PhD in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology | 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 that 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.

Requirements for the PhD

To earn their PhD, students must complete:

Two core courses BCHM 507 and 508 for a total of 8 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)
A comprehensive literature review examination, passing within two attempts, followed by passing of an oral examination in the area of specialization
An original research project in a specialized area of biochemistry and chemical biology
Submission of a written dissertation and oral defense of dissertation
A total of at least 62 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements

Required Courses

A student is expected to take six 4-credit courses, two of which are course requirements, BCHM 507 and 508. The remaining four courses can be selected from the list of approved courses for the BCCB program. Students also take the required graduate seminar course (CHEM 592) and Frontiers in Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM 593).

BCHM 507 - Advanced Biochemistry

Advanced biochemistry course for first year graduate students in the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, Chemistry and Biological Sciences graduate programs. The course will teach principles of structure and function of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids and membranes. Other concepts included are metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, protein synthesis, bioenergetics and regulation of metabolism. The format is based on lectures and discussions of original literature. Offered every fall. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
BCHM 508 - Advanced Biochemistry Methods

Advanced biochemistry methods for first year graduate students in the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, Chemistry and Biological Sciences graduate programs. The course will be taught in 2-week modules and focus on hands-on laboratory training in contemporary biochemical methods. Topics covered will recombinant protein expression, protein purification, bioconjugation, enzymatic assays, mammalian cell culture, and computational drug/target docking. The format is based on discussions of peer-reviewed research literature and laboratory experiments. Restricted to Graduate students only. Offered every spring. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate
CHEM 592 - Graduate Seminar
CHEM 593 - Frontiers In Chemistry

Seminars on current topics in chemistry. Students attend presentations, participate in discussion, and write reports. Visiting speakers included. May be repeated for credit to be counted toward fulfilling residency requirement; may not substitute for specified course requirements (including seminars). Two credits required of all graduate students. Prerequisite: graduate standing in chemistry. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Offered: every semester Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

Comprehensive Examinations

Literature review examination

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.

Oral examination

After being course complete, students are required to pass an oral examination in the area of specialization. In the oral examination, the student presents to, and discusses with the examination committee, a research proposal on the subject they will be working on for the remainder of their PhD research. 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.

Research and Dissertation

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.