Biochemistry and Chemical Biology

Graduate Programs

The Chemistry and Biological Sciences departments offer interdisciplinary biochemistry and chemical biology (BCCB) graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 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 MS and PhD degrees place major emphasis on scholarly activity, with the expectation of one or more original contributions, published in the peer-reviewed biochemical literature. In addition, students will gain experience in teaching biochemistry and an understanding of the ethical conduct of research and scholarship both in the MA/MS programs and in the PhD program.

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

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. 

Placement Examinations

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

Students who perform satisfactorily (students are required to pass three (PhD) or two (MS) exams, respectively) 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.

Master of Arts Program

The MA program in biochemistry and chemical biology satisfies the needs of students who desire a master鈥檚 degree based primarily on coursework.

The departmental graduate committee recommends, for the degree of MA in biochemistry and chemical biology, students who complete the following requirements:

  • An acceptable research project (at least four credits of BCHM 597 and four credits of BCHM 598)
  • Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
  • Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
  • 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
  • Public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project
  • A total of at least 36 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements 

Master of Science Program

A candidate for the degree of MS in biochemistry and chemical biology is expected to demonstrate a general knowledge in the field and the ability to do original work in a specialized area of the field of biochemistry and chemical biology, with a MS thesis as the final product. The original research is started as early as possible in the student鈥檚 graduate education and requires the selection of a research advisor. In addition, the satisfactory completion of appropriate courses and examinations is required.

The BCCB graduate committee recommends, for the degree of MS in chemistry, students who complete the following requirements:

  • An acceptable research project and thesis (BCHM 599)
  • Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
  • Three semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM 593)
  • Completion of the two core courses BCHM 507 and 508 for a total of eight credits
  • An additional two graduate courses in biochemistry and chemical biology from the list of approved courses for a total of eight credits
  • Passing an oral examination on the subject of the research thesis
  • A total of at least 34 graduate credits obtained under the above requirements

The examining committee for each candidate consists of at least three faculty members appointed by the BCCB graduate committee. 

Doctor of Philosophy Program

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. 

Courses

A student is expected to take six four-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).

Comprehensive Examinations

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 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. 

Summary Requirements

  • 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)
  • Passing of a comprehensive literature review examination in two attempts, followed by passing of an oral examination in the area of specialization
  • Completion of 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 

List of Approved Courses

Core Lecture/Laboratory, Required Courses

  • BCHM 507, Advanced Biochemistry
  • BCHM 508, Methods in Biochem. Chem. Biology
  • CHEM 592, Graduate Seminar 
  • CHEM 593, Frontiers in Chem. and Biochemistry 

Other Required Courses

  • BCHM 597, Independent Study 
  • BCHM 697, Independent Study 
  • BCHM 698, Pre-Dissertation Research 
  • BCHM 699, Dissertation Research 

Electives

  • BIOL 501, Molecular Genetics  
  • BIOL 502, Biochemistry: Metabolic Aspects 
  • BIOL 503, Molecular Biology Laboratory 
  • BIOL 504, Biochemistry Laboratory
  • BIOL 505, Genomics and Proteomics 
  • BIOL 513, Cell and Molecular Biology I 
  • BIOL 514, Cell and Molecular Biology II
  • CHEM 543, Molecular Photochemistry 
  • CHEM 582C, Chemistry and the Environment 
  • CHEM 583C, Modern Catalytic Reactions 
  • CHEM 583D, Chemistry in Drug Discovery 
  • CHEM 583L, Chemical Biology 
  • CHEM 583M, Enzymes: Structure and Mechanism 
  • CHEM 583P, Protein Biochemistry
  • CHEM 583S, Fluorescence 
  • CHEM 584B, Bio-Inorganic Chemistry 
  • CHEM 586S, NMR Spectroscopy 
  • CHEM 585C, Computational Chemistry 
  • CHEM 585K, Chemical Kinetics and the Life Sciences 

Other courses not on this list may be taken upon petitioning the BCCB graduate committee.

List of Faculty

This program draws faculty from across multiple departments. For a list of faculty, see the program's website.