Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology within BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is part of a large medical school/hospital complex that includes state-of-the-art laboratories and core facilities. The department offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and combined Doctor of Medicine with a PhD (MD/PhD) degrees. Our PhD program is part of a program called the Program in Biomedical Sciences (or PiBS for short). This interdisciplinary “umbrella” program incorporates didactic coursework and biomedical research to prepare our graduates for career advancement. Our Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS) and Professional Development & Mentoring curricula have been integrated into this program.
Graduate training combines integrated coursework in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics/genomics with extensive research training. We use 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, neuroscience, metabolism, and proteomics/glycomics.
In addition to the biomedical science coursework mentioned above, our Professional Development & Mentoring curriculum offers our graduate students opportunities to consider careers in a variety of sectors, including research and nonresearch 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 that includes unit-bearing courses as well as workshops and internships.
Students applying for acceptance into the PhD program should apply directly to PiBS. More information about the program and the application process can be found on our PiBS website.
Students also enter the department through the MD/PhD program. MD/PhD candidates must fulfill the requirements for both the MD and the PhD degrees. Please consult with the Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Admissions office for information on how to apply to the MD/PhD program, as well as the curriculum for the MD component (medical school curriculum). For the PhD component of the dual degree program, the curriculum mirrors that of the PhD students, with accommodations made for courses in the medical school curriculum that overlap with the content of courses in the PhD curriculum.
Please go to our Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology website or contact Dr. Barbara Schreiber, Director of Graduate Studies, for additional information.
