The Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology offers PhD and combined MD-PhD degrees. Our graduate program is housed within Graduate Medical Sciences at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Our program is part of the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) “umbrella program” which provides rigorous training by integrating interdisciplinary biomedical coursework with comprehensive research training in our state-of-the-art laboratories and career development. In addition to its core curriculum, PiBS offers students the opportunity to explore a variety of research areas by participating in laboratory rotations to help determine the research area that will be the focus of the PhD dissertation. In addition, we have a robust professional development program enabling students to explore a variety of biomedical career options.
Contact for additional information:
Prospective Students
PhD in Biochemistry & Cell Biology: Combined MD-PhD Degrees
Our PhD program is part of the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) an interdisciplinary, “umbrella” program. This program incorporates didactic coursework and biomedical research and professional career development. MD-PhD candidates must fulfill the requirements for both the MD and the PhD degrees. For complete information on the PIBS and MD-PhD programs please use these links:
Graduate training combines integrated coursework with extensive research training in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Coursework includes the Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS) curriculum and a variety of discipline-specific elective classes.
In addition to the biomedical science coursework, our professional development curriculum offers our graduate students opportunities to consider careers in many areas including academia, biotechnology, law, communications, and government. Students enjoy a rich curriculum that includes credit-bearing courses as well as workshops, shadowing experiences and internships, all part of our BU’s BEST (Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training) program.
Financial Support
PhD graduate students receive a competitive stipend, tuition, and health benefits. MD-PhD students are supported through the Dean’s Scholarship program.
How to apply
Prospective students interested in our PhD program should apply directly to PiBS through the GMS admissions portal. Please note that faculty in Biochemistry & Cell Biology do not directly accept students.
Prospective students interested in our MD-PhD program can learn more about the admissions process and requirements through the BUSM admissions portal:
Current Students
Coursework requirements are outlined below. Please note that many of our faculty are members of other programs including Genetics and Genomics, Nutrition & Metabolism, Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, and Molecular & Translational Medicine and the requirements vary among these programs.
Course Work
- GMS FC711, FC712, FC713, FC714, FC706 (Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Modules I, II, III, IV)
- FC764 Professional Skills
- FC708 Professional Development Skills
- FC762 Critical Thinking in Biomedical Research (offered in Spring)
- BI777 Techniques in Biomedical Research (offered in Fall)
- Biostatistics
- 2 advanced elective courses
Qualifying Examinations
Candidates for the PhD degree must pass both written and oral qualifying exams.
Dissertation Advisory Committee and Defense
PhD candidates present a research proposal to a five-member Dissertation Advisory Committee. The committee is assembled at least once every 9 months to discuss the progress of the accepted proposal. Once the committee determines that the research work is complete, the student writes and defends the dissertation.
