Programs of Study in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences and Boston University School of Medicine, students in the Department of Biochemistry can earn MA in Biochemistry, PhD in Biochemistry, and combined MD/PhD in Biochemistry Degrees. Primarily students in the MA and PhD in Biochemistry programs apply directly to our department. In addition, many of our students enter the Department through the Cell and Molecular Biology Program.
Admissions
General Program Information
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. During the first year, in addition to taking the required courses, the Ph.D. candidate also participates in four laboratory rotations to facilitate the choice of a research advisor. The M.A. student is required to complete two laboratory rotations in the first semester of the first year. Specific course requirements may be waived for students who present evidence of equivalent preparation, although the limitations on transfer of credit set by the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences still pertain.
M.A. IN BIOCHEMISTRY Course Requirements—32 credits, including:
- GMS BI 755/756 Biochemistry
- GMS CM 753 Cell Biology
- GMS BI 782 Molecular Biology
- GMS BI 854 Biochemistry Seminar
- A maximum of 14 credits in research.
(see courses in the Biochemistry Department for more details)
Thesis or Comprehensive Examination
Normally, all candidates submit a written thesis based upon their laboratory research. Under special circumstances, a comprehensive examination may be substituted for the research thesis at the discretion of the Committee on Graduate Student Affairs.
Ph.D. IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Course Requirements for Ph.D.—64 credits, including:
- GMS BI 755/756 Biochemistry
- GMS CM 753 Cell Biology
- GMS BI 782 Molecular Biology
- GMS BI 854 Biochemistry Seminar
- GMS BI 759 Integrative Biochemistry
- GMS MS 700 or GMS MS 570 Biostatistics
- Advanced elective
- A maximum of 38 credits in research
(see courses in the biochemistry department for more details)
Post-master’s Ph.D. students need to complete 32 credits including a minimum of 18 credits of formal coursework. The required courses are identical to those required for the Ph.D. candidates with the exception that GMS BI 755/756 can be waived, depending upon prior coursework.
M.D./Ph.D. students must fulfill the requirements for both the M.D. and the Ph.D. degrees. Please consult with the medical school for information on the curriculum for the M.D. degree (medical school curriculum). For the Ph.D. component, students need to complete 32 credits including a minimum of 18 credits of formal coursework. The required courses are identical to those required for the Ph.D. candidates with the exception that GMS BI751, which is a required course for the M.D. degree substitutes for GMS BI 755/756.
Qualifying Examination
Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must pass both a written qualifying examination taken at the end of the first year of graduate study and an oral qualifying examination taken at the end of the second year. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of B (3.0) or better to take these exams. In addition, a passing grade on the written qualifying examination is required for a student to be eligible to take the oral examination and continue working toward the Ph.D. degree.
Dissertation Advisory Committee
Candidates are expected to discuss their research progress with a five-member Dissertation Advisory Committee annually, beginning in their first post-qualifying examination year.
Student Handbooks
Below are links to Biochemistry Handbooks and Graduate Medical Sciences Academic Policies and Procedures
For additional information please contact:
Barbara M. Schreiber, PhD Director of Graduate Studies, Dept of Biochemistry Boston University School of Medicine 72 E. Concord Street, K207 Boston, MA 02118
