Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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The Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at the University of Kansas prepares students for independent research careers in academia, industry, or government. The program emphasizes coursework, research experience, and a doctoral dissertation, with a focus on understanding biochemical and molecular processes. Upon completion, students typically pursue postdoctoral training to specialize in a specific research area.

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Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at the University of Kansas is designed for students seeking careers in independent research in biochemistry and molecular biology. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biochemical and molecular processes, preparing them for advanced research positions in academia, industry, or government. Upon completion of the Ph.D. program, students are typically expected to pursue postdoctoral training in a specific area of research. This program is facilitated through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS).

Outline:

The program structure consists of coursework, research experience, and the successful completion of a doctoral dissertation. The program is designed to be completed within 5-6 years, with a maximum of 8 years allowed.

Year 1:

• Fall:
• GSMC 850 - Proteins and Metabolism (2 credit hours)
• GSMC 853 - Cellular Structure (2 credit hours)
• GSMC 859 - Research Rotations (1-4 credit hours)
• Spring:
• GSMC 851 - Molecular Genetics (2 credit hours)
• GSMC 854 - Cell Communication (2 credit hours)
• Elective course from the student's chosen degree program (1-3 credit hours)
• Summer:
• GSMC 852 - Introduction to Biomedical Research I (2 credit hours)
• GSMC 855 - Introduction to Biomedical Research II (2 credit hours)
• GSMC 856 - Introduction to Research Ethics (1 credit hour)
• GSMC 857 - Biographics (1 credit hour)
• GSMC 858 - Introduction to Faculty Research (1 credit hour)
• GSMC 859 - Research Rotations (1-4 credit hours)

Year 2:

• Fall:
• BCHM 850 - Topics in Biochemistry (1-3 credit hours) (if required by advisor)
• BCHM 808 - Methods for Analyzing Biomolecules (3 credit hours)
• BCHM 890 - Research in Biochemistry (1-6 credit hours)
• BCHM 922 - Advanced Molecular Genetics (3 credit hours) (or take Fall Year 3)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)
• Spring:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 890 - Research in Biochemistry (1-6 credit hours)
• BCHM 923 - Protein Structure and Function (3 credit hours) (or take Spring Year 3)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)
• Oral Comprehensive Exam is expected to be scheduled at the end of the semester.
• Summer:
• BCHM 990 - Doctoral Research (1-6 credit hours)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)

Year 3:

• Fall:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 802 - Biochemistry Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 990 - Doctoral Research (1-6 credit hours)
• BCHM 922 - Advanced Molecular Genetics (3 credit hours) (if not taken Fall Year 2)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)
• Spring:
• BCHM 808 - Methods for Analyzing Biomolecules (3 credit hours) (if not taken Spring Year 2)
• BCHM 923 - Protein Structure and Function (3 credit hours) (if not taken Spring Year 2)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)
• Summer:
• BCHM 990 - Doctoral Research (1-6 credit hours)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)

Year 4:

• Fall:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 990 - Doctoral Research (1-6 credit hours)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)
• Spring:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 990 - Doctoral Research (1-6 credit hours)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)
• Summer:
• BCHM 990 - Doctoral Research (1-6 credit hours)
• Optional electives (1-6 credit hours)

Year 5:

• Fall:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 990 or BCHM 999 (if preparing to defend dissertation) (1 credit hour)
• Spring:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 990 or BCHM 999 (if preparing to defend dissertation) (1 credit hour)
• Final Oral Exam (dissertation defense) scheduled in year 5 or 6 the semester approved by committee to defend and graduate.
• Summer:
• BCHM 990 or BCHM 999 (if preparing to defend dissertation) (1 credit hour)

Year 6:

• Fall:
• BCHM 862 - Biochemical Research-Literature Seminar (1 credit hour)
• BCHM 999 - Doctoral Dissertation (1 credit hour)
• Spring:
• BCHM 999 - Doctoral Dissertation (1 credit hour)
• Summer:
• BCHM 999 - Doctoral Dissertation (1 credit hour)

Assessment:

• Oral Comprehensive Exam: Comprises a written grant proposal conforming to NIH R01 guidelines and an oral examination centered around the proposal and broader aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology.
The student must develop the hypotheses independently. Students are expected to complete this exam by the end of year 2 and are recognized as formal doctoral candidates upon passing.
• Final Oral Examination (Dissertation Defense): An oral presentation of the dissertation research followed by an examination by the faculty.
• Successful Dissertation Submission and Publication: According to Office of Graduate Studies policy.
• Cumulative GPA: Must maintain at least a 3.0 for all KU graduate coursework.
• Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship: The University’s requirement must be met before the Oral Comprehensive Examination.
This is satisfied by successfully completing specific courses, including:
• GSMC 857 - Biographics
• GSMC 852 - Introduction to Biomedical Research I
• GSMC 855 - Introduction to Biomedical Research II

Careers:

• Independent Research: The Ph.D. prepares individuals for independent research in biochemistry and molecular biology, primarily in academia.
• Postdoctoral Training: After completing the Ph.D., most students engage in one or more years of postdoctoral training to specialize in a specific area of research.
• Industry: Ph.D. holders in biochemistry and molecular biology may find positions in industry, particularly in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and related fields.
• Government: Positions in government research agencies or regulatory bodies are also possible.
• Faculty Positions: With appropriate postdoctoral experience, Ph.D. graduates may obtain faculty positions at colleges or universities.

Other:

• The program requires students to meet the Technical Standards and Requirements for Graduate Studies in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which includes abilities in observation, communication, motor skills, intellectual-conceptual abilities, and behavioral/social attributes.
• The program is subject to the University of Kansas' Student Policy on Infectious Disease and Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• The program has specific prerequisites for admission, including coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biological sciences, calculus, and physics.
Research experience is also strongly recommended.
• Applicants are assessed based on GPA, research experience, and interview performance.
• The program offers a typical plan of study outlining a suggested course schedule for each year.
• The program is subject to change, and students are advised to consult the catalog from their year of admission for the most up-to-date information.