Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry, Structural & Molecular Biology

Program Overview

The PhD program in Biochemistry, Structural & Molecular Biology (BSMB) trains students in fundamental disciplines for biomedical research. Through coursework and research rotations, students acquire a comprehensive scientific foundation and technical expertise to pursue careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and government research institutions. The program provides access to specialized resources and emphasizes the scientific community through seminars and interdepartmental collaboration.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Structural & Molecular Biology (BSMB) trains students in foundational disciplines essential for modern biomedical research. The program aims to equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to pursue careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and government research centers. The program focuses on project-based and experiential learning, with coursework being a significant component. BSMB trainees study fundamental mechanisms of life as well as many different clinically-related problems relevant to cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. The program is administered through the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), ranked #11 nationally in NIH funding. The program is interdepartmental, with BSMB faculty aligning with multiple basic and clinical departments within the University.

Careers:

Trainees graduating from this program will have the comprehensive scientific foundation and technical expertise to pursue careers in multiple areas of biomedical research.

Other:

• The program provides access to numerous specialized resources, including genomic and multiplex sequencing, microarray analysis, flow cytometry and cell sorting, confocal, TiRF and super-resolution microscopy, X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and macromolecular characterization.
• The program emphasizes the scientific community through research seminars, colloquia, and interdepartmental interaction.
• Most coursework is taken in the first year of the program, with research rotations running concurrently.
• Trainees will have completed much of the BSMB curriculum and identified thesis mentors by the end of the first academic year.