Departmental Degree Requirements

A curriculum for formal study by each student is developed by conference with a committee of three faculty members. You must satisfy requirements in the areas of biochemistry, advanced chemistry, cell biology, gene expression, and mathematics, in addition to electives in areas of special interest. You will submit and orally defend a written research proposal at the end of the second year of residence. Formal course study other than seminars will usually be completed within the first two years. Formal demonstration of knowledge of a foreign language is not required for graduate degrees in biochemistry.

The thesis advisor is chosen after completion of rotations in two or more laboratories, normally at the end of the first year. A new research committee, including the advisor, is formed at this time. Research for the dissertation is regarded as the major training of the candidate. The final examination for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is devoted entirely to a defense of the dissertation by the candidate. Generally the Ph.D. program is completed in either four or five years.

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