Biochemistry and Biophysics Ph.D.
General Graduate Program Requirements
Graduate School policies and standards can be found on the Graduate School Policies page.
The minimum GPA for any graduate program is 3.0. Individual programs may require more than a 3.0 to remain in good standing.
The minimum grade for a course to be accepted toward any requirement is C. Individual programs may require higher grades for specific courses.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry and Biophysics (BCBP) provides the highest quality theoretical and hands-on research training to students interested in life processes at the molecular level. Training in the first and second years includes required and elective coursework in areas of study including proteins, nucleic acids, biophysics, and an array of courses related to human health and disease. Students begin laboratory research during rotations in the first year and typically devote all of their time to research by the end of the second academic year. Students have a wide range of potential research topics to pursue in areas as diverse as protein folding, cutting edge biophysical methodologies, and molecular mechanisms of infectious disease, mentored by participating BCBP faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Division of Biological Sciences, and the College of Health. Graduate students who earn the Ph.D. degree are typically employed as researchers in academic, government, and pharmaceutical industry jobs.
- Additional requirements include an original research proposal and exam.
- Coursework for Biochemistry & Biophysics graduate students is determined by the Advisory Committee. Electives may be substituted, if appropriate, with the approval of the student’s Advisory Committee. All course work will normally be completed during the first two years of graduate study.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| BCH 581 | Physical Biochemistry | 3 |
| BCH 582 | Proteins and Enzymes | 3 |
| BCH 584 | Nucleic Acids | 3 |
| BMED 605 | Biomedical Research Ethics | 1 |
| Lab Rotations | ||
| Complete the following course: | ||
| BCH 570 | Intro to Research | 1 |
| Electives | ||
| Complete 3 credits of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Biochemistry Research Lab | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Cell Organization & Mechanisms | ||
| Advanced Immunology | ||
| Advanced Virology | ||
| Molecular Pharmacology | ||
| Drug Design | ||
| Organic Structure and Mechanisms | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Intro to Bioinformatics | ||
| Neuroscience I | ||
| Topics in Neurobiology | ||
| Seminar, Data Club, and Research | ||
| Complete 46 credits of the following courses: | 46 | |
| Experimental Molecular, Cellular, and Chemical Biology 1 | ||
| Research | ||
| Biochemistry & Biophysics Seminar 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |