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 BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine 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. In addition to the didactic coursework, students rotate in a number of research laboratories, enabling the selection of a dissertation research laboratory. Students join the program/department with which the mentor is affiliated and continue advanced studies toward candidacy.

The didactic coursework includes our Foundations in Biomedical Sciences 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 coursework includes laboratory techniques, statistics, and advanced electives.

In addition to the biomedical science coursework mentioned above, we offer professional development workshops, panel discussions, site visits, and internships to enable students to consider and prepare for a variety of career paths. Please see BU’s BEST and PhD Professional Development Opportunities for more information.

MD/PhD candidates participate in our research that 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.

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 & Cell Biology website or contact Dr. Barbara Schreiber, Director of Graduate Studies, for additional information.