The Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology (BMP) offers graduate study and research in the areas of
Graduate students receive a rigorous foundation in modern biomedical science through an integrated program of laboratory research, advanced coursework and attendance, and participation in department seminar programs. Graduate students also organize and participate in a weekly informal seminar series in which they present recent research results.
Requirements for Specialization
Laboratory research is of central importance in the PhD program and starts with three semesters (one full year) of laboratory rotations. Typically, students contact the faculty member in whose laboratory they would like to work to discuss the availability of and plan a rotation project. Rotations consist of full or half-semester projects and students are strongly encouraged to begin a rotation project during the summer prior to the start of the school year.
In addition to the required first year Graduate Core Class (two semesters in length), department students will take three Advanced Topics courses, one of which must be either Molecular Biophysics or Chemical Biology.
Elective Advanced courses can be chosen from among those offered by the department, or relevant courses offered by other GSBS departments or programs. The program of coursework is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate each student's needs and areas of interest.
Qualifying Exam
Following completion of the Graduate Core Class, at least two semesters of laboratory rotations and two of the required Advanced courses, students are eligible to take their qualifying exam.
The exam consists of an oral presentation and defense of an original research proposal based on the student's own potential thesis work or any topic of the student's choosing. A student's plan for rotation projects, coursework and qualifying exam are done in consultation with the Departmental Graduate Director.
Specific research areas addressed within departmental laboratories include
- protein folding.
- regulation of gene expression.
- RNA processing and trafficking.
- protein synthesis and transport.
- membrane transport and channel function.
- drug action at cellular membranes and signal transduction.
- structural basis of protein and enzyme function.
- protein modeling.
- cell cycle control.
- DNA replication and repair.
- neural development, differentiation and neurodegenerative disease.
|