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About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program, faculty, and students work together to increase knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes. Our program trains students to be successful independent scientists and gives them the knowledge, research training, and leadership skills to continue to provide new insights into the biomedical issues that have a profound impact on public health. Cancer biology is a historical and continuing area of interest for many faculty in our program, which has been supported in part by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute since 1975.

Students engage in a rigorous course curriculum and a range of structured and informal activities outside the classroom and lab to build their skills. They will pursue their thesis research in the lab of one of our over forty training faculty across the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Visit our dedicated PhD program website to learn more about the diverse research training opportunities of the program.

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Highlights

Our position within the School of Public Health provides a unique setting in which students learn how biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and genetics can be used to solve significant problems in public health and medicine. Our program offers:

Training faculty from across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine
A strong grounding in the science of biomedical and public health research through a core curriculum that includes courses taught by leading experts from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine
Training outside the lab and classroom in key skills such as communications and leadership
Opportunities to build strong communications skills through a range of speaking venues including journal club, research colloquium, department retreats, and national meetings
Teaching Assistant service to build teaching and interpersonal skills, with options for additional training and professional development through the Johns Hopkins University Teaching Academy to further develop skills
Access to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professional Development and Career Office , offering excellent career services and professional development, including the BMB-required OPTIONS program, a guided process of career exploration for paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond
Opportunities to participate in community service and outreach, with a focus on our East Baltimore neighborhoods, through the Johns Hopkins University community engagement and service-learning center, SOURCE

Training faculty across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine

Schools that students can take courses in: Public Health, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering

Two-month rotations in the first year prior to selecting thesis lab

Average number of incoming students in the BMB PhD degree program each year

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

Research Scientist
Science Policy Adviser
Biotech Executive
Senior Scientist
Patent Lawyer
Science Policy Analyst/Advocate
Science Writer/Journalist
Biological Sciences Teacher

Topic Areas

The BMB PhD program faculty conduct research to gain new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cellular processes, and their relevance as targets for improving health and treating disease. Our training program places particular emphasis on mechanistic approaches to research problems, and cancer biology has had a prominent place in our research interest for over 50 years .

Common topic areas within our faculty's diverse research interests include:

Biophysics and Structural Biology
Cancer Biology
Chemical Biology and Proteomics
Cell Biology
Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Translational Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The BMB PhD offers students a rigorous course curriculum, including a set of common core classes from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine. Students further tailor their curriculum with elective courses chosen based on interests and career goals, with options that span the Schools of Public Health, Medicine, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences. A rich array of seminar programs and journal clubs are also available to all students.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory .

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Research Experience

Laboratory research experience (from academia, industry, etc.) is required

Prior Coursework

Strong background in the sciences, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Ashani T. Weeraratna

Ashi Weeraratna, PhD, studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.

Michael J. Matunis

Michael Matunis, PhD, studies how protein modification by SUMO—the small ubiquitin-related modifier—drives changes in key cellular pathways from stress response to DNA repair.

Jennifer M. Kavran

Jennifer Kavran, PhD, MS, MPhil, is a biophysicist who investigates how cells communicate with each other and their environment.

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng Cai, PhD, combines advanced microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to tease out the functions of protein condensates in cells, with a focus on cancer.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1, 2024. VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 2024 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

In the BMB PhD program, all full-time PhD students who remain in good academic standing will receive the above support through the entire duration of the program.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Mike Matunis, PhD PhD Program Director

Roza Selimyan , PhD BMB Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Education Programs

Erika Vaitekunas Administrative Specialist

[email protected]

The application deadline for Fall 2023 is November 30, 2023. Please apply here . Please sign up to receive information about our biochemistry program and follow us on Twitter .

Study Among the Best

With 2 Nobel Laureates, research recognized by membership in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and 6 faculty in the National Academy of Sciences, Duke’s Department of Biochemistry is one of the pre-eminent programs in the country. We offer a wide range of research options and close collaboration with our faculty —training you to become a skilled scientist who’s ready for academia, industry, or government.

Biochemistry PhD graduate students learn the fundamental concepts in biochemistry and physical biochemistry and the critical analysis of published research through:

Faculty mentored research
Graduate coursework
An environment that leverages knowledge from in and outside the university

You will work with primary and/or multi-disciplinary faculty to choose a thesis topic from a wide range of current research projects including:

Analysis and design of protein and RNA structure
Biogenesis of membrane proteins
Cytoskeleton structure
Drug design
Enzyme mechanisms
Glycoproteins
Ion channel structure and function
Membrane receptors and signal transduction
Membrane vesicle production and function
Mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology
Mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, drug resistance, and tolerance
Metalloproteins
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription and gene regulation
RNA modification
X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding

Broaden Your Horizon. Focus Your Career Plan

We provide resources that start you on your career trajectory with leadership instruction, professional development, and teacher training workshops. In a testament to our career development, our graduates have taken positions in academia, industry, and government agencies. See where they're working .

Our Location Fosters Collaboration

The Department of Biochemistry is an integral part of the world-renowned Duke Medical Center and sits adjacent to the Arts and Sciences Campus—placing our faculty and students in the center of a highly productive and collaborative scientific community

"Duke is very committed to taking care of its students—there is always someone who is ready to help and support you. The biochemistry department especially feels like home! " —Grace Hooks, 2019 Matriculant

Biochemistry Mission Statement

The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse backgrounds in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice through courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in research, education, or other disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to excellence in research scholarship and fosters a spirit of creativity, service, and respect, within an environment that is ethical, inclusive, and diverse.

Graduates from our program will have the necessary knowledge, research skills, and career guidance in the field of biochemistry to succeed in a research and/or scientific career . Specific program aims are:

Coursework: Graduates will be trained in a broad understanding of cellular structure and function at a molecular level; with deep knowledge in specific disciplines such as nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysical methods, mechanistic enzymology, glycobiology, and membrane biogenesis, dynamics, transport, and receptor biology; and critical scientific thinking skills.
Research: Develop student skills a) in the laboratory and/or with computational research in order to reveal new biological principles; b) to perform in-depth analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research results; and c) to conduct ethical and responsible research.
Career Development: Prepare graduates for careers in interdisciplinary biochemical fields through training in scientific research, responsibility and ethics, teaching, and science communication.

Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, PhD

School of medicine, fields of study and research.

The Departments of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology jointly provide a program of study leading to the PhD degree. The objective of the Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) program is to provide students with the breadth of knowledge and research training that will prepare them for their own independent and productive careers. Strong emphasis is placed on molecular and cellular approaches to fundamental problems in research areas covered by the participating departments. The focus on a broad background in basic science for all students promotes the study of problems of biomedical importance from a mechanistic perspective. The multi-departmental nature of the program fosters a collaborative environment that is ideal for graduate training, and promotes the extensive interaction and collegiality that is a hallmark of Johns Hopkins science.

Training includes a rigorous and broad-based first year curriculum, research rotations in three different laboratories, a proposal-based qualifying exam (along with a proposal-writing workshop), and thesis research in the laboratory of one of more than 100 participating faculty members. Once they join a laboratory, students establish a departmental affiliation and participate in their departmental journal clubs and seminars. At the same time, students continue to maintain their BCMB identity and affiliation in a number of ways. These include attending the annual BCMB retreat, assisting in the recruitment of new students, hosting a one-day symposium with outside speakers, and participating in a monthly student research colloquium (organized by BCMB students for their peers). There is no formal teaching requirement for BCMB students, but many opportunities for gaining teaching experience are available.

Due to the multidisciplinary focus of the BCMB program, students are very well prepared for the full breadth of modern biomedical science careers. Greater than 90% of students in the BCMB program complete the PhD degree. The average time to degree over the last 10 years is 5.7 years. On average, BCMB students publish 4 research papers with 2 as first author.

To date, there are over 750 BCMB graduates; many hold leadership positions in academia, industry, government and other sectors. At least 97% of graduates in the last 5 years are following career paths in laboratory research, medicine, or research-related careers.

The lecture halls and the research laboratories are located in the Wood Basic Science Building and the adjoining Physiology, Biophysics, Hunterian, Preclinical Teaching, Ross Building, Miller Research, and Rangos Buildings. Modern equipment and state-of-the-art core facilities are available to students. This includes electron microscopes, confocal microscopes, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, mass spectrometers, HPLC and gas-liquid chromatographs, protein sequencers, peptide synthesizers, oligonucleotide synthesizers, X-ray diffraction equipment, as well as instrumentation for microarray analysis and deep sequencing.

Collaborative Facilities

All seven departments enjoy excellent working relationships with other departments in the medical school and with departments at the Homewood campus.

Financial Support

All students accepted into the BCMB program receive full tuition, health and dental insurance, and stipend support for the duration of their studies.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission should show a strong academic foundation with coursework in biology, chemistry, physical sciences, and quantitative analysis. A bachelor's degree from a qualified college or university will be required for matriculation.

The BCMB website has up-to-date information on “ How to Apply ” and “ Frequently Asked Questions .” For questions not addressed on these pages, please email [email protected] .

Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete all eight courses of the “Foundations of Modern Biology” core curriculum, and the Core Discussion course in the first three quarters of year one. During the fourth quarter, students complete two electives, the “BCMB Responsible Conduct in Research” course, and the “Method, Logic and Experimental Design” course. Three additional elective courses are required in the advanced years of study in addition to the BCMB "Seminar" and "Writing a Paper" courses.

An oral examination, conducted as prescribed by the Doctor of Philosophy Board of the University, must be completed before the end of the second year. Subsequently, students are required to participate in annual thesis committee meetings as they work on their thesis project, to review research progress and discuss plans for the next year.

Usually in year five, the student's thesis committee agrees that the student is nearing completion of their research and will be ready to write a dissertation. The student's advisor and one other member from their thesis committee will read and approve the dissertation. The student must present a public seminar on their completed thesis research.

The BCMB program recognizes the importance of students’ professional development and career exploration during their graduate studies. In order to better integrate professional development into the training, the BCMB program is formally participating in the “OPTIONS” Career Curriculum offered by the Professional Development and Career Office (PDCO). During the first two years, students attend workshops and panel discussions facilitated by professionals in different fields discussing their career paths, what each profession entails, how the graduate training relates to the required skills and knowledge, and what additional skills would be useful. Several of the speakers are BCMB program alumni, and offer to follow-up with interested students, fostering a sense of community. In year 3, students join an OPTIONS Career Community which comprises six monthly workshops that provide exposure to careers and skills assessment (e.g., Academic Research; Business and Finance; Biotech and Pharma; Science Communication and Policy; Academic Teaching; etc.). In year 4 and beyond, students meet with a career coach to create a plan for gaining more career-relevant experiences and/or participate in an internship.

The first year required courses are as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
	BCMB Computational Biology Bootcamp	1
	Analysis of Macromolecules	2
	Organic Mechanisms in Biology	2
	Molecular Biology and Genomics	1.5
	Principles of Genetics	2
	Cell Structure and Dynamics	1.5
	Pathways and Regulation	2
	BCMB Quantitative Biology Lab	1
	BCMB Responsible Conduct of Research	0.5
	Method, Logic and Experimental Design	1
	BCMB Core Discussion	0.5

Courses are detailed under the course descriptions listed in the entries of the Departments of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology, or as Interdepartmental.

Doing a PhD in Biochemistry

A PhD in biochemistry aims to train students in the fundamentals of biochemical research and equip them with skills that will help them analyse data and develop new research ideas.

The basics of a PhD in Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the study of the chemical processes and structures that occur in living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Biochemical methods are often used in medical research to better understand the causes of diseases such as cancer, AIDS and heart disease, and in related areas such as pharmacology, drug discovery and toxicology, research into the effects of toxins.

A doctorate in biochemistry is an advanced qualification designed to train students in their chosen subject. It involves carrying out original research on a specific topic under the supervision of an academic supervisor.

Daily activities of a Biochemistry doctorate student

As a PhD student in biochemistry, your typical daily activities will vary depending on the stage of the program you are in, but can include attending laboratory seminars, meeting with supervisors to discuss the progress of your research project or thesis, designing and conducting experiments in the laboratory, analysing biochemical data using specialist software packages, and creating scientific journals.

Lines of Research

Biochemistry is one of the most diverse scientific disciplines, but there are many areas in which you can specialise to develop more specific knowledge. Possible research topics include:

Biochemistry of single-celled organisms
Biochemistry of prokaryotes
Biochemistry of eukaryotes
Bioinformatics and computer biology
Molecular structural biology
Bioactive molecules
Genomics and systems biology
Systems medicine and human health
Synthetic biology, synthetic therapeutics, clinically relevant therapeutic design
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology

Due to the broad range of topics within the discipline, your research project may see you performing research on the structure of proteins, investigating cell metabolism, bioenergetics, cellular stress and biochemical factors within the nervous system. You may perform research in functional genomics, viral biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or better understanding the immune processes.

Browse PhDs in Biochemistry

In-situ disposal of cementitious wastes at uk nuclear sites, capturing vibration to drive chemical change, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, atomic layer deposition of novel nanolayer materials for solar cells, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, research proposal.

Besides pre-defined projects, your doctoral supervisor may recommend that you propose your own specific topic that comes closest to your personal interests, or they may simply suggest a broad topic as a starting point, such as Alzheimer’s, bioinformatics, proteins or human diseases. In both cases, you will need to produce a research proposal to explain your proposed research objectives and ensure that it is scientifically sound.

How long does it take to get a PhD in Biochemistry?

In the UK, a full-time doctoral student will usually take 3 years to complete their PhD in Biochemistry. Part-time PhD students should expect to take closer to 6 years to complete their research project.

Most Biochemistry PhD students will first register as MPhil students, typically completing an upgrade viva after 18 months, before officially becoming registered as a PhD student. Whilst your supervisor will provide mentorship, it’s ultimately the responsibility of postgraduate students to ensure their project and studies run on time and that they meet the deadlines expected of them.

What are the typical entry requirements for a Biochemistry PhD Programme?

In terms of applications, most UK universities require at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or the equivalent grade from a university outside of the UK. Further, your degree will need to be in a field relevant to Biochemistry.

If English is not your first language, you will have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application. Usually, this is a minimum IELTS test score of 6.5 for research programmes however this may be higher from one university to another, and from one programme of study to another.

How much does a Biochemistry PhD cost?

UK based postgraduate research students will pay annual tuition fees of around £4,500/year. Part-time students should expect to pay lower fees, with some variability between institutions about how this is calculated.

For international students (including now EU students), the annual tuition fee is approximately £23,500/year, equating to £70,500 over 3 years.

As with every PhD degree, potential students will need to consider additional costs such as living costs and any bench fees that may be expected by their particular project or graduate school. It’s a good idea to discuss these, along with any potential scholarships or funding opportunities, with your potential supervisors before starting your postgraduate degree.

Career options for Biochemistry PhD graduates

Upon completing a PhD in biochemistry, you may be wondering what comes next? Well, there is a wide range of choices because a doctorate in biochemistry allows you to work in many fields, including pharmaceutical and agricultural research, academia as a university lecturer, industry as a senior scientist, researcher or manager, as well as in research or at government institutes.

A PhD in biochemistry can open the door to many career opportunities in the academic world, such as lecturing and researching at universities. An academic career need not be limited to teaching – if you want to continue your research in a university environment, a PostDoctoral Research Fellowship (PDF) is ideal. It allows you to work on a research project in your field of interest, secure a salary and build on your research skills and experience.

This is perhaps the most popular area for PhD biochemists. The industry is constantly looking for people who can contribute their knowledge of biochemistry in combination with laboratory science. Companies looking for biochemists include pharmaceutical companies, agricultural research organisations, animal testing laboratories and analytical laboratories.

Government and research institutes

Government and health institutes, such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) or the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), often require people with a PhD in biochemistry. As a biochemist in a government agency, you can test food samples for contamination or monitor and test new vaccines and drugs. Alternatively, you could be the perfect candidate for working in a forensic laboratory because of your ability to analyse chemical reactions.

Research charities

Charities are one of the primary employers of PhD biochemists. They provide much-needed information about biological research, which is not always available. Charities such as Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Diabetes UK and Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) attach great importance to a PhD and consider it an invaluable asset to their research teams.

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Ph.D. in Biochemistry

General info.

Faculty working with students: 31
Students: 55
Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
Part time study available: No
Application Terms: Fall
Application Deadline: December 2

Meta Kuehn Director of Graduate Studies Department of Biochemistry Box 3711 Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710

Phone: (919) 681-8770

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.biochem.duke.edu

Program Description

Graduate students in the Duke Biochemistry Department engage in faculty-mentored research and graduate coursework that develops an understanding of fundamental concepts in biochemistry, physical biochemistry, as well as the critical analysis of published research. Students choose thesis topics from a wide range of research projects under current study by primary and secondary faculty in the department, which include: enzyme mechanisms, signal transduction, cell cycle control, cytoskeleton structure, prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, genetic diseases, glycoproteins, DNA partitioning/segregation, plasma membrane receptors, cellular differentiation, gene regulation, mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology, processing of DNA, RNA modification, mRNA decay and translational control, multidrug resistance and tolerance, membrane vesicle biogenesis, microbial toxin activity, endocytosis, insertion of proteins into membranes, ion channel structure and function, metalloproteins, post translational modification, drug design, analysis and design of protein and RNA structure, and X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding. The department is located in a large, research-oriented medical center, which is immediately adjacent to the arts and sciences campus, fostering a productive and collaborative scientific community.

Biochemistry: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
Biochemistry: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
Biochemistry: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
Biochemistry: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available: Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
Statement of Purpose: Required
Résumé: Required
GRE General: Optional
GRE Subject tests (Biology, Chemistry): Optional This program does not require applicants to provide GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or other graduate entrance exam scores, but does allow you to upload scores if you feel they enhance your application. If you choose to submit test scores, you may enter them on the Test Scores page. If you choose to enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required component of your application.
English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Statement of Purpose Guidelines The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse background in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice though courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in research, education, or other disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to excellence in research scholarship and fosters a spirit of creativity, service, and respect, within an environment that is ethical, inclusive, and diverse.

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes; record externally and provide URL in application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

PhD Program

Be part of innovative research and mentored by leading experts in the field.

Every student must publish at least one first author research paper prior to graduation

Our department offers a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. The program is designed for students interested in molecular mechanisms, proteomics, and biophysics. The department accepts up to five PhD students each year.

What You’ll Learn

Your training as a doctoral candidate in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology at GUMC will be multifaceted. Our program has developed a solid educational platform designed not only to challenge the candidate, but also to provide supportive mentorship in order to aid the candidate as they develop their own skillsets and become a scientific leader.

Thesis mentors are available from a variety of backgrounds spanning stem cell biology and human tissue engineering to traditional biochemical analytics, with an optional focus on informatics- or systems-based medicine. Each faculty mentor represents a diverse component of the biomedical scientific enterprise and each has dedicated their career to enhancing biomedical science through independent research and doctoral candidate training.

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, law, and finance. Contact the program if you would like more information.

Learn about the application process.

Browse our required courses.

Course Schedule

Find an example course schedule.

Student Resources

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Questions about the program or application process? Email us!

Graduate Programs

Biochem & MolBiophysics PhD

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program ranks in the top 10 nationally and represents a traditional strength in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UCSD. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in the biochemical sciences as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. A high graduation rate in an average of just over five years can be attributed to the quality of applicants admitted, the flexibility of our program of study, the opportunity for students to begin research in the first year, and the affordability of education made possible by our generous financial support policies.

Program Overview

Programs of study are tailored to the needs of individual students, based on their prior training and research interests. However, progress to degree is generally similar for all students. During the first year, students take courses, begin their teaching apprenticeships, choose research advisors, and embark on their thesis research; students whose native language is not English must pass an English proficiency examination. Beginning the first summer, the emphasis is on research, although courses of special interest may be taken throughout a student's residency. At the end of their first year, students choose the departmental members of their thesis committee and begin to prepare a written research proposal. During their second year, they complete their research proposal and defend it orally. In the third year, students advance to candidacy for the doctorate by defending the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans for their dissertation. Subsequent years focus on thesis research and writing the dissertation. Most students graduate during their fifth year.

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities for graduate students are comprehensive and interdisciplinary, spanning biochemistry; biophysics; structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology. Please refer to the faculty pages for full descriptions of the on-going research of faculty in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program. State-of-the-art facilities and laboratories support these research programs.

UCSD is a thriving community that stretches across campus with opportunities for research and collaborations among a large number of faculty in the Division of Biology, the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the School of Medicine, the La Jolla Institute of Immunology, the Salk Institute, and many others.

Special Training Programs

Interdisciplinary research and collaboration at UCSD is enhanced through a variety of training grants. These programs provide financial support for exceptional graduate and postdoctoral scholars and also unite researchers from across campus and throughout the La Jolla research community in special seminars, retreats, and courses. Doctoral students usually apply for training grants in their second year.

Molecular Biophysics Training Grant
Contemporary Approaches to Cancer Cell Signaling and Communication
Interfaces Graduate Training Program
Molecular Pharmacology Training Program

Teaching apprenticeships are a vital and integral part of graduate student training, and four quarters of teaching are normally required. See the Teaching Assistants page to apply. Students can gain experience teaching both discussion and laboratory sections. Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering both fundamentals and special techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the Teaching and Learning Commons on campus. Performance is evaluated every quarter, and awards are bestowed quarterly for outstanding teaching performance.

Financial Support

Students in good academic standing receive a 12-month stipend; fees and tuition are also provided. Support packages come from a variety of sources, including teaching and research assistantships, training grants, fellowships, and awards. Special fellowships are awarded to outstanding students based on their admission files. See Ph.D. Program Support Policy for more information.

Health and Dental Plan

A primary health care program, major medical plan, and dental plan are among the benefits provided by the University's registration fee (see Graduate Student Health Insurance Program, GSHIP) . Minor illnesses and injuries can usually be treated at the Student Health Center . Counseling is provided free of charge through Counseling and Psychological Services .

Creative, bright, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We admit for Fall quarter entrance only. The application will open around late September. The application deadline is in either November or December. The Admissions Committee reviews files individually and in comparison to others, and invitations to interview are made around January. For those invited, in-person interviews will be on campus in either February or March. Those who receive the official admissions offer from t he Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs ( GEPA ) have until April 15th to make a decision.

PostGraduate Placement

Graduates typically obtain jobs in academia or in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. La Jolla is home to the third largest Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry mecca. Many of our alumni stay in San Diego and obtain positions in one of the over 300 companies that are located near UCSD. During their PhD, students can take advantage of the many internships that are available at these companies. A large proportion of our graduates attain postdoctoral research positions in leading academic institutions. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Program provides career advising throughout the PhD. UCSD's Career Services Center and the Physical Sciences Student Success Center provides many resources for students, including the chance to videotape yourself in a mock interview!

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The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctorate degree program at IU School of Medicine typically takes five years to complete. The program includes two years of course work and three years of conducting original research full-time, culminating in a PhD thesis. This program prepares graduates for careers in academic research and teaching or in the business and industry side of bioscience.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements.

A minimum of 30 credit hours of didactic coursework
A minimum of 45 credit hours of research (B855)
A minimum of 90 credit hours consisting of required and elective courses
A scholarly thesis based on approved original research with oversight from a faculty mentor. Potential research topics include structural biology, signal transduction, drug development, regulation of gene expression, cancer biology and metabolic disorders.
Minimum 3.0 GPA and a B- or better in all PhD coursework

Curriculum Year One

Biochemistry PhD students must take at least two (of the available eight) two-credit Biochemistry core courses (BIOC-B811, GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G848, G852, G825, G826), which are offered among spring electives for the Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program (IBGP) or in the fall. These may be taken in year one or later years.

GRDM-G715 Biomed I – Biomedical Science I – Biochemical Basis of Biological Processes*: 2 credits
GRDM-G716 Biomed II – Biomedical Science II – Molecular Biology and Genetics*: 2 credits
GRDM-G717 Biomed III – Biomedical Science III – Cellular Basis of Systems Biology*: 2 credits
GRDM-G505 Responsible Conduct of Research*: 1 credit
GRDM-G700 Translating Foundational Science to Contemporary Knowledge*: 1 credit
GRDM-G702 Entering Biomedical Science Research*: 1 credit
GRDM-G718 Research in Biomedical Science (first rotation): 2 credits

Biochemistry Core Electives

GRDM-G805 Diabetes and Obesity: 2 credits
GRDM-G825 Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology: 2 credits
GRDM-G826 Synthetic Biology and Biologics: 2 credits

Research Communication (one of the following)

COMM-C534 Distilling Your Message*: 1 credit
COMM-C533 Improvisation for Scientists*: 1 credit
ENG-W533 Science Writing for Public Readers*: 1 credit
GRDM-G507 Reagent Validation as a Means for Enhanced Research Reproducibility*: 1 credit
GRDM-G718 Research in Biomedical Science Rotations 2 and 3: 4 credits
Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program open enrollment electives
GRDM-G817 Molecular basis of cell structure and function: 2 credits
GRDM-G852 Concepts of cancer biology: 2 credits
GRDM-G807 Structural and chemical biology: 2 credits
GRDM-G848 Bioinformatics applications to proteomics and genomics: 2 credits

Biochemistry Course Descriptions

Curriculum Year Two

Fall- Total of 10 credit hours

GRDM-G855 Experimental Design and Research Biostatistics*: 1 credit
BIOC- B890 Seminar: 1 credit
Major course requirements: variable
Minor course requirements: variable
BIOC-B855 Research: variable

Spring- Total of 10 credit hours

BIOC-B803 Advanced Biochemistry: 1 credit

Curriculum Years Three through Five

During years 3 through 5, the student will take didactic courses if needed to fulfill either requirements for the biochemistry major or their chosen minor. In year 3, the student will typically register for a total of 10 cr. hours each fall and spring, including 1 cr. hour of BIOC-B890. 4 credit hours of B890 are required before advancing to candidacy. The student will advance to candidacy upon completion of both major and minor coursework and having reached a total of 30 or more didactic hours of coursework as well as successful defense of their thesis proposal which serves as the students qualifying examination.

Work will continue in the field of the candidate’s thesis. Emphasis will be on the ability to pursue research with relative independence and responsibility.

Curriculum for Dual Degree (MD/PhD) Program

MD/PhD students are not required to take GRDM-G715-717 but are expected to perform lab rotations during summer breaks from medical school classes. MD/PhD students must take two or more of the two-credit Biochemistry core courses (GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G852, G825, G826, G848) along with other courses required of IBMG and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD students (GRDM-G505, G655, G855, BIOC-B803 and B890 [4x]).

Thesis Requirement

After a laboratory for thesis research is chosen, an advisory committee consisting of at least three faculty from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and one external faculty member is formed with the approval of the thesis advisor and departmental chairperson. Upon advancement to candidacy, a thesis research committee is similarly formed but may consist of different faculty.

Financial Aid

PhD students with eligibility to work in the U.S. receive a competitive annual stipend without a Teaching Assistant requirement ($29,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year) as well as tuition scholarships and health and dental insurance. Find additional financial aid information from the IUPUI Office of Student Financial Services .

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PhD in Biochemistry

Postgraduate Study

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How To Apply

Students are based in a research group and undertake a research project agreed with the principal investigator (supervisor). Each student also has additional mentorship support from an advisor and a Postgraduate Thesis Panel. Although there is no formal, examined coursework, the student's progress is assessed at various stages. The most important of these is the First-Year Assessment which comprises the submission of a thesis report and an oral examination, assessed by two examiners. Registration for a PhD is only possible following a satisfactory outcome from the First-Year Assessment. In their second year, students present their research work in poster form. In the third year, students present their work in a talk given to the whole Department.

The PhD degree in Biochemistry is designed to train students to be effective research scientists. In addition to developing deep knowledge of a subject area and a broader understanding of the relevant field, students will develop skills in:

identifying experimentally answerable scientific questions and assessing the value of these questions to both science and society
designing and executing experiments that test these scientific questions
analysing and interpreting experimental data
presenting the aims and outcomes of scientific research in both written and oral form
sourcing, assessing and critically evaluating scientific literature
time, data and resource management
collaborative and interpersonal professional behaviour

Many of these skills will be acquired within the student’s research group. Other skills will be developed outside their research group: at the beginning of their first year, students attend an in-house training course of lectures and workshops, and can subsequently continue their training in many areas, choosing from the wide range of courses available within the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the University. Students will also belong to a Peer Research Group, composed of other postgraduate students, within which workshops, student research projects, and scientific literature are presented and discussed.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of biochemistry, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

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PhD in Biochemistry

Description for Image

WPI’s PhD in Biochemistry will give you the interdisciplinary knowledge, rigorous research experience, and hands-on practice to thrive in today’s fast-paced and continually evolving Biochemistry research environment.

Value Proposition Description

You will make your own discoveries as you work alongside expert faculty researchers who are conducting groundbreaking research with potential to change the way we live in areas such as health, nanotechnology, biomedical sensors, and clean energy.

You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities like our Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, an exceptional, interdisciplinary research environment that enables the kind of advances that have a profound impact on society, human health, and our environment.

Our flexible and diverse PhD in biochemistry curriculum encourages students to tailor a program of research and study to their individual career goals. You will complement your immersive research activities with selected courses that enable you to delve into advanced topics of interest in Biochemistry as well as biology, biotechnology, engineering, and more.

You will also have many opportunities to sharpen your professional skills and knowledge: hone your teaching abilities in seminars at WPI’s Morgan Teaching and Learning Center; advance your knowledge in bioprocessing in our newly established Biomanufacturing Education and Training Center; or expand your corporate knowledge through courses in our School of Business.

WPI’s Biochemistry faculty members and students conduct cutting-edge research funded by major federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Our research groups are involved in fundamental and applied research with the potential to change the way we live, in areas such as these:

heavy metal transport
metal homeostasis of plants and bacteria
computational biochemistry/biophysics of membrane proteins
enzyme structure and function

At WPI, students’ work makes an immediate impact on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Students work one-on-one with faculty members to develop a targeted curriculum—so they can combine their interests in science, engineering, and even entrepreneurship.

Whether your interests are in biotech or pharmaceutical fields, or in areas such as energy or rare resources, the opportunities at WPI prepare you for your next steps.

Research at WPI is invigorating, exciting, and innovative.

WPI’s high-tech lab bays are organized by research focus, not departments, and invite multidisciplinary collaboration.

The flexible degree program at WPI means your BCB degree offers a comprehensive plan tailored to your professional and personal goals.

The PhD in Biochemistry program is located within the WPI Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park, a thriving interdisciplinary research hub. Here, you will be supported by outstanding specialized resources—technology, processes, and technical staff—to advance your research, including state-of-the-art equipment for microscopy/imaging, facilities supporting cell culture work, and a 3,500-square-foot vivarium.

Faculty Profiles

Chemistry research in the Burdette group occurs at the interface of synthesis, metal ion homeostasis & signaling, cell biology and photochemistry. The group is developing molecular tools that will facilitate efforts to map cellular metal ion signaling pathways, and understand the pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases. Of particular interest is the development of photocaged complexes that are capable of releasing zinc in a light-dependent manner in biological systems. These tools are designed and synthesized to optimize the temporal and spatial control of zinc release.

Our research integrates investigating the structure and function of targeted membrane proteins with development of mixed reality tools for workforce development. We combine biochemical and biophysical techniques to investigate the structure and function of two classes of membrane proteins. In the first instance, we are investigating the mechanism of a zinc transporter, hZIP4. This protein has been implicated in the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer. Despite the central role of this protein in cellular homeostasis, the mechanism of cation transport is not well understood.

What makes a particular material efficient at converting sunlight to electrical or chemical energy? Conversely, what makes a material a poor energy converter? The Grimmgroup is motivated by quantifying and controlling the bulk and surface properties of solar energy conversion materials. As a research group in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, we seek an atom- and bond-level understanding of material properties.

I am a computational physical chemist. My research is in the areas of force field building and applications. Special attention is given to creating polarizable force fields for organic and biophysical systems, including proteins and protein-ligand complexes. I teach classes in physical, computational and general chemistry. Simulations of proteins is very important in biomedical research because proteins play crucial role in a large number of biological phenomena, both benign and harmful.

Research in the Mattson Group is a combination of catalyst design, methodology development, and complex molecule synthesis. Our catalyst design program is focused on the synthesis and study of new families of non-covalent catalysts, including boronate ureas and silanediols, that are able to promote new reactivity patterns. The catalyst design and associated reaction development programs are currently geared toward the synthesis of enantioenriched nitrogen and oxygen heterocycles that frequently appear in naturally occurring bioactive compounds.

Membranes are composed of hundreds of distinct kinds of phospholipids, and the types of lipids that are found within a membrane bilayer impact its biophysical properties including its fluidity, permeability and susceptibility to damage. Our primary interest is in understanding the mechanisms that control the phospholipid composition and that preserve the membrane over time. We use stable isotope tracing strategies and mass spectrometry to quantify phospholipid abundance and dynamics in the model organism, C. elegans.

Suzanne Scarlata, Richard Whitcomb Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry , joined the university faculty in 2016. She studies how small molecules in the bloodstream can change the behavior of cells. In particular, she is interested in how certain hormones and neurotransmitters can activate a family of organic molecules known as G proteins (guanine nucleotide-binding proteins), which are involved in transmitting signals from various stimuli from the exterior to the interior of cells.

Refer a Friend

Do you have a friend, colleague, or family member who might be interested in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) graduate programs? Click below to tell them about our programs.

Ready to Advance Your Career in Biochemistry?

Whether you’re already working as a professional in the field or plan to go straight from your master’s into a PhD, a doctorate in biochemistry will give you exposure to rigorous, cutting-edge research and immersive curriculum needed to be competitive in this fast-paced field. Do you have specific questions about a biochemistry PhD salary or about jobs after a PhD in biochemistry? Explore our career outlook for biochemistry to help gauge what a future in the field might look like from salary data to job titles.

Explore More Advanced Degrees in Chemistry

Do you have a passion for diving into meaningful research in the medical, environmental, or green chemistry fields? A PhD in chemistry may be a good fit for you. Our collaborative, one-on-one mentorship empowers students to conduct groundbreaking research in areas like molecular modeling, spectroscopy, enzyme kinetics, and more! Not quite ready for a PhD just yet? Our master’s in chemistry will help get you there. Dive into high-level courses in organic chemistry, life sciences, and even materials research with our master’s in chemistry. Are you interested in the chemistry field, but also have a passion for studying plant chemistry? Our online master’s in chemistry with an optional specialization in medicinal plant chemistry enables students to receive an advanced degree specializing in plant-based chemistry. Advance your career in modern plant-based industries by studying natural product isolation, characterization, and analysis. Do you have a particular interest in the chemical processes that happen within living things? Consider earning a master’s in biochemistry in which you’ll be challenged to conduct high-level research in areas like gene expression and functional genomics.

Explore Gateway Degrees in Chemistry

If an advanced degree is in your future, you’ll need to begin with a bachelor’s degree. WPI’s bachelor’s in biochemistry lets you explore topics at the intersection of chemistry and biology. You’ll get hands-on laboratory experience as you study and unravel complicated chemical processes of living organisms. If you’re fascinated by chemical processes and materials, a bachelor’s in chemistry will build your academic knowledge and give you real-world experience in our cutting-edge labs.

Explore Related Minors for a Broader Understanding of the World Around You

If you are pursuing a major in a different discipline but would like a foundation in biochemistry or chemistry, WPI has minors that will help you find what you’re looking for. A minor in biochemistry or a minor in chemistry will expand your understanding of the world around you while giving you practical, hands-on laboratory experience. These minors are especially valuable for those majoring in biomedical engineering, biology, or chemical engineering. Business majors who have an interest in life sciences work will also find a minor in chemistry or a minor in biochemistry particularly relevant to industry.

The BioPoint Program for Graduate Students has been designed to complement traditional training in bioscience, digital and engineering fields. Students accepted into one of the home BioPoint programs will have the flexibility to select research advisors and take electives in other departments to broaden their skills. BioPoint curriculum is designed to be individual, interactive, project-focused and diverse, and includes innovative courses, seminars, journal clubs and industrial-based projects. Learn more .

Degree Programs

PhD in Biochemistry

Application information.

Students enter the Biochemistry PhD program by applying to the Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP) . Ideal candidates will possess strong grades and have completed undergraduate courses in biology, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

To apply students should submit

a completed application form,
three letters of recommendation,
official undergraduate transcript(s), and
when applicable, official TOEFL scores.

If you wish to apply only to the Biochemistry PhD program, select Biochemistry in the "Preferred Program of Interest (PPI)" menu. Please read about PPIs in the BSTP's FAQ page .

Online applications are submitted through the site for the School of Graduate Studies. Please select Biomedical Sciences Training Program in the "Academic Program" menu once you start the application .

Biochemistry Program

The department of chemistry and biochemistry currently has seventeen faculty members and affiliate faculty members who participate in the biochemistry program. students may work with faculty members in biochemistry or with faculty members in chemistry who have biochemical interests., this program provides rigorous graduate course work in biochemical and biophysical principles and techniques as well as in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, and systems biology that will prepare students for their research. graduate research focuses on fostering independence and expertise in answering cutting-edge biochemistry questions. research programs fall into the general areas of biophysical chemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular biophysics, structural biology, bioorganic chemistry/chemical biology, and enzymes and molecular machines., graduate students in the biochemistry program enjoy the benefits of being part of a close-knit and supportive community and still having the resources of a large research department and university available to them. the rigorous course work, mentorship, research and resources allow biochemistry graduates to become successful in academic, industrial, and government careers in today’s hi-tech world of biochemistry and biotechnology..

Biochemistry Graduate Student Owen Becette on studies of RNA structure and dynamics.

Program Overview

Masters of science in biochemistry.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts Masters students only in rare cases. Students have a maximum of 5 years to complete this degree, but typically, are able to complete all requirements in 2.5 years. Financial assistance is not generally available to M.S. students.

Degree Requirements

Biochemistry Masters students have two tracks that they can choose: Thesis or Non-Thesis.

Thesis Option

24 credits of graduate coursework must be completed by the end of the fourth semester.
Out of the 30 total credits, 6 credits must be research (BCHM799)
Completion of a thesis based on the student's research
Presentation of one seminar, generally immediately before the final oral examination
A final oral examination by the student's advisory committee

Non-Thesis Option

Biochemistry Core courses (BCHM 661, 662, 671, and 675) must be completed by the end of the fourth semester
Out of the 30 total credits, 6 credits must be research (BCHM699)
A 20 page original scholarly paper must be submitted and approved by three faculty members

Detailed Information about the MS degree requirements can be found here .

PhD in Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts PhD students each Fall. We do not offer Spring admissions. Students must advance to candidacy within 5 years of admission to the doctoral program. After advancing to candidacy, students have 4 years to complete and defend their dissertation. Admitted PhD students are offered a graduate assistantship in the form of a teaching assistantship during their first year of the program. After the first year, as long as students are in good standing, they will continue to receive funding from the department via a research or teaching assistantship.

The Ph.D. in Biochemistry must include:

At least 21 credits of graduate coursework, with 19 credits completed by the end of the fourth semester with an overall GPA ≥ 3.0
12 credits of Ph.D. research (BCHM 898 (pre-candidacy), BCHM 899 (post-candidacy)).
Oral defense of a written research proposal and demonstration of general knowledge of biochemistry as part of advancement to candidacy.
Presentation of a seminar on a topic that is different from the student’s dissertation research.
Independent preparation of a research aim in the area of student’s own research.
Preparation and oral defense of a publication-quality dissertation that advances the field.

Detailed Information about the PhD requirements can be found here .

Postdoctoral Opportunities in Industry

Core Facilities for Research in Biochemistry

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Biochemistry, PhD

The PhD program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be successful, independent scientists who can contribute to current challenging societal issues. Students earning a doctoral degree in biochemistry are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most also choose to join transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as biogeochemistry, energy and sustainability, fundamental chemical biology, materials and nanoscience, medicine and health, and structure function and dynamics.

students funded

Annual research funding, research groups, admission information, how to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is January 1. Applications received prior to the deadline will receive priority consideration, but applications received after the deadline may still receive consideration, pending available space. Applicants will receive final notice of decision by March 15.

All applicants must apply through the Graduate Admissions office. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly . Please do not mail any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences.

The School of Molecular Sciences utilizes a two-part application process and both parts are required. The first part is the General Application through the ASU Graduate Admissions office. The second part is a supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences through SlideRoom.

Step 1:General Application

The first step is to submit the General Application through Graduate Admission Services.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

The supplemental application can be completed immediately following submission of the General Application. You will need your Application Reference number in order to submit, but can begin the application without it. The Supplemental Application will close on the application deadline and no new applications will be allowed. Applications started by the deadline will be granted a 7-day grace period to complete the application.

Access the Supplemental Application

***GRE NOT required ***

Requirements

Minimum Requirements required for admission:

GPA of at least 3.0
Applicants from Indian institutions (3-yr BSc) must have completed a Master's degree.
International Applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE)

While all applications meeting the minimum requirements will be reviewed, competitive candidates generally meet the following benchmarks:

Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (IELTS 7/7, equivalencies for other tests will be determined as needed). Additional English requirements are required by ASU for employment as a TA for speaking section less than 26.

Application

All applicants are required to pay the application fee ($70 – domestic / $115 – international). The application fee will be refunded to all students who are accepted into and agree to join our program.

You will need the following information to complete the general application:

Beginning/ending dates and location(s) of your academic degree(s);
Grade point average (GPA) - Information on calculating overall, junior-senior undergraduate and graduate GPA can found on the Graduate Admission website .
TOEFL scores (unofficial scores can be used in your initial application)
Arizona Residency information if you are a resident in the state of Arizona (general tax and employment history)
Submitting unofficial transcripts could expedite admission and not require submission of official transcripts in order to receive a formal offer

You will need the following information to complete the supplemental application:

Areas of research and faculty member interest
A brief Personal Statement that includes a narrative concerning your motivations for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, your long-term career goals, further information on research experience, potential ASU faculty interests and a list of all honors, awards and scholarships. It is particularly important to describe your research experience and list any publications.
Contact information (email address) for three (3) faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you, and can comment on your suitability for advanced scholarly work. One of these must be your current research supervisor. If you are employed full-time, only one of these letters can be from your employer. Faculty member letters are much more important than letters from employers.
Electronic copies of your unofficial transcripts. (individual PDF file for each transcript)

Acceptance decisions may be extended on the basis of the unofficial information submitted as part of the application, although an official offer cannot be extended until the all official transcripts and test scores have been received and added to the official graduate admissions application.

Domestic students who apply by the deadline and are extended an offer of admission will be invited to visit campus during our Visitation Weekend in mid-February.

International

The School of Molecular Sciences values a diverse student population and welcomes applications from international students. The University sets English proficiency requirements for admission for international students whose native language is not English, or for whom the official language of the country of origin is not English. The University will also require international students employed as a teaching assistants to demonstrate additional proficiency in spoken English. The School of Molecular Sciences prefers applicants who demonstrate English proficiency beyond the University required minimums as follows:

A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (additional English requirements are required for employment as a TA)
An IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with speaking score of 7.0 or better
Equivalencies for other exams will be determined as needed.

The test of English proficiency must have been taken within two years of starting the program (i.e. for fall 2022 admission, the test must have been taken after August 1, 2020.) You will need to retake the test if your results are more than two years old. Official scores should be sent by the Education Testing Service (ETS) as soon as possible. When ordering a score report from ETS, use institution code 4007 (a department code is not needed). Applications will not be considered without valid evidence of English proficiency.

Applicants who satisfy one of the following criteria through attendance at a regionally accredited college or university in the US are exempt from the English proficiency admission requirements:

Applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.
Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
Applicants who have completed at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S or from an international institution that is officially recognized in that country and is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English. Student should email [email protected] to request exemption and include a letter from the institution on letterhead indicating language of instruction or provide information on the institution website to verify language of instruction.
Applicants who have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
Four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.

NOTE: Exemption can only be obtained by providing proof through submission of official documentation, i.e. official graduate transcript. The requirement will remain on your account until the verification has been completed by the Graduate Admissions office.

All international academic records must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal and complete versions of original records, and the documents must be translated by a university, a government official, or an official translation service. Students who are applying from Indian institutions must send both their Certificate and Mark Sheets.

The university sets an additional requirement for spoken English proficiency for students to be hired as Teaching Assistants. Students who do not meet the threshold for spoken English proficiency (iBT speaking score of 24/IELTS speaking band score of 7.5) are brought in early and provided assistance to prepare for and take the test of spoken English that is administered by the university.

For additional information, please visit the Graduate Admission Services page dedicated to International Students .

All students accepted in the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are guaranteed financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant (Teaching/Research Assistant) position for five years. Students are typically appointed as Teaching Assistants for at least the first year. Research assistantships come from faculty grants and are awarded based on the availability of funds. There are some departmental, college, or university fellowships that are awarded on a competitive basis. Highly qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for a graduate fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF-GRFP), National Institutes of Health (NIH-F31) as well as other national fellowship programs, i.e. DOE, EPA, NASA, etc.

The standard stipend for all students on TA/RA is $12,293 per semester for fall and spring ($24,586) and full summer funding is $8,195 for TA or RA. Total annual stipend is $32,781.

Tuition and Health Insurance benefits are provided for all students with Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship positions with at least a full-time (.50 FTE) appointment (20 hours per week). Tuition - Tuition waivers cover the full cost of tuition for resident and non-resident students with a TA/RA appointment. Information on the cost of tuition and the value of this benefit can be found in the Academic Catalog . Health Benefits - The university covers the cost of individual health insurance premiums for all TAs and RAs with full-time appointments (.50 FTE). More information on this plan can be found at ASU Health Services website (Billing and Insurance > Health Coverage Options).

Additional information about the specific policies of the RA/TA position at ASU can be found in the Graduate College TA/RA Handbook .

Students seeking to transfer from another graduate program are accepted only under exceptional circumstances. If you are currently, or have been in another graduate program in chemistry or biochemistry in the United States, you must supply three letters of recommendation from your current institution (i.e. the one that you are transferring from, or the one you previously attended). Do not have letters sent from earlier (undergraduate) institutions. Specifically, we will need a letter from your current research advisor (or prior graduate research advisor) stating explicitly why you want to transfer to ASU. Without a letter from your research advisor, we will NOT be able to review your application.

Application Fee Waiver Request

The School of Molecular Sciences has earmarked a small amount of money to provide application fee waivers to assist students with a demonstrated financial need. To apply for fee waiver, please complete the application below:

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request Form - Fall 2024

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request form

You will be asked to provide the following information:

To obtain the Application Number, you will need to start the Graduate Application and complete it up to the payment page. Do not submit payment information. Save and exit the application. You will receive your Application Number via email within about 24 hours. (If you submit payment, it cannot be undone and you will not be reimbursed, except as noted below as part of the standard admission/reimbursement process.)
Brief essay (about 150 words) detailing your financial hardship
Brief essay (similar to your personal statement for graduate school) describing why you are interested in earning a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry at ASU
Names of three faculty members you would be interested in having as a possible research advisor and why you are interested in them
Copies of unofficial transcripts, combined into one PDF document. (file name: Last name, First name – transcripts )
Copy of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score report (International applicants only). (f ile name: Last Name, First Name: English Proficiency )
Additional supporting documents (combined into one pdf). ( file name: Last Name, First Name: supporting documentation )

Fee waiver requests will be considered until all funds have been exhausted, but must be submitted by December 1. Requests will be evaluated upon receipt in the order received and students will be informed of the decision within about two weeks. Receipt of an application fee waiver does not guarantee admission to a PhD program. If you do not receive a fee waiver, but are admitted to the chemistry or biochemistry PhD program and join the program, the application fee will be reimbursed at the beginning of the first semester.

This fee waiver request is only available to applicants of the Chemistry or Biochemistry PhD programs. Applicants for MS degrees are not eligible.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required. The committee will not factor in GRE scores sent to ASU.

Do I have to pay the application fee?

Yes. The application fee is paid with the general graduate application. The fee is $70 for domestic students and $115 for international students. The application fee will be refunded to all students who are admitted and choose to join our program. This fee is set by the University and is out of our control.

If I send my application information in an email, can I receive a pre-evaluation to see if I am eligible to apply?

We receive many inquiries and applications; therefore, we are not able to preview your scores to determine your eligibility to apply or make suggestions on your credentials.

I missed the deadline for application. Can I still apply?

Applications received after the Jan. 1 deadline may be reviewed and considered for admission if space permits; however, the applicant may not be eligible for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend. International students must consider important dates for the issuance of immigration documents. Applications are only accepted for the fall semester. We do not admit students to begin study in the spring semester.

Do all supporting documents need to be submitted by the deadline date?

Supporting documents may be submitted after the deadline; however, preference is given to applicants whose files are complete by the application due date. Submission of documents after the deadline may exclude your application from eligibility for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend.

Is a master's degree required for applying to the PhD program?

Students applying to the PhD programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline by the semester in which they want to begin their graduate program. A Master’s degree is not required, with one exception. Due to differences in the educational system in India, applicants who have received their degree from an institution in India must have also completed a Master's degree. (4-year degrees, usually Biotechnology degrees, from India are considered equivalent to a 4-year BS degree and do not require an accompanying Master’s degree.)

Why can't I access the departmental supplemental application page?

You will need an ASURITE ID from Graduate Admission Services before you can access this page. Graduate Admission Services will not send your ASURITE ID until you have completed and submitted the general application, i.e. you must click the "submit" button at the end of their application. Please also make sure that the email containing your ASURITE ID has not been caught in your SPAM filter.

If you have received your ASURITE ID and you still cannot access the application, please wait 1-2 days to allow for our supplemental application database to sync with the Graduate Admission Services database (due to the schedule, this can take up to 48 hours). If after 48 hours you still cannot access the application, please check your MyASU to confirm that you have an application on file. If when accessing the application you encounter a page requesting that you log out, please follow the log out instructions, close your internet browser, and then try the link again. You may also need to log out of MyASU directly, since many browsers allow for MyASU to remain logged in, which can cause an authentication time-out error for the supplemental application. After logging out of MyASU, close your browser and then attempt to access the supplemental application again.

How many students will you admit this year?

Our recent incoming classes have ranged from 30-40 students, selected from ca. 450 applicants. The class size for any given year will be determined by faculty demand for new students.

Do I need to send official transcripts to both graduate college and the department?

Applicants are asked to submit an electronic copy of their unofficial transcripts as part of the Supplemental Application to the School of Molecular Sciences. SMS will use the unofficial transcripts for their review. Official transcripts must be sent to Graduate Admission Services for evaluation for you to be eligible for admission. Please do not mail your official transcript or any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences.

I am an international student, when should I submit the financial guarantee form?

The Financial Guarantee form should be submitted only if you are accepted to a graduate program. Graduate Admission Services will send information on completing this form with their official admissions notification. Information on how to complete this form will also be included with the official offer letter.

When will a decision be made on my application?

The School of Molecular Sciences Admissions Committee will begin their review of applications close to the deadline. The number of applications received in the past few years has averaged over 450 per year; therefore, it may take up to 6 weeks before notices are sent. The Admissions Committee appreciates your patience while they carefully review each applicant's qualification for our graduate programs. Every effort will be made to provide final decisions by March 15.

Information on the Graduate Admission Services application can be found on their website or you can contact them by email or by calling 480-965-6113. Additional information can be found on their Contact page.

How can I check the status of my application?

Your application status can be checked in two places:

For your general application, please check your MyASU portal, specifically your Priority Tasks panel for any required items that need to be submitted. If your application status is “In Review” your official application is complete and nothing further is required for the official application.

For the Supplemental Application, please log in and click the "Check Documents Status" bar at the top of the application. All information that has been submitted is live and can be seen by the committee, there is no final submit button.

Where do I send official documents?

If sending by U.S. Mail, use this address:

Admission Services Applicant Processing Arizona State University PO Box 871004 Tempe AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:

Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Do not mail any documents, including official transcripts or copies of test scores to the School of Molecular Sciences.

Is there a special form to complete for financial support via a graduate assistantship?

There is no additional paperwork to complete for a Graduate Assistantship.

What kind of financial support is available through the department?

All students accepted into the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are offered financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant position.

Students are welcome and encouraged to apply for fellowships available through the Graduate College or federal agencies (i.e. NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) to supplement or substitute for the standard funding, which can often allow for additional focus on research and a reduction in the time required to complete the degree.

Which professors are actively recruiting students? Should I contact individual professors about their research group?

Professors' group requirements change constantly and we are not able to provide a list of actively recruiting faculty. However, all students, whichever professor they eventually work for, must first apply to and be accepted into the program. Individual professors do not make decisions regarding admissions and should not be contacted with admission inquiries. Professors will often discuss research projects by email with enthusiastic applicants.

Where can I find the form for recommendation letters?

There is no form for recommendation letters; they are submitted electronically. Within the Supplemental Application you will provide email addresses for your recommendation writers and an email will be sent to each recommender with instructions on how to submit a letter in support of your application. We can only accept letters of recommendation that are submitted electronically using our system.

Where can I find information about the graduate admission services application and how do I contact them if I have a question?

Learn more about Degree Requirements and Courses and electives

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Biochemistry, PhD

Integrated Program in Biochemistry graduate student pipettes a solution in the lab.

Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules, their roles in the cell, and the chemistry of their reactions in living systems. The Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB) is the merged graduate program between the Department of Biochemistry (in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (in the School of Medicine and Public Health). The program trains the next generation of biochemists and prepares them for 21st-century challenges in science. IPiB offers a PhD degree with a major in biochemistry. Although an MS degree is officially offered, students are not admitted for a terminal master's degree.

From atoms and cells to plants and animals, biochemistry research in IPiB is at the forefront of modern science. We are home to around 100 graduate students and 56 world-class faculty pursuing cutting-edge research in all areas of biochemistry, including cell and developmental biology, chemical biology, endocrinology, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, molecular genetics, molecular medicine, physical biochemistry and biophysics, quantitative biology, structural biology, systems and synthetic biology, and virology. The program teaches critical thinking skills, applicable to a wide range of professional fields that students pursue after graduation.

The size and breadth of IPiB provide unique opportunities for graduate students who want to pursue a degree in one of the top biochemistry graduate programs in the nation. Our modern facilities are filled with labs carrying out groundbreaking research in a collaborative, friendly, and inspirational atmosphere. Welcome to IPiB, and we hope that you can share our enthusiasm for the biochemical sciences!

Dual Degrees

The program participates with the School of Medicine and Public Health in offering a dual degree program for students wishing to complete both the MD and PhD degrees. For the prerequisites and degree requirements for the MD degree, as well as the online application form, see Medical Scientist Training Program .

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Graduate Admissions Requirements
Requirements	Detail
Fall Deadline	December 1
Spring Deadline	This program does not admit in the spring.
Summer Deadline	This program does not admit in the summer.
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)	Not required.
English Proficiency Test	Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency test score earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: .
Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT)	n/a
Letters of Recommendation Required	3

To qualify for admission to the program, an applicant must complete a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited college or university. The basic background for graduate study in biochemistry ordinarily would be provided by an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or in one of the biological or medical sciences. The Admission Committee assesses a candidate’s potential for success in the program by taking all aspects of their application into consideration. Most successful applicants have completed a rigorous undergraduate curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Most have also had a substantive laboratory experience that demonstrates commitment and talent for research. The applicant's undergraduate grade point average must be at least 3.0 (4.0 scale). For more information, please visit the Prospective Students tab on the program's website.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

IPiB students receive a full stipend as well as tuition remission and comprehensive health insurance. The stipends take the form of traineeships, research assistantships, or fellowships, and are guaranteed for all IPiB PhD candidates in good academic standing and making satisfactory research progress. IPiB also assists its graduate students with outstanding academic records in competing for university or national awards.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction
Face to Face	Evening/Weekend	Online	Hybrid	Accelerated
Yes	No	No	No	No

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

University General Education Requirements
Requirements	Detail
Minimum Credit Requirement	54 credits
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement	42 credits
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement	54 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: .
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement	3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: .
Other Grade Requirements	n/a
Assessments and Examinations	Deposit of the doctoral dissertation in the Graduate School is required.
Language Requirements	n/a
Graduate School Breadth Requirement	Doctoral students must complete the program’s required coursework plus a minimum of 6 credits of approved breadth coursework in the physical, biological, and/or quantitative sciences (3 credits each from two of these categories). Students who opt for the Option A or B doctoral minor or a graduate/professional certificate must complete the program’s required coursework, the requirements of the minor or certificate program, and a minimum of 6 credits of approved breadth coursework in the physical, biological, and/or quantitative sciences. The latter might be waived with approval from the Education and Career Development Committee.

Required Courses

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Program Course Requirements
	Responsible Conduct in Bioscience Research (taken fall of first year)	2
	From Atoms to Molecules (taken fall of first year)	3
	Experimental Design and Paradigms in Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (taken spring of first year)	3
	Biochemical Communication (taken fall of second year)	2
Research Requirements		33
	Research
	Advanced Biomolecular Chemistry and Research
Breadth Requirements		6
Students must complete a minimum of two additional graduate-level (Grad 50%) courses from the following list of didactic or laboratory courses in order to fulfill their breadth requirements, and a minimum of 6 total credits is required. In consultation with their committee, students must complete courses from at least 2 of the following categories: physical sciences, biological sciences, or quantitative sciences. One-credit seminars do not count toward the breadth requirements.
	Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism
	Computational Modeling of Biological Systems
	Biology of Viruses
	Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function
	Mathematical Methods for Systems Biology
	Prokaryotic Molecular Biology
	Advanced Nutrition: Intermediary Metabolism of Macronutrients
	Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
	Plant Biochemistry
	Mechanisms of Action of Vitamins and Minerals
	Molecular Control of Metabolism and Metabolic Disease
	Microbiology at Atomic Resolution
	Advanced or Special Topics in Biomolecular Chemistry (Topic: Biochemical Methods for Genome Maintenance)
	Chemical Biology
	From Atoms to Molecules
	Experimental Design and Paradigms in Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
	Biochemical Communication
	Advanced Topics (Topics: Membrane Protein Structure and Function (Advanced); Foundations of Biotechnology; Biochemical Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
	Statistical Methods for Bioscience I
	Advanced Microbial Genetics
	Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
	Microscopy of Life
	Genomic Science
	Biophysical Chemistry
	Proteomics Approaches for Biologists
	Fundamentals of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
	General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses
	Bioinformatics for Microbiologists
	Biophysical Spectroscopy
	Stem Cells and the Central Nervous System
	Purification and Characterization of Protein and Protein Complexes
	Selected Topics in Physiology
	Carcinogenesis and Tumor Cell Biology
	Cellular and Molecular Biology/Pathology
	Biology of Aging
	Advanced Bioinformatics
	Bioinformatics for Biologists
	Methods in Quantitative Biology
	Molecular and Cellular Principles in Pharmacology
	Design of Biological Molecules
	Special Topics in Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics (Topic: Computational Network Biology)
	Plant Cell Biology
	Special Topics
	Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Analysis
Seminar Requirement		5
PhD students must take at least five semesters of seminars and present in three of those. Students select 1-credit seminars in consultation with their committee.
Total Credits		54

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

For well-prepared advanced students, the program may accept up to 12 credits of prior graduate coursework from an uncompleted degree from other institutions towards the minimum graduate degree credit and minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. The minimum graduate residence credit requirement can be satisfied only with courses taken as a graduate student at UW–Madison.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the graduate degree.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison

No credits taken as a University Special student are allowed to transfer toward the graduate degree.

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student must have a faculty thesis advisor in the program. The thesis advisor advises the student about coursework, supervises the student's research, and acts as a mentor to the student through the student’s graduate career. The thesis advisor must approve the student's coursework before registration for a given semester and must also approve any subsequent changes to it.

A PhD thesis committee is composed of at least four graduate University faculty members, including the thesis advisor. The thesis committee is empowered by the program to advise the student about certification, administer the preliminary examination, oversee annual progress reports, approve thesis composition, and conduct the final PhD examination.

Credits Per Term Allowed

A maximum of 12 credits in fall and spring semesters and 2 credits in summer semesters is permitted for non-dissertators; 3 credits in fall, spring, and summer semesters for dissertators.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

Bias or Hate Reporting
Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

All students, both US and international, receive an annual stipend and tuition remission for the duration of their studies, provided satisfactory progress is made toward their degree. Comprehensive medical coverage is also offered. In addition, some students are supported on fellowships or training grants. Students are chosen based on criteria specified by the different training grants.

Students may matriculate only in the fall semester.

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes
Gain a broad understanding of the biochemical principles that underlie all biological processes.
Become aware of the current limitations of the state of understanding of this discipline and the strategies that are required to advance the field.
Formulate and design new approaches that extend and apply biochemical principles beyond their current boundaries.
Conduct independent research using a diverse breadth of biochemical processes.
Think critically to address research challenges using a broad range of the theories, research methods, and approaches to scientific inquiry.
Collaborate with investigators within the program, university, and beyond since current and future advances in the biomolecular sciences demand interdisciplinary skills.
Foster professional and ethical conduct in the sciences, including but not limited to: exposition of the scientific method; ethical design of experimental protocols; reproducibility in science; professional behavior in industrial, government, and academic settings; documentation of scientific results; communication to other scientists and the public; peer review; and confidentiality.
Develop communications skills that enable the articulation of research to fellow scientists and non-scientists.
Explore career development opportunities in industry, government and academia to realize professional goals and paths.
Develop teaching and mentoring skills in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Faculty: Professors B. Fox (Chair, Department of Biochemistry), Kiley (Chair, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry), Amasino, Attie, Audhya, Bednarek, Brow, Buller, Butcher, Campbell, Cantor, Cavagnero, Chaudhari, Coon, Cox, Coyle, Craciun, Craig, Denu, Engin, Fan, C. Fox, Friesen, Galmozzi, Gellman, Grant, Harrison, Henzler-Wildman, Hess, Holden, Hoskins, Hull, Keck, Kirchdoerfer, Landick, Lewis, Lim, Merrins, Neugebauer, Ntambi, Putnam, Raman, Rayment, Rienstra, Romero, Senes, Sheets, Simcox, Sussman, Venturelli, Wang, Weeks, Wright

Requirements

Contact Information

Biochemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health Integrated Program in Biochemistry http://www.ipib.wisc.edu/

For prospective students [email protected]

Kate Ryan, for current and former students, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-265-2281 1142F HF DeLuca Biochemistry Building 420 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1532

David A. Brow, Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 608-262-1475 4204b Biochemical Sciences Building 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1544

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Department of Biochemistry

Phd in biochemistry.

About Our PhD program

There are usually about 75 students working toward doctoral degrees and 10 students pursuing master's degrees in the MCB program. The strengths of the program are the breadth of its faculty's research interests, the interdisciplinary nature of its training, and the close mentoring and individual attention MCB students receive. Tom Maresca, Associate Professor of Biology, is the program's Director; Scott Garman, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is the program's Associate Director.

Financial Support

All accepted PhD candidates are fully supported for the first five years of their study as long as they remain in good standing in the program. Students are eligible for teaching and research assistantships that include tuition credit, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and an annual stipend (currently $31,543.20). Once a dissertation lab is selected, students are generally supported by research assistantships or fellowships. All students are required to have some teaching experience, generally as a Teaching Assistant during their first year.

Where do MCB students come from?

The MCB graduate program recruits students from various universities in the United States and abroad. Students entering the program within the past three years received their undergraduate degrees from institutions in the following U.S. states:

California—University of Southern California, California Polytechnic State University
Pennsylvania—Pennsylvannia State University, Dickinson College, Marywood University
Minnesota—Hamline University
Washington—University of Washington
New York—State University of New York at Albany
New Hampshire—University of New Hampshire
Vermont—Saint Michael’s College, University of Vermont
Massachusetts—UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Clark University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And from the following foreign institutions:

McGill University, Montreal, Canada
University of Kashmir, India
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Korea University, South Korea
Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey

What do MCB students accomplish during their graduate training?

The following is a selected list of student publications dated 2006-2012, of which majority are first author publications.

Friedrich, T ., Lambert, A.M., Masino, M.A., and Downes, G.B. (2012) Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoyl transacylase results in abnormal motor behavior and models maple syrup urine disease. Disease Models and Mechanisms 5: 248-58.

McKeown, K.A ., Moreno, R., Hall, V.L., Ribera, A.B., and Downes, G.B. (2012). Zebrafish technotrouser mutants demonstrate abnormal locomotive behavior development due to mutation of a glutamate transporter. Developmental Biology 362: 162-71

Johnson B.B. , Moe P.C., Wang Y.D., Rossi K., Trigatti B.L., and Heuck A.P. Modifications in Perfringolysin O domain 4 alter the threshold of cholesterol concentration required for binding Biochemistry 2012, 51 (16), pp 3373-3382

Giorda, K. M. , S. Raghava and D. N. Hebert (2012) The SV40 late viral protein VP4 disrupts the nuclear envelope for viral release. Journal of Virology,86(6):3180-92.

"Direct Tests of the Energetic Basis of Abortive Cycling in Transcription," Ankit V. Vahia & Craig T. Martin, Biochemistry 50, 7015-7022, 2011.

Romano F. B. ,; Rossi, K.; Sava, C.G.; Holzenburg, A.; Clerico, E.M.; Heuck A. P. Efficient isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion translocators and assembly of heteromeric transmembrane pores in model membranes Biochemistry 2011, 50 (33), pp 7117–7131

Tao L , Roberts AL, Dunphy KA , Bigelow C, Yan H, Jerry DJ. Repression of mammary stem/progenitor cells by p53 is mediated by notch and separable from apoptotic activity. Stem Cells . 2011;29:119-127.

Jerry DJ, Griner NB , Tao L . Tumor suppressor pathways and cellular origins of breast cancer: new complexities and new hopes. NanoLife . 2010;1:1-16.

Viana AB , Li M, Schnell DJ. 2010. Determinants for stop-transfer and post-import pathways for protein targeting to the chloroplast inner envelope membrane. J Biol Chem. 285:12948-60.

Clark, NE , Garman, SC. The 1.9 A structure of human alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase: The structural basis of Schindler and Kanzaki diseases. Journal of Molecular Biology. 2009, Oct 23;393(2):435-447.

"Dissociation of halted T7 RNA polymerase elongation complexes proceeds via a forward translocation mechanism," Yi Zhou , Deanna M. Navaroli, Metewo Selase Enuameh, & Craig T. Martin, Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci., U.S.A. 104, 10352-10357, 2007

"Observed instability of T7 RNA polymerase elongation complexes can be dominated by collision-induced "bumping", Yi Zhou and Craig T. Martin, J. Biol. Chem. 281, 24441-24448, 2006.

Li M , and Schnell DJ. Reconstitution of protein targeting to the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts. J Cell Biol. 2006 Oct 23;175(2):249-59. **Article Highlighted on the Cover

David Sharlin , Ruby Bansal, R. Thomas Zoeller. Polychlorinated Biphenyls Exert Selective Effects on Cellular Composition of White Matter in a Manner Inconsistent with Thyroid Hormone Insufficiency . Endocrinology, February 2006. Volume 147 (2): 846-858.

C. Marcelino, R. G. Smock , and L. M. Gierasch, Evolutionary Coupling of Structural and Functional Sequence Information in the Intracellular Lipid-Binding Protein Family, Proteins: Structure Function Bioinformatics, 63, 373-384 (2006).

Hsu YC , Willoughby JJ, Christensen AK, and Jensen AM. 2006. Mosaic eyes is a novel component of the crumbs complex and negatively regulates photoreceptor apical size. Development 133(24):4849-59.

You SH , Gauger KJ, Bansal R, Zoeller RT. 4-Hydroxy-PCB106 acts as a direct thyroid hormone receptor agonist in rat GH3 cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2006 Sep 26; 257-258:26-34.

Tulu, U.S. , Fagerstrom, C., Ferenz, N.P. and Wadsworth, P. 2006. Molecular requirements for kinetochore-associated microtubule formatin in mammalian cells. Current Biology . 16:536-541.

Brennan KM, Vella KR , Good DJ. 2006. Genetic analysis of NHLH2 and its putative role in bovine body weight control. Anim Genet. Aug;37 Suppl 1:24-27

Daniels, R. , Rusan, N.M. , Wilbuer, A.K., Norkin, L.C., Wadsworth, P., Hebert, D.N. (2006). "Simian virus 40 late proteins possess lytic properties that render them capable of permeabilizing cellular membranes." Journal of Virology, 80(13):6575-87. ** Data from this paper was chosen for the Journal of Virology Cover (2006). Volume 80, Issue 23.**

Daniels, R. , Rusan, N.M. , Wadsworth, P., Hebert, D.N. (2006). "SV40 minor structural proteins VP2 and VP3 perform major roles in cell binding and penetration." Molecular Cell, 24:955-66

Where do MCB students go for postdoctoral training or after degree completion?

Our graduates have gone on to postdoctoral research positions at academic research institutions or in the biotechnology industry in the U.S. and abroad. Some of our graduates have taken positions at the following institutions (see Our Graduates page for specific information):

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
University of North Carolina
Duke University
Dana-Faber Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
Burroughs-Wellcome
Johnson & Johnson

203 French Hall University of Massachusetts Amherst 230 Stockbridge Road Amherst, MA 01003-9316

Phone: (413) 545-4408 E-mail: [email protected]

UArizona Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Home

CBC Graduate Program

CBC Graduate Students After White Coat Ceremony

Advancing the Frontiers and Foundations of the Molecular Sciences!

34 faculty and ~ 150 graduate students, cbc graduate programs, offered in both chemistry and biochemistry, provide extended training in academic scholarship and the creation and dissemination of new scientific discoveries. our cutting-edge research programs span all disciplines of the chemical sciences as well as multi-disciplinary programs. graduate students may choose to be affiliated with these programs, some of which provide research assistantships on a highly competitive basis. the phd program prepares high-achieving students for senior research positions in industry or government laboratories, or a career in college-level or university-level teaching and research. , program organization.

CBC Students Aligning a Laser for a Vacuum System

PhD CHEMISTRY

Preparing students with the skills and mindset for exciting careers in the chemical sciences..

PhD BIOCHEMISTRY

Cutting-edge technology and training in a collaborative environment., research rotations.

A feature of both the biochemistry and chemistry Ph.D. programs is that students undertake laboratory rotations before choosing a dissertation advisor. These rotations allow the students to gain experience in laboratory research, as well as allowing them to familiarize themselves with the research of faculty in the Department. Toward the end of rotations, students are asked to identify a dissertation advisor, from among the faculty that they rotated with, who will guide their research.

Rotations are a course taken for a letter grade with poster sessions presented at the end of each rotation.

Course Offerings

Master's program.

A limited number of students are accepted to pursue Master’s degrees in Chemistry. Typically, no financial support is provided for the pursuit of these degrees. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator if you plan to apply for these programs.

Master of Science: The MS degree is a research degree requiring a written thesis. All students must pass a final oral examination.

Master of Arts: Students who plan to teach chemistry in secondary schools will find this program adapted to their needs. The M.A. degree is a non-thesis degree that is awarded for advanced study in chemistry beyond the bachelor's degree.

Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards

Most full-time students in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Ph.D. program are supported through research or teaching assistantships. These assistantships offer a stipend (currently $29,500 annually), student health insurance coverage, and both in-state and out-of-state tuition remission.

We value excellence in all areas of scholarly activity and offer a large number of fellowships and awards. Click here for a list.

In addition, a number of our students have received highly-competitive fellowships, including prestigious National Science Foundation predoctoral fellowships, which support them for the duration of their studies in the program. Moreover, students who are engaged in interdisciplinary research through one of the externally funded research programs may qualify for training grant support.

More Information

For more information on the CBC Graduate Program including application procedures and FAQs go to the APPLY TO THE PROGRAM! page.

To learn more about the research opportunities available for CBC graduate students check out Faculty Profiles on the Research page. Faculty who are taking graduate students into their groups have an * next to their last name and "Accepting Students" listed under their titles.

Learn about the different ways you can GET CONNECTED to CBC!

Learn more about how our graduate students are important participants in department OUTREACH activities!

For more information about the CBC department, coursework, graduate programs, policies, and more, you can refer to the GRADUATE HANDBOOK .

Learn More About Our Faculty Research!

Biochemistry.

WHY JOIN THE BCP?

The biological chemistry program provides exposure to the myriad of excellent career opportunities that exist for scientists trained at the chemistry/biology interface..

BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY PROGRAM

Landscape photograph of the University of Arizona and A Mountain

Vibrant Research Campus in the Beautiful Sonoran Desert

Located in the sonoran desert, tucson offers wide open vistas, nearby mountains and plenty of local events to participate in. a food destination, tucson has 23 miles of the best mexican food and is recognized as a unesco city of gastronomy . on average, there are 286 sunny days per year in tucson making it one of the most sunny cities in america. tucson is an affordable city with a reasonable cost of living ..

Wildcat's Guide to Tucson

Graduate Student News

Graduate Galileo Circle Scholars for 2024

Photo of Samantha Rokey wearing a vintage red "Arizona" t-shirt

2024 Dr. Wayne Cody Scholar in Medicinal Biological Chemistry: Samantha Rokey

2024 Herbert E. Carter Award Recipient: Megan Laham

Contact the graduate coordinator:, e-mail: [email protected].

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Was your PhD worth it?

Im strongly considering getting my PhD , and I most likely will attempt it. I'm just curious as to how other people who have achieved that major milestone in their life view it. It can range from profit to research or doing what you love. Anything.

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Office of Graduate Education

Applicant FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions – Eligibility, Funding, Knight-Hennessy Scholars, etc.

In addition to the most frequently asked Biosciences questions below, please also visit the Graduate Admissions FAQ web page for a more expansive list.

Are there any prerequisites or background coursework required for the 14 Biosciences PhD Programs?

A majority of the Biosciences PhD Programs do not have specific course requirements for admission. The faculty like to see that you have taken a rigorous course load, but they will be particularly interested in your research experience. While many of our graduate students have undergraduate preparation in a life sciences curriculum, it is feasible to enter from other programs, including chemistry, computer science, mathematics, psychology, or physics. The Biomedical Data Science , Biophysics , Molecular and Cellular Physiology , and Structural Biology programs have prerequisite or background course requirements. We strongly recommend that you reach out to the programs to which you plan to apply, to ask for specific course requirements/suggestions.

Can I apply to other graduate programs (e.g. Applied Physics, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.) in addition to the 14 Biosciences PhD Programs?

You may apply to only one graduate program per academic year. The only exception is within the 14 Biosciences PhD Programs, where you may apply for two Biosciences programs within a single application. The 14 Biosciences PhD Programs include:

Biochemistry
Biomedical Data Science
Cancer Biology
Chemical and Systems Biology
Developmental Biology
Microbiology and Immunology
Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Neurosciences
Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Structural Biology

Can I defer my enrollment?

Admitted students are expected to enroll in their Home Program in September of the year they are admitted. Deferral requests will be reviewed by your admitting program’s admissions committee and are approved on a case-by-case basis. The maximum length of an admissions deferral granted by Stanford is one year. Typically, deferral requests are only approved for military, medical, visa, or education-related purposes.

Can recommenders submit their letter via mail, email, fax, or a letter service?

All recommendations must be submitted using the online application system as recommenders are required to respond to specific evaluation questions on the recommendation form. Letters of recommendation cannot be mailed, emailed, faxed, or submitted through a letter service (with the exception of Interfolio). For letters submitted via Interfolio, please remember that letters written specifically for your Stanford graduate program tend to be stronger than letters written for general use purposes.

Do any of the 14 Biosciences PhD Programs offer an MS degree program?

The Biomedical Data Science program is the only Biosciences Program that currently offers an MS degree program. Information about the program and its application process can be found on its website .

If you are not interested in one of the 14 Biosciences PhD Programs, you can find a list of all the currently offered degrees at Stanford (along with their contact information) on the Graduate Admissions Explore Programs web page .

Do I need to hold an MS degree to be eligible to apply?

A Master’s degree is only required if you do not meet the following eligibility requirements. To be eligible for admission to graduate programs at Stanford, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See the Office of Graduate Admissions for the minimum level of study required of international applicants .

Do I need to include a department code number when requesting to have my GRE and/or TOEFL scores sent to Stanford?

Applicants should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send scores electronically to Stanford. Our university code is 4704 and no department code is required. You will either self-report your scores or indicate the date you will take the test(s) in the online application. Self-reported test scores will be used by the relevant admissions committee in their initial review process. Your unofficial test scores will be validated when your official scores are received by the University.

Do I need to secure a Lab/Thesis Supervisor prior to applying?

You will not need to secure a research supervisor prior to applying. Incoming students usually do 2-4 lab rotations during their first year. Information on the rotation process can be found on the following website . If you realize a few weeks into a rotation that the lab is not a good fit for you, then there is no reason for you to stay any longer.

Do I need to submit official transcripts/academic records?

Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. More details on this can be found on the following Graduate Admissions webpage . Please do not send or have sent any transcripts to us or to your program.

Do you offer fellowships to international applicants?

We have a limited number of fellowships (which include a yearly stipend, tuition, and health and dental insurance) available to the most highly competitive international applicants. The stipend for the 2023-24 Academic Year is $51,600 ($12,900 per quarter). Admittance to the Biosciences Programs for international applicants varies from year to year depending on funding and available space. We strongly encourage applicants to apply for scholarships/fellowships in their home country that can be used overseas. Some useful websites that include information on external fellowships are:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fogarty International Center at the NIH
International Center at the Institute of International Education (IIE)

Applying for scholarships/fellowships generally takes some time to arrange, so plan ahead. You will be able to list any scholarships/fellowships that you have applied for and been awarded in the “Additional Information” section of the online application under “External Funding for Graduate Study”. For more information about the costs and estimated expenses of attending Stanford, please visit the following webpage .

Does the Bioengineering PhD program participate in the Biosciences Interview Session?

The Bioengineering PhD program is not one of the 14 Biosciences PhD Programs and has a separate admissions process and Interview Session.

How do I change one of my recommenders?

On the Recommendations page of the application, click on the recommender’s name you wish to replace, then click Exclude at the bottom of the resulting popup window. You then will see the option to add a new recommender. The recommender you exclude will not receive an email notification.

How does the funding work for those admitted to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and the Biosciences?

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program funding covers the first three years and your admitting Home Program will cover the remaining years.

I previously applied to the Stanford Biosciences Programs and was not admitted. What application materials will I need to submit?

Applicants who wish to reapply follow the same application process as first-time applicants. Reapplicants have the option of using letters of recommendation from their prior submitted Biosciences application or having new ones submitted. Prior applications from the Autumn 2022, 2023, and 2024 admission cycles have been retained. It is highly recommended that one new letter of recommendation be submitted on your behalf. When completing the application, you will be required to enter the information for a minimum of three recommenders (including the information for the letter writers that you plan to reuse).

For the letters you plan to reuse, please notify your recommenders in advance that they will receive a recommendation request but should not take any action. Once you submit your application, please submit an email to the Biosciences Admissions Office indicating which letters you would like to reuse so we can add them to your application.

I’m an applicant whose first language is not English. Is it possible to have the TOEFL Test requirement waived?

Information about the TOEFL Test requirements, exemptions and waivers can be found on the Graduate Admissions website. Please note that if you submit a waiver request, it will be routed to Graduate Admissions after you submit your application . Allow up to 15 business days after submitting your application for a response.

I’ve applied to multiple Home Programs and was wondering what happens if more than one program is interested in interviewing me?

In that case, the admissions representatives confer and attempt to determine which Home Program best fits your interests and should serve as your host. They will use the information you provided in your Statement of Purpose and on the Biosciences Supplemental Form. In most cases the best match is clear, but in rare cases where this is not the case, an admissions committee member will contact you directly to discuss with you which Home Program would be the best to host your visit. You will also have an opportunity to meet with faculty affiliated with other Home Programs during your visit.

If my school does not use a 4.0 GPA grading scale, how should I report this on my application?

You are asked to enter both GPA and GPA scale for each institution you list on the application. Enter your GPA as it appears on your transcript. Do not convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale if it’s reported on a different scale.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

There is no minimum GPA requirement to be considered for admission. The application review process is holistic and all aspects of the application (prior coursework, letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, prior research experience, and test scores {if applicable}) are considered by the Admissions Committee when making an admissions decision.

What if my recommenders are not receiving their recommender link emails?

Occasionally, some email servers will send recommender link emails directly to Spam or will not allow the email to reach the primary inbox at all (particularly for email addresses located outside of the United States). Please reach out to Technical Support by submitting a request via the “Request Application Support” button on the “Instructions” page of your application.

What is included in the offer of admission?

The offer of admission for the 2023-24 Academic Year included a stipend of $51,600 ($12,900 per quarter), health and dental insurance, and graduate tuition. The stipend and benefits for the 2025-26 Academic Year will be set sometime in March 2025. For more information about the costs and estimated expenses of attending Stanford, please visit the following webpage .

What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program?

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. The program will award up to 100 high-achieving students with three years of funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford. To be considered, you must apply to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars by Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm (PST) and to one of the Stanford Biosciences PhD programs by Sunday , December 1, 2024, at 11:59:59 pm (PST) . Information about the program and the application process can be found on the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program website.

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PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.
PhD in Biochemistry
Biochemistry PhD graduate students learn the fundamental concepts in biochemistry and physical biochemistry and the critical analysis of published research through: Faculty mentored research. Graduate coursework. An environment that leverages knowledge from in and outside the university. You will work with primary and/or multi-disciplinary ...
Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, PhD
The Departments of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology jointly provide a program of study leading to the PhD degree. The objective of the Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) program is to ...
Doing a PhD in Biochemistry
The basics of a PhD in Biochemistry. Biochemistry involves the study of the chemical processes and structures that occur in living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Biochemical methods are often used in medical research to better understand the causes of diseases such as cancer, AIDS and heart disease, and in related areas such as ...
Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Statement of Purpose Guidelines The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse background in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice though courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in ...
PhD Program
32 Credits. Full-Time. Every student must publish at least one first author research paper prior to graduation. Our department offers a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. The program is designed for students interested in molecular mechanisms, proteomics, and biophysics. The department accepts up to five PhD students each year.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program ranks in the top 10 nationally and represents a traditional strength in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UCSD. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in the biochemical sciences as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of structural biology ...
PhD in Biochemistry Molecular Biology
Biochemistry PhD students must take at least two (of the available eight) two-credit Biochemistry core courses (BIOC-B811, GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G848, G852, G825, G826), which are offered among spring electives for the Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program (IBGP) or in the fall. These may be taken in year one or later years.
PhD in Biochemistry
The PhD degree in Biochemistry is designed to train students to be effective research scientists. In addition to developing deep knowledge of a subject area and a broader understanding of the relevant field, students will develop skills in: Many of these skills will be acquired within the student's research group.
Biochemistry
240 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA 02115. [email protected]. p: 617-432-5176. T. Keith Blackwell. Professor of Genetics. My lab studies how organisms defend against environmental and metabolic stresses, and how these stress defenses influence aging.
PhD in Biochemistry
The PhD in Biochemistry program is located within the WPI Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park, a thriving interdisciplinary research hub. Here, you will be supported by outstanding specialized resources—technology, processes, and technical staff—to advance your research, including state-of-the-art equipment for ...
Johns Hopkins Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD Program
Rich History Research training of PhD students and post-doctoral fellows in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has been supported by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute since 1975. The program's flexible curriculum allows opportunity to take courses throughout the Bloomberg School of Public Health, which has been rated the ...
Pursue a PhD in Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry is part of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. Prospective Biochemistry PhD students should apply directly to the MCB PhD Program. During your first semester, you will rotate through three laboratories to learn experimental techniques and the information you need to choose a research project.
PhD in Biochemistry
Students enter the Biochemistry PhD program by applying to the Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP) . Ideal candidates will possess strong grades and have completed undergraduate courses in biology, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. To apply students should submit. when applicable, official TOEFL scores.
Biochemistry Program
PhD in Biochemistry. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts PhD students each Fall. We do not offer Spring admissions. Students must advance to candidacy within 5 years of admission to the doctoral program. After advancing to candidacy, students have 4 years to complete and defend their dissertation. Admitted PhD students are ...
Biochemistry PhD
The PhD program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be successful, independent scientists who can contribute to current challenging societal issues. Students earning a doctoral degree in biochemistry are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline.
Biochemistry, PhD < University of Wisconsin-Madison
Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules, their roles in the cell, and the chemistry of their reactions in living systems. The Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB) is the merged graduate program between the Department of Biochemistry (in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (in the School of Medicine and Public Health).
What You Can Do With a Biochemistry Degree
Biochemistry Jobs. Biochemistry degrees often lead to lucrative occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2019, the median salary among biochemists and biophysicists was ...
PhD in Biochemistry
PhD in Biochemistry. PhD in Biochemistry. Request information. Prospective PhD students. Current PhD students. School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. 387 Morrill Hall, MC-119 505 South Goodwin Avenue. Urbana, IL 61801 Email: [email protected]. Instagram; Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; LinkedIn; College of Liberal Arts & Sciences ...
Job outlook for PhD in biochemistry : r/Biochemistry
Wage growth for biologists or biochemists has been fairly stagnant. In the Bay Area, the company I work for hires entry level B.S. Biotech/Biochem majors in at around $65k , and entry level data scientists and software engineers in at ~$90k. Same education level with 0 years of experience. Reply.
Postgraduate Studies
Studying for a PhD involves a 3-4 year programme (in the UK), where you undergo a large piece of original research that is written up as a thesis and then defended at a PhD Viva. In the UK, PhD programmes now also include elements of training to develop your transferable skills. They are usually completed within a university, however there ...
About Our PhD program : Molecular & Cellular Biology
Tom Maresca, Associate Professor of Biology, is the program's Director; Scott Garman, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is the program's Associate Director. Financial Support. All accepted PhD candidates are fully supported for the first five years of their study as long as they remain in good standing in the program.
CBC Graduate Program
Most full-time students in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Ph.D. program are supported through research or teaching assistantships. These assistantships offer a stipend (currently $29,500 annually), student health insurance coverage, and both in-state and out-of-state tuition remission.. We value excellence in all areas of scholarly activity and offer a large number of fellowships and awards.
Was your PhD worth it? : r/Biochemistry
BoBeard27. • 9 yr. ago. I have my PhD in biochemistry and instead of relaying my personal experience a great book to read before considering graduate school of any kind is "Getting What You Came For" by Robert L. Peters. The only thing I would say is that when interviewing for graduate school positions be sure to ask how the program prepares ...
What the heck do you do with a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences?
In fact, from a simple employment perspective those with Ph.D.s in science, engineering, and health are doing much better than the general population. In February 2013, the unemployment rate for the general U.S. population was at 6.3% while that of U.S. science, engineering, and health Ph.D.s was way down at 2.1% (7).
Applicant FAQ
A Master's degree is only required if you do not meet the following eligibility requirements. To be eligible for admission to graduate programs at Stanford, applicants must meet one of the following conditions: Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.

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