Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry
General Program Information for PhD Candidates (including post-BA and post-MA PhD)
The PhD program combines didactic coursework and bench research, the latter culminating in submission and defense of a thesis. Each new student consults with an assigned advisor during the orientation period prior to the start of the fall semester to plan the first year’s program that includes completion of four laboratory rotations prior to finalizing the decision as to the laboratory in which the thesis work will be performed.
Financial support
Financial assistance in the form of tuition and health benefits as well as a living stipend, is available to students in good standing in the Ph.D. program.
Course Requirements
- GMS FC 701, FC 702, FC 703, FC 704, FC 706
Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Modules I, II, III, IV and V - GMS BI 854 Biochemistry Seminar
- GMS BI 777 Techniques in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
- GMS MS 700 or GMS MS 570 Biostatistics
- Advanced electives
- Research credits
(see Course Descriptions for more details)
Note: Course requirements for post-MA PhD candidates are identical to those required for the PhD candidates except for the number of research credits
Qualifying Examination
Candidates for the PhD degree must pass both a written qualifying examination and an oral qualifying examination.
Thesis Advisory Committee & Thesis Defense
Upon completion of qualifying exams, PhD candidates present a research proposal to a five-member Thesis Advisory Committee. The committee is assembled at least once annually to discuss the progress of the accepted proposal. Once the Thesis Advisory Committee determines that the research work is complete, the student writes and defends the thesis.
For additional information please contact:
Barbara M. Schreiber, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies, Dept of Biochemistry
Boston University School of Medicine
72 E. Concord Street, K207
Boston, MA 02118
Email: schreibe@bu.edu
