Biochemistry, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Barbour, Suzanne
Graduate Program Director
sbarbour@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2308
Kordula, Dr. Tomasz
Graduate Recruitment Contact
tkordula@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0771
Admission requirements summary
Biochemistry, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
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| Degree: Ph.D. |
Semester(s) of entry: Fall preferred |
Deadline dates: Applications received prior to Dec 17 given priority consideration |
Test requirements: GRE, MCAT or DAT |
| Special requirements: MCAT or DAT acceptable in lieu of GRE for combined professional/academic degree programs | |||
The Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry prepares students for research-oriented careers as independent scientists in academia, government and biotechnology. The core of this degree program is an original independent research project under the supervision of a faculty adviser. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has research efforts of international stature in several areas, including cellular and molecular signaling, tumor biology, structural biology, eukaryotic molecular biology, lipid and membrane biochemistry, and molecular genetics, using state-of-the-art approaches in enzymology, genomics, proteomics and lipidomics. While emphasizing independent research in biochemistry and molecular biology and training in the responsible conduct of research, the program also provides a background of courses designed to match the needs and interests of each student. An example of a schedule of courses is shown below. Ph.D. students are expected to enroll as full-time graduate students. During the first year, students pursue research rotations, take formal course work and become familiar with current research topics through seminars, discussion groups and lectures by distinguished scientists. By the end of the first year, students choose a faculty adviser and begin dissertation research. Following completion of the research project and defense of the doctoral dissertation, graduates are equipped to participate in virtually any area of current biomedical research in the most prestigious laboratories. For more detailed information on the program, please visit www.vcu.edu/biochem/students/phd.shtml.
Curriculum
A typical course plan for the full-time student is described below.
|
Credits |
| First fall semester | |
| BIOC/MICR 503 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| BIOC 505 Experimental Biochemistry (laboratory rotation) | 2 |
| BIOC 690 Biochemistry Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 691 Special Topics in Biochemistry: Critical Scientific Thinking | 1 |
| MICR 512 Laboratory Safety | 1 |
| First spring semester | |
| ANAT 691 Special Topics in Anatomy: Scientific Writing | 2 |
| BIOC/MICR 504 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| BIOC 506 Experimental Biochemistry (laboratory rotation) | 2 |
| BIOC 602 Physical Properties of Macromolecules | 1-4 |
| Students will select modules from 602 and 604 to get four credits (at least one from each) | |
| BIOC 690 Biochemistry Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 691 Special Topics in Biochemistry: Critical Scientific Thinking | 1 |
| Second fall semester | |
| BIOC 604 Enzymology | 1-3 |
| Students will select modules from 602 and 604 to get four credits (at least one from each) | |
| BIOC 605 Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOC 690 Biochemistry Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 691 Special Topics in Biochemistry: Student Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 697 Directed Research in Biochemistry | variable |
| MICR 510 Scientific Integrity | 1 |
| MICR 607 Techniques in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 2 |
| Second spring semester | |
| BIOC 690 Biochemistry Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 691 Special Topics in Biochemistry: Student Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 697 Directed Research in Biochemistry | variable |
In addition to the core set of courses, Ph.D. students will take at least two of the optional courses listed below, at any time before graduation. Ph.D. students register for BIOC 690 and BIOC 691.901 for the duration of their tenure in the program. Students are encouraged to take additional courses that relate to their personal projects. Electives may include courses in techniques in molecular biology and genetics, bioinformatics, statistics, immunology, microbiology, molecular genetics, mammalian physiology, and advanced organic and physical chemistry, among others.
| Optional courses | |
| ANAT 615 Techniques in Neuroscience and Cell Biology | 2 |
| BIOC 601 Membranes and Lipids | 3 |
| BIOC 606 Biochemical Control Processes | 3 |
| HGEN 501/BIOL 530 Human Genetics | 3 |
| MICR 505 Immunobiology | 3 |
| MICR 605 Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| MICR 653/BNFO 653 Advanced Molecular Genetics: Bioinformatics | 3 |
| PHTX 691 Special Topics in Pharmacology: Research Design Analysis (A. Lichtman – statistics) | 2 |