Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics

Course guide

Visit ClassInfo for information on available CBS courses, or the University Catalog for additional degree requirements.

Degree requirements

Teaching
BMBB students are required to participate in two semester-length biochemistry teaching experiences (~10 hours/week). Teaching assistantships range from undergraduate or graduate instruction in laboratories to leading recitation sections associated with lecture courses.

Examinations
Each student works with his or her advisor to select a committee of at least five faculty members, with approval by the Director of Graduate Studies. This committee provides guidance and scientific expertise as they monitor the student’s progress and administer exams.

Students must pass three examinations to obtain a Ph.D. degree:

• Written Preliminary Examination: Beginning of Spring Semester, Year II
  Students must conceive and write an original proposal in any field of research regarding an important and unanswered question. This proposal is graded by three members of the student review committee.
• Oral Preliminary Examination: End of Spring (or Beginning of Summer), Year II
  Students must defend their written preliminary proposal before all members of their committee. Students must be prepared to field general questions designed to evaluate his or her breadth of knowledge.
• Final Ph.D. Oral Examination: Typically End of Year V
  All members of the student’s committee serve as primary readers of the completed thesis and certify that it is ready for defense. The student must present a public research seminar and pass a private oral examination by all members of the student’s committee.

Publication of thesis research
Ph.D. theses must encompass substantial and novel research of high significance. Prior to his or her Thesis Defense, each student is required to be the first author on publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals within their research field.

Student handbook

Student seminars

BMBB student seminars are held Tuesdays at 12:20 p.m. in 2-137 Jackson Hall.

Career development resources

Biomedical Sciences Student Resources