MD/PhD in Biochemistry
General Program Information
MD/PhD candidates must fulfill the requirements for both the MD and the PhD degrees. Please consult with the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) Admissions office for information on how to apply to the MD/PhD program, as well as the curriculum for the MD component.
For the PhD component of the dual degree program, our PhD program is part of a program called the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS). This interdisciplinary “umbrella” program incorporates didactic coursework and biomedical research to prepare our graduates for career advancement. Our Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FiBS) and Professional Development & Mentoring curricula are integrated into this program. In addition to the didactic coursework, students rotate in a number of research laboratories, enabling the selection of a dissertation research laboratory. Students will join the program/department with which the mentor is affiliated and continue advanced studies toward candidacy.
The didactic coursework includes our FiBS core classes, which incorporate principles of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. Accommodations are made for courses in the medical school curriculum that overlap with the content of courses in the PhD curriculum. Additional course material includes laboratory techniques, statistics, and advanced electives.
In addition to the biomedical science coursework mentioned above, our Professional Development & Mentoring offers our graduate students opportunities to consider careers in a variety of sectors, including research and non-research careers in academia, industry, government, communications, law/compliance, or wherever they may choose to work after Boston University. Thanks to our NIH-funded award, called BU’s BEST (Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training), students enjoy a rich curriculum of credit-bearing courses as well as workshops and internships.
Our research relies on cutting-edge technologies and experimental systems to address the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly those that relate broadly to human disease. Our research encompasses the areas of cell biology, development, genomics/genetics, neuroscience, metabolism, and proteomics & glycomics.
Financial Support
Please see the description of the Dean’s Scholarship for MD/PhD students; this includes full medical school and graduate school tuition as well as a living stipend dictated by the departmental program during the PhD component of study.
Qualifying Examinations
Candidates for the MD/PhD degrees must pass both a written qualifying examination and an oral qualifying examination.
Dissertation Advisory Committee and Dissertation Defense
MD/PhD candidates present a research proposal to a five-member Dissertation Advisory Committee. The committee is assembled at least once every nine months to discuss the progress of the accepted proposal. Once the committee determines that the research work is complete, the student writes and defends the dissertation.
Please go to our Department of Biochemistry website or contact Dr. Barbara Schreiber, Director of Graduate Studies, for additional information.
