, chemical biology and related fields, and require original research in an area related to biochemistry and chemical biology. The PhD degree is awarded for original investigation leading to a significant advance of knowledge in biochemistry and chemical biology. Therefore, the PhD degree is primarily a research degree. In addition to research, students take courses and seminars, which provide necessary background in the knowledge, basic principles, methods and theories of chemistry. In addition to several required courses, students complete other courses that best serve their particular needs.

In addition, students will gain experience in teaching biochemistry and an understanding of the ethical conduct of research and scholarship. For students who have an interest in teaching, a certificate of completion in college/university teaching can be awarded if they satisfy certificate requirements as defined by the Chemistry Department, in conjunction with the Graduate School.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the graduate program is highly competitive. A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry or biology is generally required for all applicants. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts; a brief personal statement concerning their research experience, interests and goals; three letters of recommendation; and scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test. International applicants, for whom English is not the native language, are also required to submit proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores). For fall admissions, the program will start reviewing applications Dec. 1. Applications received after this date can be considered in case the fall class is not yet complete. The department does not admit students to start the program in the spring semester.

Placement Examination

For students entering the PhD program, preparedness will be evaluated with placement examinations in biochemistry, organic chemistry and biophysical chemistry.

Students who perform satisfactorily on the three PhD placement exams are admitted to graduate courses numbered 500 and above. Students showing deficiencies in specific areas are required to correct these deficiencies, normally by taking appropriate courses at lower levels or by passing subsequent placement examinations.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students must complete at least 62 graduate credits to be recommended for the degree, as follows:

Completion of the two core courses BCHM 507 and 508 for a total of eight credits
Four graduate courses in biochemistry and chemical biology from the list of approved courses for a total of 16 credits
One semester of graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM 593)

Comprehensive and Oral Exam Requirements

Proficiency in a specialized area in biochemistry and chemical biology is established by passing a comprehensive literature review examination (oral and written parts) and an oral examination in the area of specialization. Normally, students are expected to pass the comprehensive literature review examination in the selected area of specialization before the beginning of the fourth semester. The goal of the comprehensive literature review examination is to ensure competency of the student in reviewing, interpreting and discussing the literature.

After completing required coursework, students are required to pass an oral examination in the area of specialization. The student presents and discusses a research proposal on the subject they will be working on for the remainder of their PhD research with the examination committee. The goal of the oral examination is to ensure competency of the student in discussing and defending ideas, as well as designing experiments and analyzing and interpreting experimental results.

Students are required to complete both the comprehensive literature review and the oral examination in order to obtain ABD (all-but-dissertation) status before the beginning of the fifth semester.

Dissertation Requirements

Since the PhD is earned primarily on the basis of original investigative work, students begin research as early in their training as possible, after the selection of an advisor and a research problem, normally no later than the end of the second semester. The research culminates in the preparation and submission of a written dissertation. The student is also required to pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The examining committee for each candidate consists of at least four faculty members appointed by the BCCB graduate committee, and one external examiner.

Additional Information About the Program

For more information on the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology PhD program, please refer to the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology website for more information. To apply to the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology PhD program, please visit the University Admissions website.