PhD in Biochemistry

General Program Information

The PhD program combines didactic coursework and bench research, the latter culminating in submission and defense of a thesis. Each new student consults with an assigned advisor during the orientation period prior to the start of the fall semester to plan the first year’s program that includes completion of four laboratory rotations prior to finalizing the decision as to the laboratory in which the thesis work will be performed.

Course Requirements

• GMS BI 755/756 Biochemistry
• GMS CM 753 Cell Biology
• GMS BI 782 Molecular Biology
• GMS BI 854 Biochemistry Seminar
• GMS BI 759 Integrative Biochemistry
• GMS MS 700 or GMS MS 570 Biostatistics
• Advanced elective

(See Course Descriptions for more details.)

Note: Course requirements for post-MA PhD candidates are identical to those required for the PhD candidates with the exception that GMS BI 755/756 can be waived, depending upon prior coursework.

Qualifying Examinations

Candidates for the PhD degree must pass both a written qualifying examination and an oral qualifying examination.

Thesis Advisory Committee & Thesis Defense

Upon completion of qualifying exams, PhD candidates present a research proposal to a five-member Thesis Advisory Committee. The committee is assembled at least once annually to discuss the progress of the accepted proposal. Once the Thesis Advisory Committee determines that the research work is complete, the student writes and defends the thesis.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Barbara M. Schreiber, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Biochemistry
Boston University School of Medicine
72 E. Concord Street, K207
Boston, MA 02118
Email: schreibe@bu.edu